When to turn in cover crop ???

[Steve Ruddy]

I planted my first garden using our Cub last year. It turned out great. So after the season I plowed all the vegetables under, then ran the disc over it and planted a cover crop. The cover crop is a mix of Dundale Peas, Common Vetch, Bell Beans, Barley, and Oats. My question is when to I plow this under? I have seen a few wineries mowing their cover crop. I plan on starting to plant in mid to late March.

[Bill Hudson]

Steve,

One of the benefits of a cover crop is the protection from excess soil erosion. Therefore, begin plowing within a week of when you want to plant. As your cover crop decompose it will provide nutrients to the crops you plant.

I don't know your soil type, but I can say this with certainty, don't plow or otherwise work your ground when it is to wet. Trust me you will regret it.

Bill

[Steve Ruddy]

OK Thanks, I'll wait.

[evielboweviel]

if this ground is level ground then I would plow it about the first of March as long as it was dry enough. if you dig in the garden and grab a handful of dirt and squeeze it it should retain its shape barely with a little crumbling and be easy to break up. if retains it shape and does not crumble let it dry some more. the cover crop helps pull the moisture out of the ground fast. Once plowed then drag it and work it with the disk 4-5 inches deep.then disk again once each week a little shallower each time finishing up about two inches deep at planting time. This kills the weeds off that got brought up to the top.
MAKE SURE the ground is always dry enough before working it mudballs are a big no no
Ron

[Steve Ruddy]

Thanks for the tips Ron