A Discussion About Cover Crops!

 

...As you view your gardening beds, do you have dreams?  ...Dreams of northern Missouri soil here!  ...in your backyard?

With time, cover crops will help our mid-central Missouri soil capture qualities of the soil to our north.

What are cover crops?

They are grains, grasses or legumes that will grow during fall, winter and sometimes spring. Through various methods they are utilized to aid in enriching the soil.  

What are specific benefits of cover crops?

Cover crops reduce fertilizer needs, improve yields by enhancing soil health, prevent soil erosion, conserve soil moisture, protect water quality, and also, reduce the need for herbicides and other pesticides.  During their growth, they help reduce soil compaction and prevent erosion. Their roots penetrate and help loosen heavy-textured soils, allowing better air and water penetration.  Certain cover crops add nitrogen to the soil.  Others add organic matter to the soil which builds better soil structure and fertility.  In summary, cover crops may be an economical way to assist in creating an environment needed to make a healthy, fertile soil.

Which cover crop should I choose?

Cover crop selection should be based on several factors, which may include seeding time-frame, winter-kill potential, life cycle of the cover crop (annual versus perennial), weed-free potential the following year, as well as, ease of establishment of the cover crop.  Annual plants such as radishes, winter peas, wheat and cereal rye work well for our area.  Radishes and winter peas will usually winter kill but can be difficult to establish in gardens because they should be seeded about 60 days prior to killing frosts when most gardens are still producing.  Winter peas can be a good source to create nitrogen in the soil and work well in a mix with wheat or cereal rye; however, for best results, winter peas should be seeded at a deeper soil depth than wheat or cereal rye and can add more time and labor during establishment.  Wheat or cereal rye may be a better option because planting seeds can be done after frost.

Should I know my soil's needs?

Yes.  Depending on your soil type and pH, you may need to correct deficiencies in plant nutrients or pH extremes.  A soil test could indicate these needs and making corrections will enhance the benefits of the cover crop.  Some cover crops such as tillage radishes loosen the soil better and can help compaction issues.  Cover crops also help "catch" fertilizer from the growing year.  This fertilizer is then released when the cover crop is tilled in and can then be available for the next year's vegetable crop.

When do I plant a cover crop?

Cover crops may be planted from about mid-August through mid-November, depending on the cover crop selected.  Generally, the crop should be planted early enough to allow several weeks' growth before cold weather slows or stops the growth. 

What methods are recommended for planting a cover crop?

After carefully preparing the soil, planting methods depend on the cover crop selected.  For example, radishes may be surface applied and covered with a light raking, but peas work better sown at a 3" depth.  Cover crops such as cereal rye and wheat may be planted in shallow, closely spaced furrows.  If fall vegetable crops are still growing in your garden, planting the crops between the rows is an option.  If the soil is dry,  it is necessary to irrigate often enough to keep the soil damp and germinate the seeds.  

Do I have to care for my cover crop over the winter?

Generally not.  Once a cover crop is successfully established the crop will provide for itself and  provide benefits and some protections to your soil even during a relatively dormant period such as the winter months. 

How should I manage my cover crop in the spring?

As soon as the ground will allow tilling or plowing, the cover crop should be turned under.  To allow time for the organic matter to decompose, turn the cover crop under at least 3 weeks before you intend to plant.  If the cover crop is too tall to turn under easily, mow it first.  Do not allow cover crops to go to seed. 

Hickory County Master Gardeners recommend contacting your local University Extension Service for more complete information regarding cover crops and planting in your location.  The information given here is intended as an introductory primer to cover crops and the related benefits.

Sources:  Brie Menjoulet, MU Extension Specialist, Hickory County; Managing Cover Crops Profitably, second edition. published by Sustainable Agriculture Network of the US Department of Agriculture; and "Cover Crops for Home Gardens" (FS304) published by Oregon State University Extension Service.

Posted 9/24/2013

Settlers Village Service Project

Settlers Village at Harvest Festival Time

Hickory County Master Gardeners Parade Float

The first weekend after Labor Day is the time for the annual Harvest Festival in Wheatland, Missouri. It takes place on the town square where a collection of authentic log buildings were reassembled from Hickory County and surroundings areas.  Settlers Village began to take shape between 1992 and 1995 with a collection of 13 buildings.  A group of volunteers and the Hickory County Economic Development Council, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, made this vision come to life as a reconstructed 1800's village.  It now stands as a proud representative of our local and national heritage. We can see the spirit of our rural ancestors in the workmanship and appreciate the challenge of using simple tools to create these buildings.

Today, Settlers Village stands as a place where we can reflect on the indomitable spirit of those who came here before us in a simpler time.  Hopefully, we can be inspired to have the same spirit to face challenges in a modern world.

The spirit of working together continues as the Hickory County Master Gardeners include the landscaping of the Settlers Village as one of their Service Projects.  By creating a supportive environment of beauty and simple natural elements of plant life, the Hickory County Master Gardener volunteers are responsible for keeping the Settlers Village alive during growing season.

Most of the plants are chosen for a late summer and fall bloom time so as to greet the largest number of public viewers during the Harvest Festival.

The Herb Garden!

The Herb Garden.

Blanket Flowers.

Hibiscus are in bloom along with Butterfly Bush. 

The dinner-plate size Hibiscus are in their prime time!

Knock-Out Roses bring striking color most of the growing season.

Sedum is beginning to change color attracting butterflies.

Construction of new cedar split rail rose fences (before).

Construction of new cedar split rail rose fences (after). 

The visitor to Settlers Village has the opportunity to experience a bygone era in rural living and hopefully come away with an appreciation of how far we have come.  The hope and renewal of lovely gardens and landscape show that we can be uplifted with the seasonal changes - something we will always share with those who came before us.  At Settlers Village, Hickory County Master Gardeners hope to keep alive the balance of old with new.

Posted 9/16/2013

Fall Treatments for Broadleaf Weeds

When to get the weeds out depends on the weeds!  …Broadleaf weeds are classed as annuals and perennials with annuals further divided as winter and summer annuals.   …Fall is an excellent time to rid the lawn or garden of winter annuals because they germinate in fall or late winter and reach maturity in late spring.  …Some perennial broadleaf weeds are also better controlled in the fall when the weeds are trans-locating food reserves from tops to roots in preparation for winter.                                                                                                        

In our area henbit, common chickweed and Shepherd’s-purse thrive like the weeds they are!  All are winter annual weeds.

chickweed

henbit

Some of our common perennial broadleaf weeds are plantains, dandelions, white clover, poison ivy, docks and even violets.


narrow leaf plantain

common plantain

What is the “Brew” to use on these uglies!  Pre-emergent herbicides (chemicals applied before germination of weed seeds) are effective in controlling winter annuals when applied in the fall.  Post-emergent herbicides may be applied to still-green perennial broadleaf weeds effectively during the early fall as well as winter annual seedlings. 

When purchasing an herbicide, consider the plantings surrounding the weeds. The use of an herbicide to control weeds may also limit, damage or be a hazard to surrounding landscape plants or future plantings. Trifluralin is a pre-emergent herbicide found in several manufacturers’ products.  It is able to be used around ornamentals, vegetables and fruit and controls many winter annuals including common nuisances in our area.  Isoxaben, also a pre-emergent herbicide, is a weak grass killer, but controls chickweed, henbit, dandelions, and plantains. 

Common post-emergent herbicides include 2, 4-D, glyphosate and dicamba. Trade names of manufacturers using these herbicides are Round-Up, Preen and Ortho Weed-B-Gone Max.  Products containing glyphosate (Round-Up) are non-selective and will kill broadleaf plants as well as grasses. Products containing solely, or a combination of 2,4-D and dicamba target broadleaf weeds only and are usually not harmful to grasses.

CAUTION:  Always read the manufacturer’s directions for use carefully.  Apply and use only as directed.  Dispose of product or containers in contact with product as the manufacturer’s label states.                                                                                                            

Sources: Home Lawn Weed Control. (MU Guide Sheet G6750) and Manufacturers of Round-Up, Preen and Miracle-Gro.

Hickory County Master Gardeners are not endorsing or recommending the use of any particular trade named product. Trade names are used for example purposes only.

Posted:  9/13/2013

To-Do List for September

 

 

  Divide and thin iris beds.

Fertilize roses for last time.

Begin feeding the birds at the end of the month.

Prepare beds where bulbs will be planted.

Lawn renovation and seeding.

Watch for early frost and move plants indoors.

Average Temperature- 69 degrees F.

Average High Temperature- 80 degrees F.

Average Low Temperature- 58 degrees F.

Average Precipitation- 4.4 inches

Average Snowfall- 0 inches 

The last days of summer are upon us!  Soon, we will be enjoying the crisp days of fall.  Both are a great time to enjoy the out-of-doors!  Please add your suggestions for the Outside To-Do's, cause soon we will have our gardens at rest! 

Posted 9/4/2013