The Role of Cover Crops in Regenerative Gardening

This is an excerpt from the Soil Microbiome Regenerative Gardening online course

Cover crops play a crucial role in regenerative gardening by keeping the soil vibrant and protected during periods of dormancy or low productivity. Home gardeners, similar to industrial farmers, benefit greatly from covering their soil with either mulch or living plants. As the gardening season winds down, planting cover crops in late fall can shield the soil throughout the winter months. Although these crops may not reach full maturity, they provide essential protection. For example, carrots can remain in the soil until spring, enhancing soil stability even if they are not harvested for consumption. Additionally, planting spinach in December can lead to unexpected early growth.

Diversity is key when selecting cover crops. As summer crops are harvested, sowing a diverse mix, including plants like spinach, radishes, kale, winter rye, hairy vetch, crimson clover, oats, buckwheat, and peas, fosters a robust soil ecosystem. Mixing multiple varieties in the garden allows for experimentation and encourages different crops to coexist and contribute to soil health.

Incorporating legumes into the cover crop mix is particularly beneficial due to their ability to capture atmospheric nitrogen and enrich the soil. This practice aligns with regenerative gardening principles, promoting a dynamic and nutrient-rich soil ecosystem, even in the off-season. Employing a combination of cover crops, companion plants, and beneficial flowers can optimize the health and productivity of your garden or farm.

Benefits of Select Plants:

• Clover: Fixes nitrogen, improves soil structure, attracts pollinators.
• Field Peas: Fix nitrogen, add green manure when plowed under.
• Vetch: Fixes nitrogen, improves soil, controls erosion.
• Rye (Cereal Rye): Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, adds organic matter.
• Oats: Suppresses weeds, improves soil, dies back in winter.
• Barley: Adds biomass, improves soil structure, suppresses weeds.
• Mustard: Acts as a biofumigant against pests and diseases, improves soil health.
• Daikon Radish: Breaks up compacted soil, improves water infiltration.
• Buckwheat: Grows quickly, suppresses weeds, attracts beneficial insects.
• Phacelia: Attracts pollinators, improves soil structure, suppresses weeds.
• Alfalfa: Deep-rooted, improves soil structure, fixes nitrogen, drought-resistant.
• Calendula, Marigolds, Cosmos: Attract beneficial insects, enhance garden aesthetics.
• Strawberries: Attract pollinators, act as living mulch, edible ground cover.

Recommended Blends:

• Soil Builder Blend: Clover, Vetch, and Rye. This mix fixes nitrogen (clover, vetch) and adds organic matter (rye), improving soil fertility and structure.
• Pollinator Attractor Blend: Phacelia, Cosmos, Calendula, and Sunflowers. This combination creates a habitat rich in nectar and pollen, attracting a wide range of beneficial insects.
• Pest Management Blend: Mustard, Marigolds, and Nasturtiums. The biofumigant properties of Mustard, combined with the pest-repellent qualities of Marigolds and Nasturtiums, help protect against a variety of pests.
• Nitrogen Fixing Blend: Field Peas, Alfalfa, and Clover. These legumes work together to enrich the soil with nitrogen, making it available for future crops.
• Ground Cover & Erosion Control Blend: Strawberries, White Clover, and Low-growing Flowers (e.g., Marigolds, Calendula). This blend not only beautifies your garden but also protects against soil erosion and suppresses weed growth.

When choosing plants and creating blends, consider your specific goals, whether it’s improving soil health, attracting beneficial insects, managing pests naturally, or enhancing the biodiversity and visual appeal of your garden. The key to successful companion planting and cover cropping lies in understanding the specific needs and benefits of each plant, allowing you to design a garden that is both productive and ecologically balanced.

By implementing these regenerative practices, you can cultivate a flourishing garden that supports a healthy soil microbiome, enriches plant growth, and enhances the overall resilience and productivity of your gardening ecosystem.