Cover crops are a variety of plants that are grown prior to planting food crops and they are grown to benefit the soil. Traditional farmers have been using cover crops for years, but it’s a method that is not often carried over to the home gardener. Master Gardener Jen Aron talks about one of her favorite cover crops: buckwheat. It’s easy to grow and matures in six weeks. Like many other cover crops, buckwheat increases soil health, provides organic matter, and often attracts beneficial insects.
Master Gardener, Jenn Aron Pulling Out the Cover Crop from Her Backyard Garden
Jen Aron, owner and operator of Peaceful Gardens, sustainable landscape design. OSU Extension Master Gardener, certified in Permaculture Design, have been teaching sustainable agriculture and Permaculture throughout the Portland area for the past two years, volunteer countless hours educating the Portland community about urban agriculture and sustainability.
2 Comments
Hi Jen!
Buckwheat is not frost hardy, so plant right after your last frost. Keep beds moist for best germination… You will be surprised how quickly it comes up!
Thanks for the post!
How early in the spring can I plant buckwheat? Our last spring frost date is Mid-May.
Thank you.