Home - Garden
13 Cover Crops That Are Great For Suppressing Weeds In The Garden
By ALICIA BODINE
Buckwheat
This versatile crop suppresses weeds, attracts pollinators, and provides grain for gluten-free food. Plus, it can easily be removed from your yard if you change your mind.
In early summer, rake your buckwheat seeds into neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. You can expect the plants to reach maturity approximately 12 weeks after planting.
Subterranean Clovers
These thick mats suppress weeds, remain near the ground, encourage beneficial insects, and counteract soil erosion. They are highly attractive to deer, however.
Different subterranean clover varieties prefer acidic or basic soil, so test your plot to ensure you buy the right fit. They thrive best in areas with dry summers and wet winters.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa’s dense mats smother weeds, while its extended root system improves soil health. Plant it in fall or spring, using well-draining soil with a slow-release fertilizer.
Rye
This grain produces a chemical that inhibits the growth of problematic weeds, while its fibrous root system both suffocates unwanted growth and protects against soil erosion.
Its seeds only germinate when the ground is between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mature plants won’t eliminate weeds entirely, so you may still need to use an herbicide.
Hairy Vetch
Hairy Vetch not only suppresses weeds using its thick canopy and unique chemical secretion but also aids soil fertility, reduces soil erosion, and attracts pollinators.
It is best planted between August and September in moist, well-draining soil that’s free of rocks or debris. Mow it at the end of May and practice crop rotation to reduce root rot.