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Winterizing the garden #778206

Asked November 22, 2021, 10:47 AM EST

What’s a good cover crop to grow over winter in my garden boxes to boost soil nutrients? We grow tomatoes, peppers, and squash in the summer.

Larimer County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Katie,

It's going to be really difficult to get anything to germinate this time of year. You could try winter ryegrass: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/soils-amendments-composting/1607-cover-crops-winter-rye/

But you MUST kill it off before it goes to seed. When it's 4-6" tall in the spring (with no flower head), scalp it down to kill it off. 

The reason I suggest this is because it's probably the only one that you may get germination now. Otherwise, you could seed in the spring, understanding you may need to delay veggie planting until early June (which is actually a great time to plant): https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/244.pdf

Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied November 25, 2021, 11:16 AM EST

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