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Ontario, Canada.

Wondering, has anyone tried to grow a cover crop early in the spring before the vines take off in the warm days of June? This would be in the open areas adjacent to the plant. If so what is best to be actively growing and how close would you let the vines get before tilling it under?

2/13/2004 12:57:12 PM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

Yeah, I've got some rye and vetch that I didn't get in soon enough in the fall and would love to be able to use it this spring.

2/13/2004 1:17:46 PM

Western NY

i plant buckwheat around the plants about the time i plant them outdoors. it's a pretty neat cover crop. as the vines start to run, i pull up the buckwheat, snap off the roots (to kill it), and lay it on the soil. it dies really easy, and the buckwheat mat makes for a good way to keep the soil moist. keeps weeds down very effecively. just make sure you get the buckwheat before it goes to seed.

2/13/2004 1:18:51 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I wouldn't. Spring soils are slow to warm. So many seeds will wait until after we plant out to germinate. At which point the cover crop is better known as weeds.

2/13/2004 2:47:55 PM

Sheridan . NY

would suggest if possible 8 to 10 inchs of compost and spray fish --molasses and Symbex and till in --you dont what to be taking away from the soil this time of year --super charge it--!! get it ready for - THE BIG ONE---

2/14/2004 9:30:27 AM