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San Diego, Ca.

My patch is currently covered with a mixture of winter rye and purple vetch. We have had a very warm winter and because of this the purple vetch is just starting to make flowers. I've got to do something very soon.
My question is, can you turn your over crop over too early and rob yourself of some of the nutrients?
I have about 2 months before planting time.
If I don't turn it under very soon my other option will be to weed wack the tops off the vetch. The rye shows no sign of trying to go to seed.
Any opinions appreciated. Vince

2/23/2006 10:09:47 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I would chop it down, it will produce more organic material for incorperating later on.

2/23/2006 10:43:35 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Do not let the vetch go to seed. If it is flowering I would get a scythe or a weedwacker and knock it down.

2/24/2006 9:03:38 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Ditto...cut below the flowers before seed sets. In season volunteers mean more weeding chores later.

2/24/2006 9:20:48 AM