How to cut back cover crops #covercrops

Did you grow a cover crop over the summer? It may be time to cut it back.
When they begin to bloom, cut off at soil level. Leave plants on top of the soil and cover with compost. I also like to top it with mulch.
Wait 2-3 weeks to allow the crops to begin to break down, and you're ready to plant.
#covercrops #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #cowpeas #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #hotsummergardentip

Some of the benefits of growing cover crops include:
Cover crops can lower soil temperatures by keeping the soil surface shaded.
There is less water lost through evaporation from the soil’s surface.
Cover crops add organic matter to the soil and feed the microorganisms.
Over time, cover crops can improve soil fertility, structure, and moisture capacity.
Cover crops attract and support native and beneficial insects and pollinators.
Summer rainfall will soak into the soil with plants and established root systems rather than running off or eroding the soil.
Cover crops often suppress weeds.