Cover Crop..

Last winter we tilled over an acre of land at the Nye Ranch and planted various cover crops to enrich our coastal soil. On Friday I rented the tractor again and tilled in those cover crops. Some of the Bell Beans had grown over 5' tall. The plants and beautiful flowers had attracted hundreds of bees and beneficial insects.

• Increases organic matter and available nitrogen
• Increases earthworm and beneficial microorganisms
• Stabilizes soil to prevent erosion
• Brings deep-rooted minerals to the surface
• Provides habitat, nectar, and pollen for beneficial insects
while choking out weeds
• Improves water, root and air penetration of soil
• Increases the soil's moisture-holding capacity
• Breaks up subsoil and plow-soles
• Provides aesthetic value and color

Pictured below 1-4: Crimson Clover, BioMaster Winter Peas, Bell Beans, Purple Vetch..