What low-cost cover crop options exist for beginners?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Cheap cover crops (oats and annual ryegrass), like most, are good options for new growers to begin cover cropping. They have a low barrier to entry, with seed costs under $20 per acre, and are easy to establish with minimal equipment. I suggest them for new growers because they hold up well under less-than-perfect conditions and still have soil benefits.
Oats
- Seed cost: $15-25 per acre
- Establishes in 14 days with visible growth
- Winter-kills at 20°F (-7°C) for easy termination
- Improves soil structure quickly
Annual Ryegrass
- Seed cost: $18-30 per acre
- Thrives in poor soils with minimal nutrients
- Deep roots prevent erosion effectively
- Tolerates heavy foot traffic
Buckwheat
- Seed cost: $12-20 per acre
- Grows rapidly in warm conditions
- Flowers attract beneficial insects naturally
- Suppresses weeds through dense canopy
Begin with basic techniques that will require little to no input cost. Hand-broadcast seeds in small garden beds or use a push spreader for larger sections to spread the seeds evenly. This does require light raking in to make good soil contact, water lightly during establishment. I have helped numerous beginners thrive with only basic garden tools.
These inexpensive options provide real value, even at a low cost. Oats introduce organic matter and compete with weeds. Annual ryegrass improves soil structure quickly. Buckwheat provides habitat for pollinators and helps break up compacted soil. You will see visible signs of soil improvement in one season.
End cheap cover crops easily with no special equipment. Mow oats before they produce seed heads. Until annual ryegrass reaches a height of 12 inches, Buckwheat will naturally die after frost. I teach newbies to time termination with a garden fork or mower.
Read the full article: 10 Best Cover Crops for Soil Health and Yield
