The cover crop was planted 4 weeks ago and has now germinated. A mix of rye and peas should provide plenty of coverage. The rye should smother any weed. Rye grows quite fast in our cool wet weather and can compete for light and shade out weeds. When rye is established it also releases a chemical that prevents other seeds from sprouting. The peas are mixed in because they also grow fast this time of year and they will provide nitrogen for plants in the spring. Peas are a legume and plants in this family have the ability to take nitrogen that is present in the air and store them in their root system. When the peas are plowed under in the spring, they will release this nitrogen as the break down in the soil. Any crops that are planted following peas will have some nitrogen available to absorb.
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