Check out this quick video to learn about the best cover crops for the home garden…

Planting a cover crop can be a great way to protect your garden soil over the winter. Once spring comes, tilling or turning in your cover crop adds nutrients to the soil – which is why you may sometimes hear them referred to as “green manure.”

Cover cropping is common on large-scale farms – especially those following organic or sustainable agriculture practices – but it can also be used by the home gardener as well. There are many different cover crops available to choose from, and this video runs down some of the most popular and shares some reasons why you may wish to choose one option over another.

Keep in mind that the cover crops that work best for you may be different depending on your soil, climate, and garden situation. Some gardeners may choose cover crops that add extra nutrients (such as nitrogen) back into the soil. Those growing in heavy soils may choose root crops that help to open and aerate the soil. And still others may be looking for erosion control, weed suppression, or simply biomass.

This video shares some helpful pros and cons and different benefits of the different types of cover crops for the home garden.