Oats & Peas

Oats & Peas

Avena sativa & Pisum sativum

Cover crops are used in farms and gardens as a part of crop rotation.

They increase soil organic matter, cycle nutrients, suppress weeds, create mulch, alleviate compaction, and protect and feed the vital soil ecosystem.

Cover crops are a key tool in a soil health system:

  • Minimize disturbance
  • Maximize soil cover
  • Maximize biodiversity
  • Maximize continuous living roots

Planting Instructions

  1. Plant oats/peas mix after vegetable harvest or under mature crops before mid-September for adequate growth.
  2. Ensure planting area is weed-free before planting.
  3. Spread seeds by hand as evenly as possible.
  4. Rake or lightly cultivate seeds ½” to 1” deep for good seed-to-soil contact.
  5. Keep ground moist until germination.
  6. Oats/peas mix will die off in the winter. Leave to decompose in the garden as a natural mulch. Transplant spring vegetables into leftover plant material, or rake aside for direct seeding.

Seeding Information

Northern IN Planting Dates August 15 – September 15

Southern IN Planting Dates August 15 – September 30

Seeding Rate 4 oz / 100 square feet

Seeding Depth ½” to 1”

Growth Height 12” to 24”