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How to Grow Ground Cover Crops

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Ground Cover Crops

Various species (e.g., Trifolium repens, Vicia sativa, Secale cereal)

grass

Ground cover crops are fast-growing plants used to protect and improve soil between cash crop plantings. They prevent erosion, suppress weeds, add organic matter, and fix nitrogen or break pest cycles. Commonly used species include clovers, vetches, rye, and alfalfa.

Looking for a specific variety?

Winter Rye Crimson Clover Austrian Winter Peas Hairy Vetch White Clover Alfalfa

When should you plant Ground Cover Crops in your zone?

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Example Ground Cover Crops timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ground Cover Crops

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Ground Cover Crops

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ground Cover Crops dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours minimum for most species
💧
Water: Moderate, consistent moisture during establishment (1-1.5 inches weekly); most cover crops are drought-tolerant once established
📏
Spacing: Broadcast seeding at 1-2 inch spacing typical; rows 6-12 inches apart if drilled inches
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Days to maturity: 30-120 days depending on species and season (winter rye: 90-120; clover: 60-90)
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Planting depth: 0.25-0.75 inches (shallow seeding for small seeds; deeper for larger seeds like rye)

Soil

Type: Adaptable to most soil types; well-draining loamy to clay soils preferred
pH: 6.0-7.5 (varies by species; most tolerate 5.5-8.0)
Amendments:
Compost for organic matter Phosphorus for legume establishment Potassium if soil is depleted Lime in acidic soils (for some species)

Growing Zones

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Most cover crops thrive in zones 3-9; species selection varies by climate and season

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Emergence

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout and first leaves appear; seedlings are tender and vulnerable

Keep soil consistently moist; protect from heavy foot traffic; ensure good soil-to-seed contact

2

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Seedlings develop true leaves and root systems; plants begin spreading or tillering

Maintain adequate moisture; remove competing weeds; avoid disturbance

3

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Rapid growth of foliage and root biomass; plants fill available space and suppress weeds

Monitor for pests or disease; water during dry spells; allow unrestricted growth

4

Maturation

2-4 weeks

Plants reach full height and biomass; flowering may occur depending on species and season

Cease irrigation to toughen plants for winter; allow seed set if desired for livestock feed

5

Termination & Incorporation

Variable (depends on method and season)

Cover crop is killed (via frost, tillage, or herbicide) and worked into soil

Time incorporation 2-3 weeks before planting cash crops; allow decomposition; avoid compaction

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Cash crops (vegetables, grains, fruits) Orchard trees and vines (as living mulch) Native plants in restoration projects

Avoid planting near:

Allelopathic crops (rye near sensitive seedlings) Incompatible rotations (legumes after legumes in some cases)

Common Pests

  • Monitor for populations; encourage natural predators; avoid excessive nitrogen; mow if severe

  • and

    Remove debris; encourage predators like ground beetles; copper barriers if needed

  • Rotate fields; use resistant varieties; encourage parasitoid wasps

  • Spray with water; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps; avoid excessive nitrogen

Uses

🍳

Forage & Livestock Feed

Culinary

Clover, vetch, alfalfa, and rye are grazed by livestock or cut and dried for hay. These crops provide high-protein feed while improving soil. [source]

🏠

Soil Improvement & Carbon Sequestration

Household

Cover crops add organic matter, improve soil structure, and sequester carbon. Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing fertilizer needs for subsequent crops. [source]

🏠

Erosion Control & Weed Suppression

Household

Dense root systems and biomass prevent soil erosion, reduce water runoff, and suppress germination of perennial and annual weeds. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Habitat

Wildlife

Flowering cover crops like clover and vetch attract bees, butterflies, and parasitoid wasps, supporting biodiversity and natural pest control. [source]

🏠

Pest & Disease Cycle Breaking

Household

Strategic cover crop rotations interrupt disease and insect life cycles, reducing pest pressure in subsequent cash crops without chemical inputs. [source]

Harvest Tips

Cover crops are not harvested for human consumption. Terminate when plants reach 50-75% bloom or before frost, or allow frost to naturally kill. Winter crops are tilled in spring; summer crops are mowed or chemically killed 2-3 weeks before planting cash crops. Cut and leave material in place for mulch, or incorporate into soil for organic matter buildup.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Cover crops have been used for over 2,000 years; Roman farmers rotated crops with legumes to restore soil fertility.
  • 🌱 A single acre of well-established clover can fix 100-200 pounds of atmospheric nitrogen, equivalent to synthetic fertilizer applications.
  • 🌱 Winter rye cover crops can produce up to 4 tons of biomass per acre in a single season, dramatically improving soil organic matter.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cover Crop Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade True Leaves
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