Cover cropping is a practice in agriculture where crops are grown primarily to cover the soil rather than for the purpose of being harvested. Cover crops are traditionally planted on farms but can also be used in gardens. Cover crops are different from cash crops, which are those that a farmer sells for profit, such as corn or soybeans. Cover crops primary job is to improve the soil. Some of the benefits of cover cropping include:

• Soil health: Cover crops help improve soil health by protecting the soil surface, reducing erosion, and adding organic matter to the soil.

• Weed suppression: Cover crops can help smother weeds and reduce the need for herbicides.

• Pest and disease control: Cover crops can help control pests and diseases by providing habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife.

• Water availability: Cover crops can enhance water availability by improving water infiltration and water holding capacity in the soil.

• Biodiversity: Cover crops can increase biodiversity on the farm by providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

• Nutrient management: Cover crops can help manage nutrients by catching nutrients before they can leach out of the soil profile or, in the case of legumes, by adding nitrogen to the soil.

There are many different types of cover crops, including grasses, legumes, and forbs. Some examples of cover crops include annual ryegrass, oilseed radish, winter cereal rye, and oats. The choice of cover crop depends on the farmers objectives and the effort they are willing to invest. Cover crops can be planted any time of the year, but typically after the main crops have been harvested, usually in the fall, and they are grown until the next crop is planted in the spring. Cover cropping is an important practice for both commercial farmers and urban gardeners.