As summer winds down, the garden is tired. It has given us all its energy, and now it’s our turn to give something back. Just like we need rest and recharge, so does the soil. Fall is the perfect time to prepare your beds with a cover crop for the upcoming season, ensuring healthier soil and a bigger harvest next year.
Step 1: Clear Out Spent Plants
Pull out plants that are past their prime. Compost healthy material, but discard anything diseased to prevent carrying problems into the next season.
Step 2: Weed Thoroughly
Effective fall weeding prevents invaders from overwintering and setting seed. Think of it as tucking the beds in neat and clean.
Step 3: Add Organic Matter
Spread a thin layer of compost, aged manure, or leaf mold. This feeds the soil microbes and builds fertility while everything rests.
Step 4: Sow a Cover Crop
This is where the magic happens. Cover crops like clover, rye, or vetch do double duty:
Add nitrogen back into the soil. Prevent erosion from fall rains. Improve soil texture for spring planting.
Step 5: Let the Soil Rest
Please resist the urge to till it all in right away. Allow your cover crop to grow and work quietly over the winter. By spring, you’ll have a healthier, stronger foundation to build upon.
The garden is a mirror of life. When we pause, replenish, and rest, we wake up ready for what’s next. So tuck your soil in, the same way you tuck yourself in—it’s all part of designing a life that thrives. Download the full guide below for tips and suggestions on selecting the right cover crop for your soil.