Fall Cover Crop Progess

I planted these 4 rows of cover crops containing peas, oats, field corn, and black oil sunflower seeds 2 weeks ago. This crop will be harvested later this year and used to feed my chickens or the compost pile.

Germination was great. I used my BCS tractor to till and prepare the soil, and then gently mix the seeds into the ground. It only takes about 4-5 days in this heat to get seedlings popping out of the soil.

Watering is very important during the first few weeks. Since the root system isn't developed, the top inches of soil should be kept moist especially during extremeley hot weather.

Cover crops like this provide a small ecosystem for many types of life, and will add to the mineral content back into the soil. Peas take nitrogen from the air and add it back into the soil.

Black oil sunflower will provide pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies. Their seeds are also a favorite for the bird population, including my chickens. Monarch butterflies have been passing through and are lovely to see. Our marigolds have also been the star of our summer garden, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Our chickens will be hatching out soon. We only had 1 egg that didn't incubate properly, leaving us with seventeen of the possible eighteen that fit in the incubator. On day 19, the auto turn cradle is turned off, humidity raised to 65%, and the dividers are removed from the incubation tray.