1. Clover (Red or White Clover): Clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume that improves soil fertility. Light of the Soil's worm castings and compost teas can enhance clover's growth by providing a rich source of organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. This helps fix more nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil.
2. Buckwheat: Buckwheat is a fast-growing cover crop that suppresses weeds and attracts pollinators. Worm castings and compost teas can enrich the soil with nutrients and improve soil structure, allowing buckwheat to thrive.
3. Winter Rye: Winter rye is a cool season cover crop that prevents erosion and adds organic matter to the soil. Worm castings and compost teas contribute to the breakdown of rye residues and support microbial activity, which accelerates decomposition.
4. Crimson Clover: Like red clover, crimson clover is a nitrogen-fixing cover crop. Worm castings and compost teas provide essential nutrients and microorganisms that enhance nitrogen fixation and overall soil health.
5. Austrian Winter Peas: These legumes fix nitrogen and improve soil structure. Worm castings and compost teas help maintain nutrient levels and encourage healthy root development.
6. Hairy Vetch: Hairy vetch is a winter cover crop that adds organic matter and fixes nitrogen. Worm castings and compost teas promote decomposition of vetch residues and provide a fertile environment for nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
7. Borage: Borage is an excellent cover crop for attracting pollinators and improving overall garden biodiversity. Worm castings and compost teas enhance soil fertility and microbial diversity, supporting borage's growth and its positive impact on beneficial insects.
8. Phacelia: This cover crop not only attracts pollinators but also improves soil structure and nutrient content. Worm castings and compost teas enhance the soil's biological activity, aiding phacelia's ability to break down and release nutrients.
9. Sunn Hemp: Sunn hemp is a warm-season legume cover crop that fixes nitrogen and suppresses weeds. Worm castings and compost teas can provide the necessary nutrients for sunn hemp to thrive in the heat.
10. Buckwheat: Buckwheat is worth mentioning again because it is a versatile cover crop that can be used in multiple seasons. Worm castings and compost teas contribute to its quick growth and nutrient absorption.
In summary, Light of the Soil's worm castings and compost teas can help these cover crops by enriching the soil with essential nutrients, improving soil structure, enhancing microbial diversity, and supporting nitrogen fixation. These amendments create a more favorable environment for cover crops to grow vigorously and contribute to overall soil health and garden productivity.