Horticulture & Specialty Crops
Cover Crop for Orchards Guide
A guide to cover crops in orchards. Growers use it to plan species, seeding, and management for soil health, weed control, and habitat. Use a fresh copy each season and keep old ones for comparison.
GuideHorticulture & Specialty CropsFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Set goals for the cover crop
- Choose species for the goal
- Plan seeding time and method
- Prepare the orchard floor
- Manage mowing or termination
- Watch for pests and competition
- Check water needs of trees
- Record results by block
How to use this guide
Pin it up in the shop or barn. The numbered steps are a short reminder, and the notes lines are for details specific to your operation.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and SARE.
For more in this area, see the planting dates and harvest timing. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Wichita Falls: Competitive Crop Circles Outdrawing Professional Bull Riding (PBR), and farming farm stories.