Soil Builder Seed Mix (Cover Crop)

Soil Builder Seed Mix

We’ve collaborated with our grower in developing a cover crop seed mix specifically focused on building and improving your garden soil. Each variety contributes their own unique advantages to this mix.

We looked closely at what healthy, fertile and nutrient-rich soils have in common but were mostly missing in today’s garden soils.

We found the missing link to be abundant mycorrhizal communities in the soil. Once you’ve improved the soil structure and increased the nutrients, then you need biology to get those nutrients to the plants in a form they can use.

Mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial allies with plant roots, linking them to the needed nutrients that are out of reach of the fine roots. Mycorrhizae can extend the reach of the roots into the soil by several hundred times!

Once your soil has started to improve, the mycorrhizal fungi will automatically move in – you don't have to do anything except build a suitable environment for them and they will come. The strong root growth increases the population of beneficial mycorrhizae several times over, which you’ll see in increased plant vigor, health, production and pest and disease resistance.  

Plant from early spring to mid fall, clipping the mature flower heads to prevent re-seeding. Mow or cut stalks about an inch above the soil a month before planting other crops to allow the mulch time to decompose. If over-wintered, cut or mow any remaining stalks in early spring.

Seeds in the mix

• Mung Beans
• Common Vetch
• Spring Lentil
• Crimson Clover
• Pearl Millet
• Spring Oats
• Golden Flax
• Phacelia
• Safflower
• Sorghum
• Spring Barley
• Black Oil Sunflower

Growing Instructions

Lightly broadcast seeds and work into the top half inch of moist soil, or cover with 1/2 inch of mulch or compost. Water to equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall per week until seedlings become established.

Planting Rates

These rates will give a thick cover crop for maximum weed suppression and soil benefits.

• 1 lb will seed approximately 200 sq. feet of garden beds
• 8 oz will seed approximately 100 sq. feet of garden beds

Learn More

• Cover Crops - Better Soil in a Month
• Why Grow Cover Crops: Easy Soil Improvement
• Cover Crops Beat Garden Weeds
• Cover Crops FAQ
• Which Cover Crop is Best for Me?

From the soil to the seed to the food you eat - we'll help you grow your best garden!