So, I'll have to run this by the #CommunityGarden committee, but my inclination is to plant cover crops over the garden plots folks are using, and encourage them to switch it up next spring. My farmer friend liked the idea of keeping a few plots for the garden free for that reason. I have buckwheat as well as a clover-poppy mix on-hand. Has anyone else who uses #CommunityGardens done this? To me it makes sense to try and rotate things a bit and have #CoverCrops to regenerate the soil.

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #CropRotation

7 #SweetPotato #CompanionPlants You Should Grow in Your Garden for Even Better Harvests

By Alexandra Jones
Published on 04/30/25

"Sweet potatoes are delicious, nutritious, and relatively easy to grow in the #HomeGarden. You can incorporate sweet potatoes into the companion planting, succession planting, and #CropRotation plans that can lead to more abundant, successful harvests.

Here are 7 vegetables and herbs to consider planting before, after, or alongside your sweet potatoes this year. "

Learn more:
https://www.thespruce.com/sweet-potato-companion-plants-11708044

#SolarPunkSunday #CompanionPlanting #GrowingSweetPotatoes #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO #Gardening

So, this article is aimed at commercial growers, but if you happen to have a few plots of land to grow stuff, #CoverCrops and #CropRotation is the way to go!

Top 10 Expert Tips for Growing #OrganicSoybeans: Boost Yield & #Sustainability

Excerpt: "Cover Cropping for Soil Fertility

Cover crops like clover, rye, or hairy vetch are game-changers for organic soybean farmers. They fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. For example, red clover can add up to 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre, reducing the need for external inputs. Plant cover crops in the off-season and terminate them before soybean planting, either by mowing or rolling. Sample Cover Crop Plan: Year 1: Red clover (fall-planted); Year 2: Organic soybeans; Year 3: Winter wheat followed by a summer cover like buckwheat. This rotation boosts fertility and disrupts pest cycles.

Expert Insight: A 2023 study from Cornell University found that cover crops increased organic soybean yields by up to 15% compared to fields without them.

Tip 3 – Implement Effective Crop Rotation

Benefits of Rotation for Organic Soybeans

Crop rotation is a cornerstone of organic farming, reducing pest and disease pressure while enhancing soil health. Rotating soybeans with crops like corn, wheat, or alfalfa prevents the buildup of soybean-specific pathogens like SCN. It also improves soil structure and nutrient availability. For instance, corn residues add organic matter, while alfalfa fixes nitrogen, benefiting subsequent soybean crops.

Planning a Rotation Schedule

Design a 3-5 year rotation plan tailored to your farm’s needs. A sample rotation might include: Year 1: Corn; Year 2: Organic soybeans; Year 3: Winter wheat; Year 4: Cover crop (e.g., clover); Year 5: Back to soybeans. Avoid planting soybeans in the same field consecutively to minimize disease risk. Case Study: John Miller, an organic farmer in Iowa, increased his soybean yields by 10 bushels per acre after adopting a corn-soybean-wheat rotation, as reported by the Practical Farmers of Iowa."

Read more:
https://agricarehub.com/organic-soybeans/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowingSoybeans
#HarvestingSoybeans #GrowYourOwn
#GrowYourOwnFood #Soybeans #SoybeanCrops