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  • From: "GlenEcoFarm" <Glenecofarm AT planetcomm.net>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Transition to Organic
  • Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:18:17 -0400

Michael,
I have not seen an answer to your question.  If I start, perhaps others will add to what I write.
Sewing a cover crop in September sounds like a perfect idea.  Bush hog or mow down the weeds. Plow or disk and then sow the seed.  (Don't let the prepared ground lie very long before planting your cover crop seed; so the weed germination is behind your cover crop seed germination.)
Crimson clover is our choice of cover crop.  (Marlin says he needs to plow this down 2 weeks before planting in the spring.)  If you have a fungal problem, using kale is also a possiblility. 
In fact, we plant some crops in October for early spring harvest.  In our area (zone 6), we plant spinach and kale in the fall for early spring harvest.  (Perhaps your winters are too cold for this.)  Garlic is planted in the fall and harvested in June.
Christine and Marlin
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 10:11 AM
Subject: [Market-farming] Transition to Organic

I'm going to be farming a few acres of family land beginning next spring in South Central Michigan.  For the last few years it has been in corn/oats or soybeans.  It was not farmed organically.  This year it was not cultivated at all, so there is a fairly thick mat of mixed grasses and weeds.  I will be planting some large areas of corn, potatoes and sunflowers, and mixed vegetables for market.

What steps should I take to prepare the soil now?  I'd like to get a cover crop in since I have the time now.  What recommendations do you have for timing, crops to plant, cultivation schedule, etc.  

Thanks for your help,
Michael
Marshall MI  Zone 5b    -10  thru -15 F


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