Growing Vegetables? Think about a Cover Crop
One of the major growth areas in Loudoun's agricultural scene is fruit and vegetable production. With the right management, this type of farming can be profitable on comparitively small acreages. So what do you do with that land during the winter time when there's nary a cucumber to be seen?
The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District has programs to help small vegetable growers with winter cover crops just like their commodity growing colleagues. Payments of $20.00 per acre are available to plant Clover, Wheat, Rye and other crops to protect soil during winter months. Beyond keeping topsoil firmly in place, cover crops like Clover have the added benefit of fixing nitrogen in the soil, which can reduce your need for fertilizer or manure. To qualify for the payment, the crop must be planted before November 30th, and one of the approved species must be used. The crop also can't be harvested or used for hay, but it can be grazed down after its served its conservation purpose during the winter (at least 90 days). Cover crops can also be killed and laid down, to provide a weed suppressing mulch to plant your vegetables into.
To learn more, contact the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District at 703-777-2075 ext. 107.