Oats Cover Crop

Avena sativa.  Oats is a  small grain that is not particularly winter hardy. Spring-planted oats are used for green manure, and fall-planted oats provide ground cover during the winter.  Plant by September so there is plant growth before winter sets in. In Spring the residue is incorporated into the soil prior to planting.. Oats are particularly useful in rotations with vegetable crops because they grow quickly and are easily killed. Oats are useful planted with legumes, such as hairy vetch and peas, for forage, erosion control and weed suppression. Sow 2-3 lbs. per 1000 sg. ft. 100 lbs. per acre.