Mulch

Each year in June Ken makes a decision.  He either plants green manures or mulches most of the spaces between crops.  His goal is no naked soil.  Green manure is usually the decision if it looks like it will be a wet year with enough rain to grow the crop of rye, peas and oats, buckwheat, barley or clover.  Other years especially dry years, Ken mulches.

Both green manure and mulch add organic matter to the soil.  Both provide shade to moderate heat so microbial life can thrive during the summer months.  Both suppress weeds.  

This year Ken got some straw and has been faithfully spreading it as space opens up and time allows.  I love how the garden and field look.  Thank you, Ken