- 1). Choose a cover crop species of plant that is low-growing and shallow-rooted and not considered to be spreading or invasive. Clovers, rye grass, hairy vetch and winter peas are common crop choices that boost soil fertility when they are tilled into the soil. Choose a species that you like the look of; spiky grass blades or rounded clover leaves each give a different feel and look to the landscape.
- 2). Allow the primary crop to become established for a period of 4 to 5 weeks' time before planting the living mulch, if applicable.
- 3). Clear the living mulch planting area of all weeds, roots, soil clods and other plants save the companion crop, if applicable.
- 4). Till the soil lightly down at least 6 inches and then rake the soil to a roughly level and smooth texture.
- 5). Drill the living mulch species seeds into shallow holes made in the soil with your finger or a wood dowel. Plant the seeds at the recommended depth for the species as outlined on the seed packet. Plant the cover crop starting at least 6 inches (preferably a foot) out from the primary crop, if applicable.
- 6). Water the seeds and surrounding soil well to speed germination and growth. Water frequently enough to to keep the soil surface moist at all times through germination, when green shoots appear.
- 7). Water the cover crop once it is established consistently once or twice per week to keep the soil evenly moist, but not persistently wet and the living mulch healthy and green. Water requirements will vary widely by climate, cover crop species and season. However, you want the soil six inches down to remain moist at all times and the surface to be barely moist to just slightly dry to the touch before watering again.
- 8). Till the living mulch down into the soil after it dies back and becomes dry and dessicated. Incorporating the remains of the living mulch into the soil will boost the soil's fertility over time.
- 9). Plant a new living mulch crop repeating the same steps but using another species of seed to diversify what nutrients are drawn out of and redeposited back into the soil.
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