vegetable farming

Build a Cover Crop Plan That Fits the Farm Farmers and growers looking to improve soil health can join Cover Crops Your Way, a two-part workshop scheduled for October 22 and November 14 in Morganton. The program begins with a classroom session from 6 to 8 p.m. October 22 at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Burke County Center, 130 Ammons Drive.   Participants will return November 14 from 10 a.m. to noon for a hands-on demonstration at Oak Hill Community Park and Forest, 820 N.C. 126. Pre-registration is required. The workshop moves from classroom instruction to practical field application. Cover Crop Selection, Soil Testing, and Establishment Topics will include the benefits of cover crops, different cover crop varieties, soil testing, planning, and establishment. Organizers also plan a cover crop planting demonstration during the field portion of the program. The classroom session will cover different cover crop types and how to use them in production environments.   During the November field session, participants will see how different cover crops are established and gain practical knowledge they can apply to their own operations. That combination may help growers who understand the general benefits of cover crops but need help deciding which species, planting methods, or timing make sense for their farms. Supporting Healthier Soils Cover crops can be part of a broader farm-management strategy, not a one-size-fits-all practice. Producers need to consider their production system, soil conditions, planting windows, and goals when selecting what to grow between cash crops. The workshop aims to help participants develop a cover crop plan rather than simply introducing individual species. The program is being offered through N.C. Cooperative Extension in cooperation with partners including Burke Soil and Water Conservation District, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, and Empowering Mountain Food Systems. For Appalachian Highlands vegetable producers, diversified farms, market gardeners, and other growers interested in soil health, the two-session format provides both instruction and an opportunity to see cover-crop establishment in the field. Participants must register in advance. Burke County Extension can also provide additional information about the sessions.   Read our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!