{"product_id":"buckwheat-summer-cover-crop-organic","title":"Buckwheat VNS Summer Cover Crop - Organic","description":"\u003cp\u003eCertified Organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuckwheat (\u003cem\u003eFagopyrum esculentum\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fast-growing, broadleaf annual renowned for its dual-purpose applications as both a nutrient-rich grain crop and an effective cover crop that is great for pollinators. Its seeds are utilized in various culinary dishes, offering a gluten-free alternative rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals. However, buckwheat's prominence shines as a cover crop due to its rapid growth, weed suppression capabilities, and soil health benefits. It establishes quickly, creating a dense canopy that outcompetes weeds, prevents soil erosion, and enhances soil structure. Its abundant flowering also attracts pollinators, contributing to increased biodiversity. Buckwheat thrives in low-fertility, well-drained soils and is particularly valuable in crop rotations for its ability to scavenge residual nutrients, making them available for subsequent crops. Its short life cycle allows for flexibility in planting schedules, fitting well between main crops or during fallow periods to maintain soil cover and fertility. Buckwheat is one of the best summer cover crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo utilize buckwheat as a cover crop, sow seeds directly into well-drained soil after the last frost when soil temperatures reach 55°F or higher. Broadcast seeds at a rate of 50–60 pounds per acre and lightly incorporate them into the top 1–2 inches of soil, or drill at no more than 1\". In a garden buckwheat can be scattered on loose soil at a rate of 1lb\/250 sq ft and raked in or shallowly rototilled in. Buckwheat germinates rapidly, often within 3–5 days, and reaches flowering in 4–6 weeks. For optimal soil benefits, terminate the crop at full bloom by mowing or cutting before seeds set, approximately 7–8 weeks after planting. The residue decomposes quickly, so incorporate immediately after termination for optimal enriching of the soil with organic matter and nutrients. Avoid planting buckwheat too late in the season to ensure adequate growth before the first frost. When grown as a grain crop, allow seeds to mature fully before harvesting, typically 10–12 weeks after planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":961,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The perfect cover crop for early spring. Oats feed and protect the soil, suppress weeds, and are easy to terminate\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eBulk 40lb bags only ship to ND, SD, MN, IA, WI, or IL. 1# bags for gardeners ship to our normal range - lower 48 USA. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":961,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The perfect cover crop for early spring. Oats feed and protect the soil, suppress weeds, and are easy to terminate\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSeed Source Information:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":961,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The perfect cover crop for early spring. Oats feed and protect the soil, suppress weeds, and are easy to terminate\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eLot # CO-OG-1341-2024: Grown by Circadian Organics in Ferryville, WI in 2024. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":961,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The perfect cover crop for early spring. Oats feed and protect the soil, suppress weeds, and are easy to terminate\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eLot # \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eALS-OG-1341A-2026: Purchased from Albert Lea Seed in 2025.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Albert Lea Seed","offers":[{"title":"1lb bag","offer_id":52083863978306,"sku":null,"price":4.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40lb bag","offer_id":52083864011074,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0824\/9150\/7010\/files\/IMG_3047.jpg?v=1771793011","url":"https:\/\/driftlessseeds.com\/products\/buckwheat-summer-cover-crop-organic","provider":"Driftless Seed Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}