Sunn Hemp for cover crop

chancethegardener · August 27, 2016

I planted Sunn Hemp for cover crop for the first time this year in our field. I broadcast around 260 lbs to ~3 acres. We had an exceptionally dry spring and in some sections seeds dried before they had a chance to germinate but overall I got very good results in terms of vigor and growth speed. We have challenging growing conditions after Mid-June until mid-September due to humidity and heat but it looks like once the plants are established, they will thrive.

We will cut the plants and work them into soil, soon. I will also post pictures. Did anyone plant Sunn Hemp as a cover crop? If so, how did your soil and crop benefit in the following season?

decherdt · August 27, 2016

This is our first time to try a Sudex with Sunn Hemp cover on our small patch. The Sudex grew about 3 ft in the six weeks since sown 7/14, and the Sunn Hemp about 2 ft. Will "mow" it to 1 ft when all are about 3 ft and till under in late Fall. Feeds the worms, suppresses RKN, retains moisture, adds organic matter and a little nitrogen.
http://www.tomatoville.com/picture.p...pictureid=2380

decherdt · September 4, 2016

Hmm, sudex gets sugar cane aphids. Cut it down to the top of the sunnhemp and sprayed soapy neem water.

August 27, 2016	#1
chancethegardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: WV Posts: 604	Sunn Hemp for cover crop I planted Sunn Hemp for cover crop for the first time this year in our field. I broadcast around 260 lbs to ~3 acres. We had an exceptionally dry spring and in some sections seeds dried before they had a chance to germinate but overall I got very good results in terms of vigor and growth speed. We have challenging growing conditions after Mid-June until mid-September due to humidity and heat but it looks like once the plants are established, they will thrive. We will cut the plants and work them into soil, soon. I will also post pictures. Did anyone plant Sunn Hemp as a cover crop? If so, how did your soil and crop benefit in the following season?

August 27, 2016	#2
decherdt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 329	This is our first time to try a Sudex with Sunn Hemp cover on our small patch. The Sudex grew about 3 ft in the six weeks since sown 7/14, and the Sunn Hemp about 2 ft. Will "mow" it to 1 ft when all are about 3 ft and till under in late Fall. Feeds the worms, suppresses RKN, retains moisture, adds organic matter and a little nitrogen. http://www.tomatoville.com/picture.p...pictureid=2380 __________________ 500 sq ft of raised rows zone 8a

September 4, 2016	#3
decherdt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 329	Hmm, sudex gets sugar cane aphids. Cut it down to the top of the sunnhemp and sprayed soapy neem water. __________________ 500 sq ft of raised rows zone 8a Last edited by decherdt; September 6, 2016 at 11:12 AM.