Black Oats

Black Oats is a cover crop that works tremendously as a ground cover for weed suppression and nematode control. It is also known to be one of the best cover crops to grow for a beginner. Black Oats produce tons of biomass allowing it to break down quickly, and return valuable nutrients and organic particles back into the soil. This makes it a perfect cover crop to rotate before corn or other heavy-feeding vegetable crops. Black Oats make a great forager for livestock. Avena strigosa. 60 days to maturity

Black Oats typically have a wider planting window compared to other cover crops but usually should be planted in the fall a month or two before the average frost date. This will allow enough time for the clover to grow and establish ground cover before cold temperatures arrive. Oats work well alone, but thrive when in cover crop "mixes". In a vegetable garden situation, oats should be cut before going to seed. This will prevent any weed issues in the following years. To remove black oats in spring, they can be mowed or grazed. We suggest using chickens, goats, or other livestock to graze the clover while adding additional nutrients to your garden soil. If mowed, oats can be tilled into the soil immediately to add organic matter or “green manure”. It can also be mowed and left on top of the soil to suppress weeds until planting time.

Black Oats Planting Information:

Season: Cool

Planting Depth: 1-2"

Seeding Rate: 2lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.