Last year was our first year convincing some of Grow Appalachia participants to plant a cover crop, usually by the time September rolls around many of them have allowed the weeds to take over or they are just over gardening in general.  After much research we chose to distribute crimson clover for several reasons.

One it is a winter cover crop and is best planted in September or October, and it can be easily tilled into the ground come April. which is when most of our families are ready to start thinking about gardening.

Two the lush green growth will help build the structure of your soil, once tilled into the ground.  Crimson clover’s fibrous taproot system can help prevent soil erosion during rain and snow, and can improve the  soil by bringing nutrients from deep in the soil to make them accessible to other plants.

Three it can also create a healthy habitat for pollinators, such as honey bees, which are attracted to the clover’s spring flowers.  Would love to try honey from that clover.

Four  from all the pictures we saw it would  develop beautiful crimson flowers on plants that get several feet high. let me tell you the pictures that were posted did not do it justice.  No words could  describe how beautiful it really is.  Vickie one our participants sent a picture of their clover (above) thanking us for giving them the seeds and that she loved it and is hoping to save the seeds. Another participant told us people were stopping along the road to take pictures.

Most of all is that when you see Crimson Clover in bloom it will bring a smile to your face which is one of the most important things about gardening.