What to plant - Ask Extension
I want to "rest" my vegetable garden this year and would like to plant an annual type of crop that would be beneficial and not invasive. Th...
Knowledgebase
What to plant #928451
Asked April 15, 2026, 10:31 AM EDT
I want to "rest" my vegetable garden this year and would like to plant an annual type of crop that would be beneficial and not invasive. The garden is approximately 20 feet by 15 feet receives sun most of the morning and early to mid afternoon.
I had heard that alfalfa might be good but wanted your expert opinion.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
What to plant depends upon the effort you are willing and able to make to maximize the benefit of the fallow year.
For instance, to make the most of the time, plant a spring cover crop now (perhaps oats or barley and field peas) terminate it in June, plant a summer crop, (perhaps buckwheat terminated before it goes to seed), and plant a fall crop in September (oats, crimson clover or winter rye).
If you prefer one 12-month cover, plant red clover (seed mixed with oats) asap. Terminate next spring two or three weeks before planting vegetables.
For instance, to make the most of the time, plant a spring cover crop now (perhaps oats or barley and field peas) terminate it in June, plant a summer crop, (perhaps buckwheat terminated before it goes to seed), and plant a fall crop in September (oats, crimson clover or winter rye).
If you prefer one 12-month cover, plant red clover (seed mixed with oats) asap. Terminate next spring two or three weeks before planting vegetables.
