Oats

Very fast-growing, oats smother weeds almost as effectively as buckwheat, especially when planted with bell beans or field peas. Oats provide large amounts of organic matter and are excellent as a nurse crop for legumes and grasses, providing weed control and winter protection. Because they winterkill, they are great for gardeners; the plant residue may be worked into the soil easily, or other crops can be planted directly into it. Sow oats any time, from spring (as soon as the soil can be worked) right up until the end of September. Plant at a rate of 100#/acre or 3#/1000 sq. ft. Organic.