When should I plant BASIC?
Fall planting starts earlier than you might think. The goal is to give your cover crop enough growing weather to establish before winter slows things down.
SUGGESTED FALL PLANTING DATES FOR BASIC
These suggested planting windows are designed for Re-Fresh BASIC and give the mix time to germinate and establish before winter slows growth.
NORTHERN + MOUNTAIN
Cooler temperatures, higher elevations
PLANT BASIC
Mid-August - Early September
UPPER MIDWEST + INLAND NORTHWEST
Shorter growing seasons
PLANT BASIC
Late August - Mid-September
PACIFIC NORTHWEST + MID-ATLANTIC
Mild, coastal & humid climates
PLANT BASIC
Early - Late September
CENTRAL + TRANSITION
Variable winter, moderate temps
PLANT BASIC
Mid-September - Early October
SOUTHERN + MILD WINTER
Longer growing seasons
PLANT BASIC
October - November
NOT SURE WHERE YOU FIT?
Aim to plant BASIC 4-6 WEEKS BEFORE your first hard freeze
WHY EARLIER IN COLDER REGIONS?
Earlier planting gives BASIC time to establish before cold temperatures slow or stop growth. Winter survival varies by crop, locaton and winter conditions.
WHAT IF MY GARDEN ISN'T READY YET?
Don't let the dates stop you.
Our suggested planting windows are a best-case guide for establishment, not an expiration date. If you're still harvesting from your garden, keep harvesting. Plant your cover crop as garden space becomes available. The later you plant, the less fall growth you may see before cold weather slows things down.
REMEMBER:
Fall growth is only part of the story.
Your cover crop is also building roots and preparing the soil for what's next.
WEATHER VARIES FOR YEAR TO YEAR.
These dates are a guide, not a deadline.
Want to understand the why?
Learn how cover crops work and how to build a plan that works for your garden.