Cover Crop - Summer Cover Mix
Best soil-enriching blend for gardeners seeking easy seasonal maintenance.
Enhance your garden's soil and attract beneficial pollinators with Sow True Seed's Summer Cover Mix. This diverse blend, featuring Cowpea, Sunn Hemp, Pearl Millet, Flax, Oats, Sunflower, and Radish, is planted in spring to yield beautiful summer flowers for cutting and crafts. It effectively prevents erosion, fixes nitrogen, and improves water infiltration. The mix is designed to winter kill, simplifying spring cleanup. With a recommended seeding rate of 1 lb. per 300 sq. ft., it's an ideal choice for comprehensive garden improvement.
$11.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6090
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+13%
Above average
Includes
Cowpea, Sunn Hemp, Pearl Millet, Flax, Oats, Sunflower, Radish
/ Cowpea, Sunn Hemp, Pearl Millet, Flax, Oats, Sunflower, Radish
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking to revitalize tired or compacted soil quickly
- Organic growers looking to naturally manage aggressive summer weeds
- Farmers aiming to boost soil fertility for future plantings
Who should skip it
- Busy growers lacking time for intensive crop termination tasks
- Gardeners in arid climates with limited irrigation resources
- Budget-conscious farmers managing large-scale acreage
Performance breakdown
Soil enrichment
Diverse plant blend maximizes nitrogen fixation and soil structure improvement.
Pollinator impact
Varied floral components create a high-traffic zone for beneficial garden insects.
Maintenance ease
Winter-kill cycle eliminates the need for heavy spring tilling or removal.
Erosion control
Dense root systems effectively stabilize soil during heavy summer rain events.
Aesthetic versatility
Provides functional ground cover that doubles as a beautiful floral display.
Seeding efficiency
Clear coverage rates make planning and application straightforward for home gardeners.
Key Specs
Includes
Cowpea, Sunn Hemp, Pearl Millet, Flax, Oats, Sunflower, Radish
Seeding Rate
1 lb. per 300 sq. ft.
Plant Type
Vegetable, Flower, Grass
Life Cycle
Annual
Warning
Will winter kill
Recommended Planting Season
Spring
Attracts Pollinators
True
Water Needs
Moderate
Features
- Improves soil health and structure
- Attracts beneficial pollinators
- Prevents soil erosion
- Fixes atmospheric nitrogen
- Enhances water infiltration
- Provides summer flowers for cutting
- Winter kills for easy spring cleanup
- Diverse annual mix for comprehensive benefits
What customers say
Gardeners highly praise the Summer Cover Mix for its exceptional reliability and superior soil enhancement. Reviewers consistently report impressive germination, even during summer heat and drought. A major benefit is the robust biomass production, creating a dense canopy that effectively suppresses weeds and significantly improves soil structure. Users value the thoughtful blend of species, noting tangible long term benefits like better soil tilth and water retention. While the initial cost is noted, customers agree the reliable quality and clear improvements to soil health deliver excellent value. This mix is seen as a highly effective tool for boosting fertility and sustainability.
Know before you buy
This mix is designed to be planted in the spring once the danger of frost has passed. It thrives in full sun and will grow throughout the summer months.
No, you do not need to till it. This mix is specifically formulated to winter kill, meaning the plants will die back naturally when temperatures drop, leaving you with simple spring cleanup.
The recommended seeding rate is 1 lb. of seed for every 300 square feet. Be sure to measure your garden area beforehand to ensure you have enough coverage for optimal soil benefits.
Yes, it provides several benefits including fixing atmospheric nitrogen, preventing soil erosion, and improving water infiltration. These processes help build healthier soil structure for your future vegetable crops.
Absolutely. The mix includes varieties like sunflowers that produce beautiful blooms throughout the summer, making them a great option for cutting and floral crafts.
While it may attract some insects, it is specifically designed to attract beneficial pollinators. These insects can help support your garden's ecosystem and improve the yield of nearby flowering plants.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.