Broadleaves (Non-Legumes)

Buckwheat Seed

Buckwheat seed is a great crop for green manure, known for its quick maturation and tremendous weed suppression capabilities. This cool-season broadleaf plant matures very quickly, making it ideal for short-term cover crop mixes. Buckwheat is also excellent at scavenging phosphorus and is preferred by beekeepers due to its long flowering window, which produces a unique color and flavor of honey. In favorable conditions, you can expect 2-3 tons of dry matter per acre.Benefits Quick Maturing: Rapid growth makes buckwheat an excellent choice for green manure and weed suppression. Weed Suppression: Aggressiveness in early growth provides excellent weed suppression. Phosphorus Scavenging: Efficient at scavenging phosphorus from the soil. Pollinator Friendly: Preferred by beekeepers for its long flowering period, producing distinctive honey. Cold Sensitivity: A light frost will terminate buckwheat quickly, preventing it from becoming a weed if allowed to go to seed. Characteristics Type: Cool season broadleaf. C:N Ratio: 30:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 35-50 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 5-25 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 3/4 inch. Planting Range: Late spring, summer, to early fall for optimal establishment. Buckwheat from Elk Mound Seed is a highly effective green manure crop that offers quick growth, excellent weed suppression, and is beneficial for pollinators. Its ability to scavenge phosphorus and its preference among beekeepers make it a versatile and valuable addition to any cover crop mix.

Canola Food Plot Seed

Canola is a tremendous draw for whitetail deer, particularly after the first hard frost.  Being a member of the brassica family, the starches in canola turn to sugar following a hard frost.  This reaction makes the plants incredibly palatable and desirable for deer.  Best results, Canola should be seeded no later than 45 days prior to the first frost, but it should be seeded after the summer solstice to prevent bolting in hot, dry weather. A cool season, annual broadleaf Has narrow leaves, strong taproot and yellow flowers Good heat and drought tolerance Does not tolerate flooding well Seed at 8-10 lbs/acre alone or 2-5 lbs/acre in mixes at 1/4" deep

Buster (Daikon) Radish Seed

Daikon radishes are highly beneficial for soil health, providing multiple advantages such as alleviating soil compaction, improving water infiltration, increasing organic matter, and offering excellent weed suppression. These radishes, including the Badger brand, feature an aggressive taproot that drills through compaction where steel cannot, creating root channels for subsequent crops to access essential nutrients and water. Studies show that Buster® Radishes consistently increase soybean and corn yields by scavenging significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. Upon decomposition, these nutrients are left in the upper 10 inches of soil, improving soil fertility for future crops.Benefits Soil Compaction: The large taproot and deep-reaching secondary roots alleviate soil compaction, improving soil structure. Nutrient Scavenging: Scavenges and stores nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium in the root system, releasing them upon decomposition. Water Infiltration: Enhances water infiltration and aeration, reducing runoff and increasing soil moisture retention. Weed Suppression: Thick upper foliage provides excellent weed suppression by shading out weeds during the growing season and forming a thin film over the soil after the radish freezes out. Yield Improvement: Boosts subsequent crop yields, with studies showing yield improvements of 10% or more. Characteristics Type: Cool season broadleaf. C:N Ratio: 20:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Root System: Features a large taproot and deep-reaching secondary roots with thick upper foliage. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 8-10 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 3-6 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Planting Range: June to August, at least 4-10 weeks before the first killing frost in your area. Daikon radishes from Elk Mound Seed are an excellent choice for improving soil health and boosting crop yields. Their aggressive taproots and nutrient-scavenging capabilities make them a valuable addition to any cover crop program, enhancing soil fertility, structure, and water management.

Purple Top Turnip Seed

Turnips are a cool-season annual brassica commonly used in cover crop cocktails. They germinate quickly and are excellent weed suppressors. Turnips are great nutrient accumulators and break down quickly in the spring, enriching the soil for subsequent crops. They are also an excellent forage for livestock producers who want to graze their cover crops. Their rapid growth makes them ideal for short growing windows, and they provide excellent grazing value late in the season.Benefits Rapid Growth: Turnips germinate quickly, making them suitable for short growing windows. Weed Suppression: Effective at suppressing weeds due to their rapid growth and ground coverage. Nutrient Accumulation: Accumulate nutrients and break down quickly in the spring, enriching the soil. Grazing Value: Provide excellent grazing value late in the season, ideal for livestock producers. Cool Season Adaptation: Perform well in cool-season conditions, extending the growing season. Characteristics Type: Cool season annual brassica. C:N Ratio: 25:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 5-8 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 2-4 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4-1/2 inch. Planting Range: Late summer to early fall for optimal establishment. Turnips from Elk Mound Seed are an excellent choice for cover crops and grazing, offering rapid growth, effective weed suppression, and valuable nutrient accumulation. Their ability to break down quickly in the spring enriches the soil for future crops, making them a versatile and beneficial addition to any cover crop program.

Phacelia (Phacelia Tanacetifolia)