SEPT 24 MEDIA RELEASE__The Oho State University Extension in Hardin County is providing free fall cover crop seed to residents with vegetable gardens in Hardin County. Any Hardin County resident can receive up to 3 pounds of a cover crop seed mix for their vegetable garden.

Residents should know their garden size and can pick up seeds at the OSU Extension office during business hours beginning on Monday, September 29 until supplies are gone. The office is located at 1021 West Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326 and is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

It is recommended to plant the cover crop seed as soon as vegetable gardens are cleaned up and put to rest for the season. Seeding should occur before mid-October for the best results but no later than the end of October. Planting a cover crop can reduce soil erosion, suppress weed seeds, maintain soil nutrient levels, and increase earthworm activity for their vegetable gardens. Farmers have been utilizing cover crops for many of these same reasons and plan to continue planting cover crop seeds for numerous soil health benefits.

OSU Extension is excited to offer this free program to vegetable gardeners of Hardin County to allow residents to understand the benefits of cover crops. If you have questions about the cover crop program, please call the OSU Extension in Hardin County office at 419-674-2297 and ask to talk to Nic Baumer, agriculture and natural resources educator.