On December 11th, we planted cover crops across 76 acres of our orchard, supported in part by a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) grant that helps incentivize conservation practices like this one. While the orchard may look quieter this time of year, some of the most important work on the farm is happening just below the surface.

Cover crops are a cornerstone of how we steward our land at Frog Hollow Farm. Though they aren’t grown for harvest, they play a critical role in building healthy soil, supporting biodiversity, and strengthening the long-term resilience of our regenerative organic orchard.

A Living Mix That Builds Soil Health

For this winter’s planting, we used a seed mix containing organic bell beans, peas, vetch, barley, and oat, sourced from Leballister in Sonoma County and planted directly from seed. This diverse blend of legumes and grains was selected intentionally, with each plant playing a distinct role in supporting soil health across the orchard.

Legumes—including bell beans, peas, and vetch—are nitrogen-fixing, meaning they pull nitrogen from the atmosphere and store it in nodules along their roots, where it can later be transferred into the soil. Barley and oat contribute dense, fibrous root systems that help strengthen soil structure, improve water infiltration, and hold soil in place during late winter rains.

Together, these plants create a living cover that protects the orchard floor while actively rebuilding the soil. As they grow, their extensive root networks reduce wind and water erosion, increase organic matter, and support nutrient cycling. And above ground, the cover crops provide habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators, adding another layer of resilience to the farm ecosystem.

As Farmer Al puts it, “We love rebuilding the soil through cover crops!” It’s work that happens gradually, season by season, but delivers lasting benefits that strengthen the soil’s organic fabric and support the long-term health of the orchard.

How We Plant

To prepare for seeding, we lightly open the soil surface using a tractor and disc, minimizing disturbance while creating space for seeds to take hold. A heavy-duty seed planter mounted to the back of a tractor then places the seed at a calibrated rate—opening the soil, dropping the seed, and covering it to ensure proper contact with the earth.

This precise approach allows us to plant efficiently while protecting the integrity of the soil we’re working to build.

Looking Ahead

These cover crops will grow through winter and spring and be mowed once they’ve completed their life cycle. The cut plant material is left on the orchard floor, where it continues to protect the soil and add organic matter as it breaks down. We typically plant cover crops every one to two years, layering benefits over time.

Many of these plants are also expected to reseed themselves, helping prepare the ground for future growth. This year, we hope to plant an additional 76 acres with a different mix, further diversifying the services these plants provide.

Even when the orchard appears at rest, the soil is alive with activity. Cover crops help ensure that the land beneath our trees remains healthy, resilient, and ready to support the seasons ahead.