adding clover to garden bed

Question

I live in Illinois (zone 5) and was wondering if and when I should put clover seed in my raised garden beds. Also, do I need to add more manure once I remove everything from the garden, or can I just cover it with leaves like I did last year?

Answer 1

All of the options that you list will help your soil.

I personally would not plant a cover crop in a raised bed. In such a small area it is so much easier and effective to go ahead and amend the soil with good organic compost.

When adding manure make sure that the beds will have time break down the manure.

Here are links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/cover-crops-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-leaves.htm