Oats Avena sativa

Oats are annual grasses grown as a cover crop, for forage, or their grain. The home gardener is apt to grow oats, which are members of the grass family (Poaceae), as a fall-sown, winter cover crop. Oats were domesticated in the region that is now present-day Iran and Iraq; as a crop, oats are cultivated worldwide. The species epithet is Latin for “cultivated.”

Oats grow best in full sun and are adaptable to a variety of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. Oats are more tolerant of wet soil than many other grains, but the best results are on soils not subject to flooding. Moderately fertile soil gives the best results. Sow oat seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in drills. Allow at least ten weeks of cool-season growth. Oats are excellent at smothering and outcompeting weeds. They release certain chemicals into the soil that inhibit the germination of other plants. Wait at least three weeks after the oat cover crop has died down before sowing annual vegetable or ornamental seeds, as this will give time for the inhibitory chemicals to degrade.

Oat is a suitable cover crop for a vegetable garden, fruit orchard or permaculture garden. It is not a host of certain nematodes and may be a useful cover crop where those pests are prevalent.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Few problems when grown as a cover crop.