Buckwheat

Buckwheat can be grown as a green manure crop, a source of nectar for bees, or as a crop for consumption.

Buckwheat can grow in most any soils, making it ideal for most of central Illinois. It matures quickly, within two and a half months.

Sow buckwheat in April and August/September for a green manure crop, tilling it in as it starts to mature. July crops usually do better if seed is to be harvested as the plant flowers better in a cooler environment.

Seed at the rate of one and a half (1 1/2) bushels per acre or one to two (1 to 2) pounds per 1000 square feet. Fertilizer isn't necessary unless the ground has been void of any growth.

As a green manure crop, buckwheat can be turned over and rototilled as soon as it starts to flower.

For seed, harvest when the seed heads start to dry. Ideal storage is twelve to thirteen (12 to 13) percent moisture.

See: Green Manure Crops