Winter wheat, field peas, annual rye grass, red clover, and hairy vetch combine for extreme soil conditioning. Field peas and crimson clover grow quickly in autumn and provide late-season forage for pollinators. These legume crops fix nitrogen in the soil, converting nitrogen from the air into a form usable by plants. Field peas and crimson clover are killed by winter temperatures, leaving a rich layer of organic matter to feed soils and protect against erosion. Winter wheat provides dense cover that lasts through the winter months. The deep, extensive root system improves soil tilth (structure) and alleviates compaction. Hairy vetch also fixes nitrogen in the soil and provides abundant organic matter. This winter-hardy cover crop blooms in spring. Mow just prior to blooming to kill plants in advance of spring planting. Sow fall cover crop mix in late summer or early fall for vigorous late season growth.