If the buckwheat I just planted loosens my sandy soil up anymore than it is I could sell it as play sand. I'm hoping my buckwheat will help shade some of the unwanted stuff out but mostly hope it helps build my OM.
Hah! I feel your pain. Exact same problem at my place in Otsego County. Funny how many northern Michigan food-plotters are on this forum. Proof that misery loves company!
I have had excellent results planting buckwheat in my "sand dunes" around Memorial Day -- tilling it under after it goes to seed mid summer creates a free second buckwheat crop. Then I over seed to radish/turnip in August (with fertilizer per soil test), and seed on top of that with rye in September.
I am lucky that I have a friend with a grain drill to get excellent seed distribution and germination. The rye is just broadcast ahead of a predicted rainy period.
This cycle suppresses weeds, builds OM, and provides forage for 8 months of the year.
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