Ozark PeakBlend pairs cereal rye and winter peas into a simple, reliable cool season combination. This grass and legume duo offers one key advantage over blends containing broadleaf crops like radish — you can seed it later in the fall without sacrificing performance. When the window for more complex blends has closed, the Ozark is still a smart option.
Together these two species cover the full range of cover crop objectives. Cereal rye anchors the soil, suppresses weeds, and builds organic matter while winter peas fix nitrogen and improve soil health heading into the next season.
Winter pea overwintering success depends on fall establishment. Plants need to reach 6 to 8 inches before winter sets in to reduce the risk of heaving. Too little growth leaves them vulnerable — but too much can cause winterkill as well. Snow cover and the presence of a standing crop both help protect plants through the coldest months.
Spring termination is manageable. Cereal rye is less competitive than annual ryegrass and responds well to burndown herbicides.
