Spring oats are an upright, cool-season annual grass and a reliable cover crop for improving soil structure, suppressing weeds, and scavenging nutrients. When planted in early spring, they establish quickly and are easily terminated, either mechanically or with herbicide — making them an ideal starter cover crop. When seeded in the fall, they typically winterkill in colder northern regions, leaving a manageable residue ahead of spring planting.
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Suppresses Weeds: Quick to germinate, spring oats form a dense, upright canopy that shades out emerging weeds, limiting competition for light and nutrients.
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Scavenges Nutrients: Absorbs residual nitrogen left by previous crops, reducing leaching and improving overall nutrient cycling within the soil.
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Winterkills Naturally: Fall-seeded oats usually winterkill in colder climates, simplifying spring field preparation without the need for herbicides or tillage.
Type: Grass
Season: Cool Season
Seeding & Growth:
Precision: Not Recommended
Drilled: 64 lb/A, 3/4" to 1 1/2" deep
Broadcast: 78 lb/A
Aerial: 94 lb/A
Dates: Late February to the end of March (Spring), 6 to 8 weeks before average first frost (Fall)
Average seeds/lb: 19,600
Inoculate: NR*
Emergence: 5-8 Days
Height: 2'-5'
Inter-seeding: Yes, ask a specialist for details
Drought and Heat: Low drought and heat tolerance
Flooding: Tolerates brief flooding or ponding
Frequently Asked Questions: Spring Oats
When should I plant spring oats for the best results?
The best time to plant spring oats is from late February to the end of March, once the soil is workable but still cool. For a fall crop, these oats should be planted around 6 to 8 weeks before the average first frost to ensure strong growth before the cold weather sets in.
Can spring oats survive the winter?
Spring oats aren’t typically winter-hardy and are usually killed off by hard frosts, especially in colder regions. However, this winterkilling can be highly beneficial — leaving biomass that adds organic matter, improves soil structure, and prepares the ground for spring planting.
What are the benefits of spring oats as a cover crop?
A spring oats cover crop — whether planted in spring or fall — establishes quickly, suppresses weeds, and scavenges nitrogen left in the soil. Spring plantings are easy to terminate, while fall oats reliably winterkill in cold climates, leaving residue that simplifies spring preparation.
Can I buy spring oat seed in bulk?
At Sustain Seed + Soil, we offer spring oat seed in sizes to suit any scale — from 25 lb bags to 2000 lb totes. Whether you're sowing a small spring oats cover crop or managing large-acreage soil health, our seed is ready to support your growing strategy.
