A healthy cover crop enriches the soil, boosting its carbon content. It keeps weeds to a minimum, helps to keep water in the ground during summer and root temperatures consistent (which is very important during heat waves). It also allows water to infiltrate the soil more effectively, while helping to prevent erosion. When the vineyards become waterlogged after rain, the crop absorbs this excess water from the soil.
Planting species like mustard seed acts as a natural pesticide, scaring away bugs. To protect the vineyards from the raging southeaster wind during the early summer months, we also plant a tall type of rye that acts as a windbreak.