Mercer County vegetable gardeners will once again have an opportunity to receive free fall cover crop seed.

Mercer County OSU Extension and the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to provide seed to Mercer County residents with vegetable gardens up to 3,000 square feet.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator Ryan McMichael says planting a cover crop after a garden is finished for the year can provide several soil health benefits.

Cover crops can help reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, maintain soil nutrients and increase earthworm activity.

The free seed will be available beginning September 1 and continuing through October 15 or until supplies run out.

Residents should know the size of their garden before picking up seed. The seed can be picked up at the Mercer County Agricultural Center at 4978 Mud Pike Road in Celina, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

OSU Extension recommends planting the cover crop as soon as the vegetable garden is cleaned up for the season and before the middle of October for the best results.

Questions can be directed to Mercer County OSU Extension at 419 586 2179.