Mercer County residents can pick up free cover crop seed this fall to help protect and improve their vegetable gardens during the winter months.

The Mercer County OSU Extension Office, in partnership with the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District, is providing free fall cover crop seed to county residents.

Each resident can receive enough seed mix for a vegetable garden of up to 4,000 square feet.

Residents should know the approximate size of their garden before picking up the seed.

Seed is available at the Mercer County OSU Extension Office, located at 4978 Mud Pike, Suite 1. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Officials recommend planting the cover crop seed as soon as vegetable gardens are cleaned up and put to rest for the season. For the best results, seeding should be completed before mid-October.

Cover crops can provide several benefits for home gardens, including reducing soil erosion, suppressing weed seeds, maintaining soil nutrient levels and increasing earthworm activity.

Farmers also commonly use cover crops for many of the same soil-health benefits.

Anyone with questions about the program can contact the Mercer County OSU Extension Office at 419-586-2179.