Have you ever heard of selfless crops? Yeah…they’re very, very real. 

Most people believe that only peas have nitrogen-fixing properties that can benefit other plants grown after them in the same area. But this simply isn’t true!

In today’s article, I’m going to take you through a curated list of nine special plants that can actually improve the soil for the next crop. Without wasting further time, let’s jump right into it! 

daikon radishes and red clover

If you’re somewhat of an experienced gardener, you should be aware of the concept of soil depletion. Raised garden beds typically lose nutrients quickly compared to base-level garden soil. 

To counter this slow nutrient loss, living soil builders may be necessary for facilitating proper crop growth. These soil builders feed the soil, break up compaction, fix nitrogen, as well as suppress weeds.

While there’s no format or laid-out structure in which you have to plant these, they can generally be used as cover crops, companion plants, or off-season boosters.

And if you’re still planning your setup, here’s a quick guide to choosing the best shapes and sizes for raised beds that make crop rotation and soil care even easier.

mustard greens and carrots
White clover
White clover

Both red and white clovers have nitrogen-fixing properties and can prevent soil erosion to some degree. They spread fast and grow quite well as an off-season cover crop. 

You want to cut clovers down but leave the roots in place before planting something else in their place. They help create an encouraging environment for leafy green, tomato, and pepper growth. 

Peas
Peas

Peas are perhaps the only crops actually known for their nitrogen-fixing properties. They can help loosen up the soil with their shallow roots and grow fairly early in spring. 

Like with clovers, you want to leave pea roots in place after harvesting. They’re the ideal soil-building choice for planting heavy feeders like corn or squash later on.

Peas are also perfect for utilizing vertical space in raised beds that may be close to fences or trellises. They’ll make your garden space look much fuller and vibrant, which is something I’m sure all gardeners would want. 

And if you’re growing in shallow raised beds, here’s what to plant to make the most of that space.

Bush Beans
Bush Beans

Both bush and pole beans fix nitrogen and can enrich the soil naturally. They can easily be planted in between or around summer crops without any trouble whatsoever. To achieve beneficial results in soil beds, leave their roots behind in the soil after the final harvest. 

Buckwheat growing
Buckwheat

Not only does buckwheat grow super fast, but it also suppresses weeds and adds solid organic matter that can be especially helpful for raised beds. 

Plant this one as a quick summer cover crop. However, you will definitely have to mow it down before it seeds and mixes into the soil. 

Daikon Radish
Daikon Radish

This special radish variety can help break up compacted soil with deep taproots. It’s best grown in the fall season and should ideally be left to decompose in the soil, improving drainage and aeration. 

Daikon radish is a solid planting choice before root crops or carrots. 

And if you’re looking to pair them with something quick and efficient, here are some fast-growing crops that do great in raised beds.

Mustard Greens
Mustard Greens

If you didn’t already know, mustard greens are natural biofumigants. They fight pests and soil-borne diseases very well, growing best in cool weather conditions. 

Chop up some mustard greens, mix them into your topsoil, and follow with planting either tomatoes or brassicas. 

Oats
Oats

Oats offer organic matter and suppress weeds like nothing else. Although there aren’t any specific guidelines for oats, try planting them as a fall or spring cover crop. 

Many gardeners even prefer to chop up oats and leave them as mulch around the base of their next crops. Doing so helps prep garden beds for heavy feeders like corn.

And if you’re planning your layout in raised beds, this companion planting chart might help you maximize space and synergy.

Borage
Borage and Zucchini

Borage plants release deep taproot minerals into the soil and improve the overall soil structure dramatically. The interesting, textured flowers attract pollinators and ruin pest populations efficiently. They can be excellent companions for tomatoes and squash. 

Comfrey
Comfrey

Something very unique about Comfrey is that it’s able to draw nutrients from deep soil without trouble. Unfortunately, this unique perennial isn’t ideal for small raised beds. But, you can cut comfrey leaves up to 3-4 times per season and use them as compost or mulch.

If you’re going the compost route, here are more organic fertilizer ideas using kitchen scraps you can pair it with.

Unlike competitive and often self-serving human beings, plants can be surprisingly selfless; many naturally enrich the soil, making it better for the crops that follow.

And if your raised beds tend to dry out too quickly, here’s a guide to fixing that issue before planting your next round.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about such plants, I suggest you give them a shot in your garden and see their soil enrichment properties in action. Your garden and the plants you grow next will thank you! 

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