Soil health is one of the most important parts of successful crops and gardens. 

Doug Gucker, Educator with the University of Illinois Extension for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties explains that the longer you have green things growing in the field, the better it is for the soil. 

According to Gucker, having plants in the ground longer will help to preserve the microorganisms that become dormant in the winter. This, in turn, will give you more successful crops come planting season. 

The University of Illinois Extension provides many resources that can help you grow your plants and crops this season, whether it's on the farm or in your backyard. Find them at extension.illinois.edu/dmp.