Vegetables Gardening - Growing Organic Vegetables

I have about a quarter acre in the Portland, Oregon metro area, the back part of which is garden. My partner and I are elderly and he recently became too ill to garden and the area was rather roughly plowed up and growed a huge crop of weeds on it. At this time I'm trying to mow down those weeds periodically but it's really too much exercise for me. I'm thinking of having the area re-tilled and putting in a cover crop, a low growing one hopefully, that would crowd out the weeds. The soil is pretty poor, in spite of the fact that it grows excellent weeds. Does anyone have any idea what might be a good cover crop for this area? I will be selling the house, but would like to leave that garden area in an improved condition.

Also, we have several varieties of apple trees that haven't been cared for properly and 3 out of 5 of them I can only describe as "blighted". My partner was to take care of all this, and he didn't, and I haven't a clue what spray or techniques should be used with apple trees. All suggestions will be appreciated. Oh, and the two apple trees that appear healthy this year were sprayed, once by my partner late in the spring and once earlier by a neighbor who was just helping out. I don't know what they used. We try to go as all-natural as possible. We have a couple of little dogs running around and are concerned for their wellbeing, as well as our own. And I'd sure like to improve the condition of the trees if I can.

Thanks,

Rosalie

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