Clear your veggie patch and grow Green Manure
What on earth is that?
I hear you ask with your eyebrows knitted together.
Well, green manures are a plant-based alternative to animal manures, and therefore far less stinky! In fact, not stinky at all!
They grow fast and have very long tap roots which delve deep into the soil to grab nutrients.
Crimson clover is an example of a green manure plant that is able to fix nitrogen from the air into nodules on their roots.
As the clover breaks down the nitrogen is released into the soil, thereby improving the quality of your flower bed or veggie patch.
Benefits of Green Manure
Green manure provides a multitude of benefits for soil and crop health. Here are some key advantages:
Soil Fertility Enhancement
- Nitrogen Fixation: Leguminous green manures such as clover and vetch fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, enriching it for subsequent crops.
- Nutrient Recycling: These crops capture and store nutrients, preventing leaching and making them available for future plants.
Improvement of Soil Structure
- Organic Matter Addition: Incorporating green manure increases organic matter in the soil, improving its structure, aeration, and water retention capabilities.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of green manure crops help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and runoff.
Weed Suppression
- Smothering Weeds: Dense growth of green manure can outcompete and suppress weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides.
- Allelopathic Effects: Some green manures release natural chemicals that inhibit weed seed germination and growth.
Pest and Disease Management
- Break Pest Cycles: Growing green manure can interrupt pest and disease cycles by creating a physical barrier and altering the habitat.
- Biological Control: Certain green manures can attract beneficial insects that help control pests.
Enhanced Biodiversity
- Habitat for Beneficial Organisms: Green manure crops can provide habitat and food for pollinators and other beneficial insects, fostering a balanced ecosystem.
Plant Green Manure In Autumn or Spring
Autumn or spring is the right time to be planting green manure plants into bare soil.
You can plant them when your flowers or veggies are past their best, and then dig them over into the soil when you’re ready to start planting again.
Green manure is a great way to enhance and feed your soil without having to use any chemical nasties.
Sow Green Manure From Seed
Green manure plants are sown as seeds, usually after a crop has been harvested, but you can also plant them to fill the space between your crops or you can even use them to under-plant taller growing crops.
You’ll find that they grow quickly and- even better- smother weeds- yayyyy!!!
Their deep tap roots also prevent nutrients washing away in heavy rains, which can cause soil erosion- you don’t want that!
Before your green manure starts flowering, dig them over into the ground so that they can rot down and release their magic nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, ahead of the growing season.
How To Plant Green Manure
Use the instructions on the packet and scatter the seeds, raking them lightly into the prepared surface to stop those pesky birds filling their beaks with them.
When to Dig Over Green Manure
Three or four weeks before you’re ready to plant a new crop, get out there and dig your green manure into the soil.
This gives it a good length of time to start rotting down and releasing nutrients into the soil to feed your new plants.
When is the right time?
Look out for flowers in green manures, such as clovers and vetches.
Other green manures will start to form flower buds in the centre of the plant- grazing rye will do this.
When you start to see signs of this occurring in your green manure then you know it’s time to get the spade out.
How to dig in Green Manure
Your first step is to cut down the foliage and allow it to wilt for a couple of days.
The next step is to unearth the roots using a sharp spade and turn everything back into the soil.
Then give it all a good dig over to prepare the ground for sowing your crops.
Conclusion
Incorporating green manure into your farming practices can lead to sustainable and productive agriculture.
By enhancing soil fertility, improving structure, suppressing weeds, and managing pests and diseases, green manure crops offer a holistic approach to soil health.
Choose the right crops, time their growth and incorporation properly, and seamlessly integrate them into your crop rotation for maximum benefits.
Recommended reading
How To Prepare Your Raised Beds for Spring
Time-Saving Tips for Lazy Gardeners: Create a Beautiful Garden
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