Topic: Green Manures

[springs]

 
 Any one grown any green manure, I would be interested to hear your comments.

[manicscousers]

we've only used phacelia, works well but there was a discussion on here, maybe search would throw some light on the subject  ;D

[SteveJ]

I used to use a mixture of hungarian grazing rye and tares, but the rye is quite difficult to dig in.  This year I'm going for Tares mainly, and trying out some Phacelia.

[Derek]

I started using green manures two years ago...Phacelia during the season and Field beans. Hungarian Rye over winter. 

The soil has certainly improved and I am truly converted...I have even managed to convince some of my allotment neighbours to give them a go

[mc55]

I'm using Phacelia for the second year - it really brings the bees and hover flies into the lottie.  I've also used Alfalfa (currently in flower and I think about to be dug in) and buckwheat, which is very pretty and delicate - the bees like that too.  I've also got some rye, which looks pretty and is supposed to do fabulous things to the soil structure ... jury is still out on that one.  My neighbour has tonnes of red clover, rye and mustard - his soil is fabulous compared to mine.

[allaboutliverpool]

I have considered green manure which looks ok when growing, the problem is that when I have dug one of my raised beds, I love the neat, pristine look of the freshly dug soil.

The prospect of seeing bits of green sticking out offends my sense of orderliness.

I will however have a go. Can it be grown at any time, for example, now, after my early potatoes and onions, and how long do I leave it?

Let me know and I will photograph the progress and build a web page. I may even fill different beds with different types to compare them.

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments1_homepage.html

[saddad]

You can always cut it off and take to the compost bin... it still prevents leaching over winter.... and as long as the compost gets back on the beds later...  ;D

[lincolnlad]

WHAT IS THE BEST GREEN MANURE TO USE OVER WINTER TO SPRING ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME THANK YOU. CHEERS LINCOLNLAD

[saddad]

We have most success with vetch...
 :-\

[caroline7758]

I left some phacelia in as the flowers are so lovely. It's now going to seed- should I dig it up or leave it in? Don't want it to take over!