Topic: Green manure

[reddyreddy]

Hello, I have dug over 2/3 of my new allotment and was going to black plastic the rest but due to conflicting opinions gathered here on a previous post I was wondering if there was a green man ure I could plant now which would cover and supress the majority then I could mulch just the bramble stub section? Thanks!! :D

[saddad]

Phacalia... or Tares would be my choice. Buckwheat is supposed to be good but I never have any joy with it.. :)

[raisedbedted]

If you havent dug it over and cleared it then I dont think youd get the green manure to grow.  It still requires a seedbed in order to get going and will be outflanked by the more pernicious weeds.

Once youve got areas clear and they are fallow then green manure is great - Pjhacelia is my favourite.

[telboy]

Agree with Ted,
Mustard is my choice. Dig it in BEFORE it flowers!
 ;D

[Eristic]

If I've read the post correctly Reddyteddy has done most of it and is getting fed up and dosn't feel ready to grow anything this year.

[reddyreddy]

Hello, yes I have done most of it and the reason I want to green manure/cover the remaining 1/3 is that this is my first year - (actually my first month!) and I dont want to go steaming ahead and do the whole plot in case I cannot mantain its upkeep.

I thought the first 2/3 (it is a full 10 rod plot) would be enough for me to see if the one hour three times a week plus weekends that I have spare is enough to keep it up, I can't see the point in blindly digging the whole plot if 6 months down the road I can't keep on top of the weeding, etc! I have PSB, onions, peas, garlic in already and pots are chitting, and all manner of yummies are in the greenhouse so I am certainly intending to grow lots and nowhere near fed up - far from it! Thanks for the advice people!  ;)

[hopalong]

You are very wise to take it steadily! A full 10-rod plot is a big undertaking.

In my experience, tares are probably best for suppressing weeds. Phacelia looks wonderful if you allow it to flower and is a great bee-attractor, but you should really dig it in a month or two after sowing if you want it to act as a green manure.

[reddyreddy]

Thanks Hopalong, yes, trying to take it steady!

[raisedbedted]

If I've read the post correctly Reddyteddy has done most of it and is getting fed up and dosn't feel ready to grow anything this year.

No I think youre at cross purposes - the remaining 1/3 rd hasnt been cleared and is not required for this year.