Topic: Green manure

[caroline7758]

Is there any type of green manure that can be sown now?

[ceres]

I think you can sow most at the moment.  I've tried a few and phacelia is the one I stick to now.  Germinates quickly, doesn't need netting, the bees adore it and it digs in easily.

[caroline7758]

That's good news,as phacelia is my favourite too! Will order it in bulk now rather than the silly little packets from the garden centre!

[ceres]

That's what I do too.  I got half a kilo from Nicky's Nursery for a very good price fairly recently.

[manicscousers]

just sown some in the early potato bed, it will be planted up with winter brassicas later on so it should fit in nicely  ;D

[shirlton]

We have been growing some since the spring for the seed. It was a fiver from Marshalls last year. Cant be doin with that. ;D

[manicscousers]

ours was from kings through the seed scheme, can't remember how much but it was 2 big packs  :)

[Sparkly]

We have planted some buckwheat (from the organic range at the supermarket) where the japanese onions/garlic have been taken out. LIke manics, this will be planted with winter brassicas later on.

[powerspade]

I`m trying rye this year to bulk up the soil

[tonybloke]

it's a b*gger to dig in!!  ;)

[Squash64]

My Phacelia was just a pinch of seeds given to me by another plotholder.  The first year, I only had a few plants which I left to flower and set seed.  This year I had a meadow of it!  It's such a beautiful flower that I don't think I could ever dig it in as green manure before it flowered.

I spent ages yesterday pulling it up and putting it on the compost so I can put some butternuts in the ground.  Only halfway there, but at least it comes up really easily.

[Bjerreby]

This year I had a meadow of it! 

I know what you mean. I love Phacelia. I too had a meadow of it last year, only this year I have a meadow of red clover, which is also fine. The Phacelia has migrated to under the eaves of the house. It seems to prefer the dry conditions there.