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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: pip on September 15, 2003, 13:50:48

Title: Green manure
Post by: pip on September 15, 2003, 13:50:48

Hi
can anyone help with my so far fruitless search for green manure seed? Ideally Sinapis alba  or Vicia sativa  - but any other suggestions gratefully accepted.
I've about 3/4 of allotment I need to cover till next year & don't fancy the black plastic route! ???

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: legless on September 15, 2003, 17:21:34

there is a section of green manure seeds at www.organiccatalog.com .

most are listed with common names so i can't confirm if they have the specific ones you're after....

Jo

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: pip on September 15, 2003, 18:06:01

cheers Jo

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: gavin on September 16, 2003, 02:50:12

Hi Pip - like Legless, I use http://www.organiccatalog.com/ ;  their hard copy paper catalogue has good information laid out in table form.  

I'd love to hear more about how you're using the sinapis alba (white mustard?).  I tend to be a little unadventurous with green manures - I know that alfalfa and fenugreek fit easily into my growing pattern, and so far anything else has not been a great success.  

But - I've so far steered clear of the brassica-family green manures, as they are supposed to be susceptible to club-root, and kind-of complicate rotation plans.

All best - Gavin

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: legless on September 16, 2003, 15:44:42

i'm going to try Phacelia tanacetifolia and Tares thsi year and see what works best. the plot next door have hungarian grazing rye so i shall watch and see if that is manageable or not...

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: Ed^Chigliak on September 16, 2003, 22:25:59

Ditto... I'm sowing Phacelia & Tares this week as a winter cover crop and to begin the process of reclaiming an unused allotment. I have come to the conclusion that exposing bare soil is like extending an open invitation for cats to poop & weeds to grow.

Ed^

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: legless on September 17, 2003, 01:30:59

exactly. i've covered half of mine in plastic and will green manure the rest (except for the bit with onions and garlic in).
ate least next year i'll know what happened to the soil teh previous year  ;D ::) ??? ;D

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: Ceri on September 17, 2003, 11:31:23

legless, if you ever need more plastic, I've got half a roll of heavy duty left - about 10 metres x 4 metres if its any use

Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: legless on September 17, 2003, 12:21:12

thanks Cerig, i haven't finished my roll yet though it goes a lot further than i predicted! onions still haven't arrived, expecting them soon though...