green manure

[ballpointbob]

New to this. Have just taken on a plot which needed a bit of clearing. As I create beds I am sticking mustard in some, clover in others and one big permanent comfrey bed.

Am not doing any serious planting yet as i will be away in August & unable to water etc and figure that putting this stuff in will at least stop too many weeds coming up and also do the soil a bit of good.

I understand that the mustard will die with the 1st frost & can be dug in. I am unclear about the clover though. I will want to dig it in but how do I make sure it doesn't spring up again when I have planted beans or whatever in that bed?   

[ballpointbob]

[Chrispy]

Mustard is very fast growing and will flower and set seed before any frosts.

There are different types of clover, which do you have?

I have not tries clover, although I did intend to this year and have a pack of white clover seeds, but as I understand it is not a good choice as a seed suppressent.

I am currently using buckwheat on any spare bits I want covered, not becuase it is the best to use, but because you can buy 0.5kg bags in Tescos.

I am also trying Trefoil, just sown some between some sweetcorn, as it adds nitogen and also is frost hardy so will keep the ground covered over the winter.

I would also consider doing some serious planting, I am sure there are loads of things you can plant that can look after themselves for a month.

[powerspade]

Dont grow Mustard green manure if you got club root as its part of the brassica family