Green manure - which one

[MervF]

We have problems trying to get horse manure delivered to our site since the last supplier gave up.   There are several places that keep horses around the area but will not deliver so it seems green manure is the way to go.   Can anyone suggest which is the best to use to overwinter.

[MervF]

[Paul.and.Lynda]

Sutton Seeds sell a Winter Mix that is for sowing August-mid October ready for digging in February-April.

Can be found here:
http://www.suttons.co.uk/Gardening/Vegetable+Seeds/All+Vegetable+Seeds/Green+Manure+-+Winter+Mix_169522.htm?utm_source=AdWordsPla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AdWordsPla&gclid=CPKbzKfT9rwCFQcewwodvAgArQ

We are 1st year allotment holders and will be sowing Green Manure on our plot over the winter.

Paul 

[Ian Pearson]

I grow field beans overwinter as a green manure. In early spring the growing tips can be eaten, and some of the plants left for beans to eat, and seed for the next year. They don't suppress weeds that well on their own, but the edible aspect is a good bonus. Remember that any plants allowed to form pods will not add nitrogen to the soil — it all gets transferred to the seeds before the plant dies back. A useful crop, because they can be sown pretty late in the year e.g. after clearing tomatoes or courgettes.

Hungarian grazing rye is a favourite of mine (that's it in my avatar), and puts lots of root material into the soil to a good depth. No need to dig in; just hoe of the tops when you need the ground. The tops can be left as a mulch, or removed for compost. Again, leave a small patch to mature to provide seed for the following year.

Phacelia and mustard are also useful, but more 'light duty' and not so hardy or capable of late sowing.

Note that mustard can be sown very early in spring if covered in clear polythene until germinated. It's very quick growing, so can do its thing before the ground needs to be cleared for warm-weather crops.