another question for the most experienced allotmenteers out there:
We are currently clearing an area which was heavily infested with brambles, bindweed and couch grass. We should be able to get to a stage where we have go the roots out within a week or so. I wanted to plant a green manure to improve the soil. The plot has not been cultivated for a number of years. I am not sure what we will plant in the area. We haven't sorted out our rotation for the new plot yet. Which sort of green manure should we use? Are there any types which should be used before particular crops?
There is no real set "program" for green manures or for rotations. It mainly depends on what you want to grow. Suggest you do a search online for "green manures". One site I found was
http://www.cotswoldseeds.co.uk/greenmanures.htm
Another handy site is http://www.keirg.freeserve.co.uk/diary/default.html
they may be right or wrong. Bob Flowerdew said that gardeners should not get too stuck on setting up a rotation and in your particular case I would probably suggest Rye grass.
As you have now started just note a journal of what you plant and when. Then when the whole area is in production you can set up the beds that you need.
Hope this helps and you enjoy the gardening. Remember that you are likely to get more disasters at the begining but the good results will be that much better and more satisfactory.
Bill
P.S. some would say that disasters occur every year but my cup is always half full :o))
Broad beans. :D
The roots fix nitrogen so, whether you dig them in or put them on the heap, they increase the nitrogen.
The roots are quite deep, so they keep the soil tilled, and bring minerals up to the tops.
If you leave them long enough you could eat the beans
(or at least have more to sow for more green manure).
The green tops make good compost, or liquid manure, or can be dug in.
Sown at this time of year they will overwinter and grow away again in Spring.
Some ryegrasses inhibit germination so are not a good idea before direct sown crops like carrots...
:-\
Have a look here. This should tell you everything you need to know about green manures. It is in PDF format and can be printed out to make a booklet.
http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/pdfs/international_programme/GreenMan.pdf
I like Buckwheat fast growing ,easy to dig in,fits in anywhere in ya rotation,and it attracts insects. :)
I've got a jar of buckwheat, rather old, that I have never made pancakes with......does anyone think it might germinate after all this time? It's not a seed easily found in garden centres.
I have ordered some winter field beans to put in within the next couple of weeks. In addition, I am planning to use buckwheat within our normal rotation. Thanks to everyone for the info!
If there's any area you might leave for a while, I recommend rye grass - especially if you've a problem with couch, as it seems to keep it down very well even in areas that haven't been properly cleared.