Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: caroline7758 on June 27, 2009, 11:31:13

Title: Green manure
Post by: caroline7758 on June 27, 2009, 11:31:13
Is there any type of green manure that can be sown now?
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: ceres on June 27, 2009, 12:13:21
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.
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: caroline7758 on June 27, 2009, 14:00:32
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!
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: ceres on June 27, 2009, 14:04:20
That's what I do too.  I got half a kilo from Nicky's Nursery for a very good price fairly recently.
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: manicscousers on June 27, 2009, 18:01:08
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
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: shirlton on June 27, 2009, 18:06:32
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
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: manicscousers on June 27, 2009, 18:13:00
ours was from kings through the seed scheme, can't remember how much but it was 2 big packs  :)
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: Sparkly on June 27, 2009, 18:58:29
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.
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: powerspade on June 29, 2009, 08:21:23
I`m trying rye this year to bulk up the soil
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: tonybloke on June 29, 2009, 23:34:47
it's a b*gger to dig in!!  ;)
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: Squash64 on June 30, 2009, 05:42:12
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.
Title: Re: Green manure
Post by: Bjerreby on June 30, 2009, 06:18:05
Quote from: Squash64 on June 30, 2009, 05:42:12
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.