Allotments 4 All

Is there any type of green manure that can be sown now?

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.

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!

That's what I do too.  I got half a kilo from Nicky's Nursery for a very good price fairly recently.

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

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

ours was from kings through the seed scheme, can't remember how much but it was 2 big packs  :)

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.

I`m trying rye this year to bulk up the soil

it's a b*gger to dig in!!  ;)

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.

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.