Using Green Manure

[wadsleyparkowl]

Hi folks,

It's been a long while since I posted, due to being ill for a couple of years. Hopefully over the worst. I did a general search on this topic as I couldn't find anything on the matter. (watch someone point me to where there's a massive thread about it.)

I'm interested to see what people think about using it as apposed to traditional horse / cow what ever they use. I'm asking as I have no place on my plot to have it delivered, so I'm seriously thinking about using green manure as a viable alternative. I'm looking at sowing at the end of the season & leaving it till Spring.

I spoke to someone the other day who wouldn't use anything else, but I guess it's each to their own. So!!!!

What do folk think about using green manure?

Is it as "good" as using traditional methods?

Are there any more benefits / drawbacks to using it. (over Winter type)

Does it do what it says on the tin?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[nickdub]

Biggest problem with a lot of green manure plants is they mostly only grow in the Summer when space for other plants is most needed. If you have plenty of room, then the world is your lobster of course.

In a mild winter field beans sown in the Autumn can work well (not for me as the rabbits murder them) - if you just want to improve the soil structure and hold in some nutrients over winter then Autumn sown rye will work OK, but its not a manure in the strict sense, as it adds no nitrogen.

[Scarlet]

I've done a search - these may help.

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ure_96139.html

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ter_82525.html

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...elp_91326.html

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ure_90956.html

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ure_89066.html

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...how_87116.html

Other options to cow /horse manure/ green manure
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ion_90033.html

I would be worried about using some manures - there have been several of our grapes that have had problems with it. There are other options. I make as much compost as possible, use mulches and grass clippings/ chicken pellets / and home made feeds.