Green manure - can I use what I have?

[Planter]

I'm a bit of a lurker and less of a poster. I have a couple of questions.

I've been reading on green manure lately and have recently got an allotment, with very clay soil.

1. Can I use the white Mustard I buy from places like Wilko and B&Q for green manure? It's the stuff you sow like cress.

2. I grow pea shoots from those Bigga dried supermarket peas. Would these still have nitrogen fixing benefits like normal peas if I let them grow a bit?

As ever, you guys are awesome and I look forward to seeing your replies!

[WendyC]

I would say the answer to both of those is yes you can use them. However you are going to need an awful lot of packets of mustard to cover any great area. Green manures tend to come in bigger packets.
Very comprehensive information here if you haven't already found this site:

The finest range of Green Manure Seeds for all soil types.

[Planter]

Ah yeah, I thought that it would probably be more expensive to use the smaller packets I have.

I was just wondering really, thought I'd try it out with what I have if it's ok to use before buying those bigger packets; I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be wasting it. I also have loads of those dried peas too.

Will look at that site, thanks!

[Scarlet]

I'm on clay soil, ive found mulching with cardboard, newspapers and homemade compost etc has helped over the years. A good load of manure would help too, if you can find some decent stuff. Grow a few beans in it before you use it.

[Planter]

Sounds good, Scarlet.

I'll start planning with that in mind.

[roitelet]

Some 10-12 years ago I started my potager on clay with lots of flint in it. After the early years when it was either too soggy and sticky or had to be bashed up with a hammer to break up the clods when dry I now have a good tilth. I did this by adding lots of organic matter heavy mulching and using green manure. It has really worked well and the only cost was the seed for the green manure.

[Planter]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm probably going to order some mustard green manure seeds, just need to work out which one is the best now. Caliente Mustard seems a popular choice.

[roitelet]

Phacalie, if I've spelt that right, is good for breaking up clay and doesn't conflict with any of the plant families.

[veggiechicken]

^^^^ Phacelia. Bees love the flowers.

[KittyColdNose]

I confused red clover with the stuff that creeps under the fence from next door. Took me a long time to realise they are not the same.

[Planter]

Thanks! I'll be sure to get some Phacelia.