Green Manures

[Bassman]

Hi all,
I am in the process of clearing an area of land which is to be used as an allotment for the very first time.
I have cut down all the very high top growth down to ground level and have started to take off the top layer of weed infested soil (not quite sure what to do with this as I have nowhere to put it, maybe ill make a small bank at the end of the allotment??
I have resigned myself to the fact that I'm really not going to get that far with growing anything this year so I am going to put as much effort in as possible in the ground preparation. With this in mind I would like to grow some green manure over the next few months ready to dig in around October time so the wind, rain frosts of winter can break down the soil.

My problem is I would like to use a green manure which would be best for my circumstances but my experiences with green manures is zero.
If anyone has any suggestions, have used green manures and have some useful tips or if they think Im going about things the wrong way they will be greatfully recieved.

As far as I can tell the land has never been cultivated before.
The Soil is heavy clay
The green manure needs to be ready to dig in by aprox October so that the elements can break the soil down.
Should I at some point add lime if so At what point of the cycle?
Should I add rotted manure if so at what point of the cycle?

Thankyou in advance.


Edit: Sorry its still early for me, I have probably posted this in the wrong area, maybe an admin could move it to the correct area??

[stv]

My initial reaction would be to say that you should remove the weeds and perennial roots and leave the soil where it is.
You may find that by taking off the top layer of soil you are down to subsoil. The reason the weeds are growing in the topsoil is because that is where they will find the best growing conditions, nutrients, drainage etc.

[lynda66]

if you remove the weeds, dig down a foot or so, then turn the top soil over and break it up, on top, then cover with cardboard or black plastic, it works quite well, i did this with my lawn a few years ago, removed the top layer, and put the clods upside down at the bottom of my garden, (i also have heavy clay with lots of bricks) within a few months, i dug it all over, dug in some home made compost, and the result is now about 2 foot of lovely soil just ready for planting my veggies in, i've planted the seeds in rows, and covered them over with a bag of compost and fingers crossed

Lynda xx

[Two_Sheds]

Don't waste a season growing green manures, grow something edible instead! You usually put green manures in VACANT ground, ie ground you don't have something more useful in. (I like Limnanthes, myself: it's hardy here in Suffolk)

[Snadger]

I grow a green manure between my plants which I don't need to sow each year.............it's called chickweed!

[Two_Sheds]

No, chickweed is a crop Eat like a salad or spinach. (Chickens love it - there's a clue in the name - as do guinea pigs)