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Green manure over winter help

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  • #1

    Green manure over winter help

    Hi guys

    Last year I planted a winter green manure mix in my raised beds, It grew really well but it seemed to have a lot of rye grass in the mix which formed one solid matted root and was very difficult to dig in during the spring, it was near impossible to get a good tilth because there there were great big clumps of root everywhere.

    This year even though ive got loads left over Im not sure whether to use it or not or buy something else?

    Do other folks have great trouble digging in green manures? is there a green manure thats easier to use?
    Last edited by maverick451; 16-09-2016, 11:51 AM.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Bob Flowerdew always recommends poached egg plant.
    He-Pep!

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    • #3
      Whilst I do love Bob flowerdew..

      ..I used a winter mix but it was probably only 10% of that of winter rye, by far the majority was mustard, then phacelia.. it was fine to dig in!?
      <*}}}>< Jonathan ><{{{*>

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      • #4
        hairy vetch

        hairy vetch is a good green manure if you plan on grow tomatoes next season.

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        • #5
          I have phacelia and crimson clover sown as green manure. The winter mix I had last year had a lot of rye in it, but with cutting it down and leaving for a few days before digging in it wasn't too bad. I did have 2-3 clumps of rye which refused to die though.

          Mine was turned over to a spade's depth which seemed to sort most of the roots out.
          Last edited by sparrow100; 18-09-2016, 10:08 PM.
          http://mudandgluts.com - growing fruit and veg in suburbia

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          • #6
            I planted Hungarian grazing rye which gave a fantastic cover ~ zero weeds ...... I cut it down in the spring and left it lying on top of the beds for two weeks.
            Then I just forked it all in and planted into it. Worked out for me....
            Last edited by SusieG; 18-09-2016, 10:16 PM.
            ~~~ Gardening is medicine that does not need
            a prescription ... And with no limit on dosage.
            - Author Unknown ~~~

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            • #7
              Yeh, Rye is a pain in the @rse - the others are OK.

              I've got to dash - personal goal at stake.
              .......because you're thinking of putting the kettle on and making a pot of tea perhaps, you old weirdo. (Veggie Chicken - 25/01/18)

              My Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnC..._as=subscriber

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              • #8
                The idea of green manure over winter is to reduce the amount of light getting to other weeds, prevent the surface run off problem, re-circulate the nutrients near the surface rather thanm have them leached deep into the subsoil.
                It is not nessacary to have the crop thick like a lawn with every centimeter covered, the benefits are there just the same. So plant as recommended but be carefull the mix is not settled with all one type of seed on the top and use the correct rate of application.

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                • #9
                  I've had problems getting rid of rye grass - it just kept on coming, so I wouldn't use it again (at least not on clay - maybe it's easier on sandier soils?)

                  Field beans were great though - quick, reliable and easy to cut/kill. I've convinced myself there are now more worms, but have no idea if it's really true!

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                  • #10
                    @Clod

                    Did field beans help with your clay soil? Im trying for the first time with a very heavy clay soil so your opinion would be great!

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                    • #11
                      If you have got heavy clay, the 'eden method' is very effective for not much effort. Pile on the woodchip nice and thick. Do it now and leave it all winter. The worms will take it down and cultivate the soil while the chip breaks down and adds nutrients and fibre. Come spring (later is better) just fork over the surface and plant away. You can speed it up by adding urine for the extra nitrogen if thats your thing, best to collect it in supermarket milk containers at home and pour it on the allotment rather than the public display! ;-)
                      If you can access some spare sand from a completed building site, thats worth spreading on clay soil too as it stops it clogging up again too fast. A combination of those two things and dig in some compost, two years later you will have soil the envy of all your friends.

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                      • #12
                        I have never used a green manure, in September I dig 6ft x 3ft troughs (or one of the raised beds) 6-12ins deep and infill with all the summers veg scraps from the compost bin and then replace the soil, come april, all that's there is soil, and it really does produce. I much prefer the worms to do most of the work, as all that digging in really puts me off the idea of a green manure, I can put up with the infill , but that's my lot. I use about a square yard of compost like this each year, so the garden ends up feeding itself...magic..
                        Last edited by BUFFS; 20-09-2016, 03:31 PM.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by BUFFS View Post
                          I have never used a green manure, in September I dig 6ft x 3ft troughs (or one of the raised beds) 6-12ins deep and infill with all the summers veg scraps from the compost bin and then replace the soil, come april, all that's there is soil, and it really does produce. I much prefer the worms to do most of the work, as all that digging in really puts me off the idea of a green manure, I can put up with the infill , but that's my lot. I use about a square yard of compost like this each year, so the garden ends up feeding itself...magic..
                          I sorted 2 of the raised beds today, 6ins of stuff from compost bin, 6ins of soil back on top, these two will be the onion beds next year. finally lifted the beetroot today, and its all in jars of vinegar now, and carrots seem to be reaching "pulling" size at last, and the sun has come out,you can feel the warmth on your back, oh so lovely...

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