Green Manure

By Helmut Glenk

Green manure crops are a great way to revitalize and open the soil by adding natural compost and nitrogen. They also suppress winter weeds.

Sowing - Best to sow in Autumn (March to May). Lightly cultivate the ground, sprinkle the seed evenly , rake over and water well.

When to dig in – Once crop reaches a height of about 15cms it can be dug in to rot and decompose. This should be done at least 3-4 weeks before planting your next vegetable crop. It is easier to dig in when the green manure crop is not too high otherwise it needs to be cut.

Contents – Oats, rye grass and white clover. The white clover will fix free atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. The seeds are from a well-established Australian seed company.

- Helmut has kindly left some green manure seed packets at the pavillion if you would like to give this a go!