Green Manure Seed Mix:
A mixture of at least a dozen different types of seeds which, when grown then dug back into the soil, will add organic matter and nutrients to your soil.
Varieties included in the mixture vary seasonally.
1kg, to cover around 20 square metres.
Green Manure Mix May Include:
- cereal rye, lupin, pea, canola, sunflower, safflower, panicum, triticale, oats, buckwheat, millet, canola, mung bean, sorghum, alfalfa and brassica
Benefits of Growing Green Manure:
- improved soil structure - heavy and compacted soils are broken up and aerated
- better water retention
- minerals are drawn up through the soil profile and made more available to plants
- conditions are improved for beneficial soil microbes
- brassica crops also help eliminate root knot nematode
Directions for Use:
- Rake the soil surface lightly to break up any clumps.
- Spread the seed generously over the soil surface.
- Cover the seed lightly with soil or compost to protect it from birds.
- Water the seed bed well.
- Wait for seeds to grow.
- After around 6 weeks, before flowering begins or woody stems develop, cut down the green manure crop and dig plant material into the soil.
- One week later, dig in plant material once again.
- A week or two later, the ground should be recharged with nutrients and ready for planting with a new crop of vegetables.