A green crop is the growing of a crop that will be dug back into the soil. It is a natural method of soil maintenance, when dug into the soil it will boost and replace lost nutrients. This will also encourage earthworms and other beneficial micro organisms to your garden.

There are three main varieties of seed commonly used as green manure crops; Blue Lupins, Barley and Oats and Mustard.

Blue Lupin; This is a good one for maintenance of a soils fertility. Recycling lost nutrients from your subsoil coupled with adding vast amounts of ‘free nitrogen’ which is readily available to your next crops.

Barley & Oats; These produce a large mass of foliage and roots through the winter. They add both protein (nitrogen) and organic matter to the soil, in addition to strengthening your soil structure.

Mustard; This aids in the control of wireworm, nematodes etc, which are often problems associated with root crops. Mustard also reduces the chances of any soil bourne diseases within 40 days of digging in. (Note; If club root is a problem don’t plant brassicas crops after mustard).

Also available are combination packs that are a mixture of all of the above. These mixtures are very effective as they will purify your soil and at the same time build up your soil nutrient. You can also mix up your own using 3 parts Blue Lupins and 1 part of Mustard, sowing at a rate of 12grams per square metre.

For a successful Green Manure Crop, simply apply the seeds at the recommended rates. Then in early spring before the plants flower, (but while the stems are still soft and watery) dig your green manure back into the soil. After digging it in, it is best to leave the ground for up to three weeks before planting your next crop. This is essential with mustard. If you have access to it the addition of animal manure before digging in will hasten the breakdown of your green manure.