Sowing a green manure on bare soil in autumn is a great way to improve its structure and fertility. It prevents nutrients from being washed out of bare soil, deters weeds from germinating and improves soil structure.
Sown directly, the resulting young leafy plants are later dug back into the soil in spring, giving it a boost.
In this clip from Gardeners’ World, Monty Don demonstrates how to sow grazing rye grass as a green manure, and explains how to use it to incorporate back into the soil:
Learn how to sow green manure in just three steps, below.
You Will Need
- Green manure seed mix
- Garden rake
Step 1
Measure the area and work out the sowing rate according to the packet instructions. If sowing several varieties together mix well for the best results.
Step 2
Scatter the seeds over prepared soil.
Step 3
Rake the seed lightly into the surface and protect from birds.
Top plants for green manure
- Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
- Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
- Grazing rye (Secale cereale)
- Broad beans (Vicia faba)
- Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)
- Mustard greens (Brassica juncea)
- Phacelia
- White clover (Trifolium repens)
