Post by Pharmer Phil on Jul 5, 2005 5:22:05 GMT -6
In another Thread, we discussed Buckwheat, and when/why and what it will do for You.
This is one of many cover/green manure crops one can use to build their soil, and fill in that big empty spot, either after you harvest, or in rotation with your crops, by growing it for a season in a section of your garden, and planting there later, or the following Year.
I will say something about Buckwheat first. Not because it is the best, just that we have been on the subject.
Buckwheat is a non-legume annual, smothers summer weeds. It matures in two months; you can; if you wish, plant a second crop for full summer coverage.
Buckwheat builds organic matter and adds phosphorus to the soil. Buckwheat grows in most soils, including infertile and acidic ones.
Growing Guidelines: Plant 5 ounces per 100 square feet or 3 pounds per 1000 square feet in the spring or summer.
Sweet clover is the best legume for improving poor or disturbed soils that aren't acidic.
It adds phosphorus, nitrogen, and large amounts of organic matter to the soil. Its deep roots loosen the soil and draw nutrients from the subsoil, which return to the top soil when you turn the green manure under. Sweet clover requires a well-drained soil with a pH near neutral. It absolutely
will not tolerate acid soils.
Growing Guidelines: Sow in the spring or summer at a rate of 3/4to 1 ounce per 100 square feet or 1/2-1 pound per 1000 square feet.
There are many other, but These I have experience with.
Two common green manure crops are Winter Rye and Annual Rye
I hesitate to use,or, advise anyone to use it for a couple reasons, One, you MUST do it right, and if you Don't...You have problems and then I get alot of
It produces Toxins, that Is a good thing, to help prevent weeds; HOWEVER, you Cannotplant small-seeded crops such as lettuce and radishes just after turning annual ryegrass under. Transplants and large-seeded crops aren't affected.
Also; Annual ryegrass dies out after one year, although some of the seed planted the first year may come up for the next two or three, so You may have to fight it for a couple years.
All the above are good soil enrichments, smother out weeds, cover the ground to prevent erosion/compaction and add both nutrients and organic matter to your soil.
This is one of many cover/green manure crops one can use to build their soil, and fill in that big empty spot, either after you harvest, or in rotation with your crops, by growing it for a season in a section of your garden, and planting there later, or the following Year.
I will say something about Buckwheat first. Not because it is the best, just that we have been on the subject.
Buckwheat is a non-legume annual, smothers summer weeds. It matures in two months; you can; if you wish, plant a second crop for full summer coverage.
Buckwheat builds organic matter and adds phosphorus to the soil. Buckwheat grows in most soils, including infertile and acidic ones.
Growing Guidelines: Plant 5 ounces per 100 square feet or 3 pounds per 1000 square feet in the spring or summer.
Sweet clover is the best legume for improving poor or disturbed soils that aren't acidic.
It adds phosphorus, nitrogen, and large amounts of organic matter to the soil. Its deep roots loosen the soil and draw nutrients from the subsoil, which return to the top soil when you turn the green manure under. Sweet clover requires a well-drained soil with a pH near neutral. It absolutely
will not tolerate acid soils.
Growing Guidelines: Sow in the spring or summer at a rate of 3/4to 1 ounce per 100 square feet or 1/2-1 pound per 1000 square feet.
There are many other, but These I have experience with.
Two common green manure crops are Winter Rye and Annual Rye
I hesitate to use,or, advise anyone to use it for a couple reasons, One, you MUST do it right, and if you Don't...You have problems and then I get alot of
It produces Toxins, that Is a good thing, to help prevent weeds; HOWEVER, you Cannotplant small-seeded crops such as lettuce and radishes just after turning annual ryegrass under. Transplants and large-seeded crops aren't affected.
Also; Annual ryegrass dies out after one year, although some of the seed planted the first year may come up for the next two or three, so You may have to fight it for a couple years.
All the above are good soil enrichments, smother out weeds, cover the ground to prevent erosion/compaction and add both nutrients and organic matter to your soil.
Thanks Phil. Your post answered a bunch of my questions. 
Keep up the good work Mentor Phil.