Video:How to Grow Green Manure

SHARE ON                

Transcript:How to Grow Green Manure

What Is Green Manure?

Green manure, also called a cover crop, is a great way to add nutrients to the soil. Green manure means planting a crop that is meant to be incorporated into the soil to increase its fertility. The green manure crop can be planted in the fall after the herbs have been harvested, and turned into the soil in the early spring.

Planting Green Manure

To plant green manure properly, do so when it is going to rain. It is essential that the seeds should not dry out during the germination period. Mixing the seeds with sand or soil before spreading helps you have more control over where it goes. After you spread the seeds, rake the soil to cover them sufficiently for germination. Types of Green Manure There are two types of green manures: Legumes and Non-legumes. (“Legumes” are plants whose roots work with the bacteria in the soil to grab Nitrogen in the atmosphere.) This is called Nitrogen fixating, and is helped along by an inoculant, or treatment medium to help the legumes work. Some legume green manures are Alfalfa, clover and soybeans.

“Non-legumes” are all other green manures like Rye grass, Buckwheat and Oats. There is a form of Rye called Winter Rye that will grow in the coldest of zones and be ready to turn under in early spring.

Choosing Green Manure

Choosing your green manure depends on when you want to seed and what type of soil you have. Some green manures require you to seed in the winter and others in the spring. It is best to combine more than one green manure and rotate what you plant from year to year. Whichever you choose, green manure is a great way to add organic nutrients to your herb garden.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit About.com.