[Janeymiddlewife]

I am hoping to plant an overwintering green manure on one of my plots - about 10' x 15'. I have heavy clay soil and don't have access to a rotovator, so what's the best way to incorporate it into the soil - should I attack the surface growth with a lopper - I find I have to "dig" with a fork and can just see the roots getting all tangled up in the fork - I haven't got round to getting an Azada yet... funds a bit limited at the mo.....
Thanks

[Pompey Spud]

24 reads and no reply.

Anyway....with your clay soil I'd sow Hungarian Grazing Rye due to its root structure to help break up the soil.

Late Feb/March cut it down to wilt for a few days than dig in.

It's not easy but think of all that exercise.

Try Kings Seeds for the manures. There are others that are easier but Rye will help your soil.

[Salmo]

If you grow green manure you will need to turn it in properly with a spade.

If you leave digging until Spring you could have trouble getting a seedbed and may not get your crops in until late. That would not matter if you are planning to plant late planted crops like runner beans or brassicas.

As you are on heavy soil you are best digging it over in Autumn/early Winter and leaving it to break down with the weather.

My approach would be to plant either mustard or phacelia now and dig them in when you do your normal Autumn digging. Chop them down a day or two before you are due to dig and let then wilt. Either chop with a spade, use a strimmer or run over it with a rotary mower. If a few bits stick out it does not matter.

One last point. Grazing rye is a pig to dig in.

[Janeymiddlewife]

Thanks both - think I'll wimp out and try the mustard this year as I am but a feeble laydeee when it comes to digging  maybe i can persuade OH to stump up for a rotavator or rent one the following year and we'll try the rye if soil isn't better.

[Pellynut]

Hi - I went to the Wisley Flower show this afternoon  .  On one stand  selling veggie seeds I got some Green Manure seeds - the lady recommended Winter Tares (Vetches) as our soil is very sandy.  Has anyone grown these and how easy are they to dig in?

[M0rph3u5]

yes the winter tares is much easier to dig in than the rye so go ahead

it springs up real quick too so you know where it is but be patient as it does not all grow at the same rate