[Nobbie]

I've got two bits of the plot that I'm thinking of sowing green manure on. The plot is on heavy clay and it really packed down hard in the rain last winter. One area has had spuds in with plenty of horse manure, so has now been dug over and will have brassica in next year. The other area has got onions in and will have potatoes in next year.

I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choice, but was thinking grazing rye for next years brassica bed as it will release nitrogen slowly, not sure about the potato bed as not sure it needs nitrogen and growing grass before potatoes sounds like an invitation to wireworm, although they'd have to fight the slugs off first

I think the main benefit will be to keep the soil structure open, so what do other people do. I'm not afraid of hard work, so digging in won't be an issue.

[mumofstig]

I use Phacelia nearly everywhere, the top usually dies off in the very cold weather, or you can cut them and leave on the top as a mulch, the worms will drag down the organic matter and help to aerate the soil......so no digging in required - as the roots are left behind to keep the soil open 

[moose]

You will find that digging in rye is very hard work! I use Phacelia, Buckwheat and Tares which I cut down and use as a mulch or compost rather than dig in as arthritis means digging as little as possible. I tried field beans over winter this year some of which I grew for harvest some was cut and composted. Trying a small patch of alfalfa this year which I shall leave to grow for two or so years as it in a non-productive area for veg.

[MalcW]

Phacelia for me as well. If you leave some of it to flower the bees love it.

[Nobbie]

Excellent, Phacelia it is for the potatoes bed and I'll make my own mistake with the ryegrass on the cabbage bed

[Growster...]

We're using mustard, Nobbie.

It took some time to germinate while it was so hot a month ago, but we chucked on some more seed, and it's taking off now after some rain!

Got a slight problem with flea beetle, but the plants are growing strongly now!