[bobbyt]

I've planted Phacelia green manure on my plot for the first time to try and further improve my clay type soil. It was planted in September, and now it is all green fern-like leaves about a foot tall. Am I right in thinking it won't flower in winter, and I can then dig it in when spring arrives. Or is it better to chop it down before, and leave to rot down on the surface? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[mumofstig]

Here, after a few hard frosts over winter, it dies and the top disappears - I just leave the roots in situ and lightly cultivate the surface in the spring.
I suppose it depends on your local climate, but if it is still alive in early spring, I'd strim the top off and leave it on the surface for the worms to take down.

[bobbyt]

Thanks again mumofstig, I'll see what happens, just had a couple of hard frosts, so I'll venture into the cold and mud and take a look in a few weeks time.