[SidReal]

I'm still trying to find out whether green manures (eg clover) will germinate and grow on top of / from underneath a layer of mulch, eg straw mulch or bark. Apparently decaying matter will prevent germination of seed, thus it is good to wait 4-6 weeks after digging in a green manure, for example, before planting out. Before I splash out on a couple of bags of this mulch, to protect the freshly dug/exposed soil, do you know if clover or another green manure will establish itself without much problem if broadcast at the same time as layering the mulch. Or - do you have any other ideas for protecting exposed soil (in these hot sunny days) while establishing a green manure crop?

Many thanks

[savbo]

never tried it myself but I would have thought that fleece over the sown green manure would do the job ...

[gillie]

I have never done it either, but since one of the purposes of a mulch is to prevent weed seeds germinating, I suspect it will stop 'wanted' seeds germinating as well.

I don't understand why you want to do this.  Both a mulch and a growing green manure crop fulfil much the same function of protecting exposed soil, so why do you want to use both?

Cheers,

Gillie

[birmancats]

Hi.  I visited an commercial organic small farm and he planted leeks or whatever crop and sowed the green manure at the same time.  This protected the bare soil and was in place when he harvested so the soil was never bare.  Seemed a really good idea and I'll try it down the allotment.  If you want to learn more about it he has a web site/blog spot.  Hopesayglebefarm.  Hope that helps.

[Salmo]

I doubt very much wether you will establish clover either under or on mulch. Clover is not a great competitor when it small.

If you want rapid ground cover try phacelia or mustard.

[SidReal]

thanks for the advice i'll check them out X