The Shocking Truth About Green Manure: Why Every Gardener Needs It!

Check out my new book that you can pre-order now. Simplify Vegetable Gardening will be available on 16th Feb 2024. Pre-order now to be the first to get a copy of this book that has all my personal tips. geni.us/Simpli... Green manure is such a good cover crop. There are many varieties of green manure and they all have their own set of properties. Improving Soil Quality Using Cover Crops is simple and straightforward. I have been asked loads of times by people should I use green manure in the garden? and
These are fast-growing crops that are designed to suppress weeds, and add organic matter to the soil. But they do so much more than this. Some of the benefits of growing green manure are
Improve soil fertility, including adding valuable nitrogen
Improve the soil structure, giving better drainage or water retention
Suppress weeds
Attract beneficial insects and other predators
Increase water retention in the garden.
In this episode, I am going to explain the following so that you know exactly what to do with green manures at home in your garden
1. What are green manures
2. What are the benefits of green manures
3. What green manure should I sow
4. When should I plant green manure
5. When should I cut green manure
6. Should I dig in green manure
7. What varieties of green manure are there
8. Can I use green manure with no-till
9. What is a biofumigant
10, Do green manures add nitrogen
After watching this video you will be able to answer all of these typical questions above. You will know exactly what you are doing and how to get the most benefits from green manures in your very own garden.
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[@simplifygardening]

I hope you enjoyed this episode on whether you should use green manure. If you did, then maybe your next video should be this one. It's a perfect time to be collecting your own seed in preparation for next year. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYaUh5qOipqafq8

[@michaeldominy2084]

Tony UK Here We Grow , Is November ,now, to late to plant any green manure, or is there something , due to the time of year, that can be planted to do the same job.?

[@simplifygardening]

@@michaeldominy2084 No would be the very last time for winter Michael

[@michaeldominy2084]

UK Here We Grow 👍Thank you Tony.

[@daveshanks8205]

Winter Tares smothered (not dug in ) in February prepares the Summer Cabbage bed perfectly. This Nitrogen fixer sets up the ground really well and the Cabbages love the firm soil.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes mike its the same with the vetch i dont dig it in

[@theclotshotdidit3115]

Cheers Tony, just munching through another 4 kg of spuds, still got 3 buckets to harvest and 10 planted, half first and second early for the summer and the rest main crop for winter. Appreciate your videos.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

I don't have a period when I can grow green manures in my garden. But I have areas I keep in meadow. There's a wide variety of plants, including clover, vetch, dock, plantain. I mow the area and put the clippings in the compost or use it directly as mulch. The worms love it.

[@simplifygardening]

So you are doing it in a round about way that compost will end up on your garden

[@ChilliChump]

More great tips. Thanks Tony. Also, loving the video quality, and lighting is spot on!

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks matey, really appreciate it. I just launched the blog. OMG what a load of work it was, check it out pal ukherewegrow.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cover-crops/

[@jaspercaelan4998]

I usually grew phacelia and mustard because it was easy and attracted pollinators but since I'm on clay I'll be tying vetch and clover later this year to see if they can improve the soil structure and add some more nitrogen and biomas back into it.

[@simplifygardening]

vetch and field beans are great as a soil improver

[@gwenscoble6229]

Hi Tony, I have 4 3x6 ft raised beds, 1 has leeks and a late sowing of carrots, might sneek in a spring cabbage or 2 when courgette finishes. 2 have winter brassicas PSB, sprouts & kale. 4th still has sweetcorn and a courgette still in production. More spring cabbage with over wintering broad beans after them. Never had much success with broad beans sown in autumn but I have the seed so I'll use that anyway. No dig going well but no cleared space yet! Sweetcorn lovely for lunches, but must pot on my spring cabbages as they are waiting! Anglesey mild but wet so keeping an eye out for rotting. Thanks for the video Gwen

[@simplifygardening]

Gwen seems like you have it all in hand

[@LizZorab]

Really useful video Tony. I got some crimson clover sown last week and I'm adding some buckwheat in other beds this weekend.

[@simplifygardening]

Thats great liz. im just finishing putting the last touches on a very detailed blog post about this subject. it contains 10 times the info the video does

[@spencersnursery1547]

Brilliant video! Geoff Lawton did a video on weeds and how they effect the soil and how we can select plants to do certain jobs as green manure.will definitely do some green manure in the future!

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent Spencer. yes its great stuff mate

[@peterstevens4223]

Good morning from Auckland, New Zealand.

[@simplifygardening]

Good morning Peter :)

[@mandylavida]

Field beans and trefoil. Loved them. Couldn't get clover to germinate. Using turnips this year

[@simplifygardening]

Oh Mandy Turnips are good too. Have you used them before?

[@kitdubhran2968]

I actually found some crimson clover in my local nursery. I sprinkled it in mixed with my grass (I hate grass and am exterminating as much as I can as often as I can). It did die out in the winter but did a great job at thinning out the grass at the time. Thanks for this! Knowing which ones grow when and what they can all do is super helpful, and it’s all going into my gardening journal.

[@simplifygardening]

Kit check out the website I have a more thorough blog post on it ukherewegrow.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cover-crops/

[@carleatwell551]

another well produced video

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Carl

[@stevenstewart9762]

great video tony , learned a lot

[@simplifygardening]

If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@Robutube1]

Great guide Tony - thanks for that. I used mustard once before but, as an absolute beginner, I didn't know I had to cut it down so it kind of took over. Once I did cut it I didn't do it finely and the plants just lay on the top of the raised bed and turned in to hay. Live and learn!

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah that can happen. If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@annetteheath4694]

Great video, thank you. This is my first year of using green manure. Having watched a number of videos on the subject I decided to use a mixture of seeds including mustard, alfalfa, fenugreek and red clover. The reason I am using a mix is that the soil improves is much better with more than one plant rather than a mono crop. I am even using this in my green house especially since it is resembling the Gobi desert right now. Wish me luck.

[@simplifygardening]

Annettte if you enjoyed the video I just launched a blog that is in much more detail. Why not check it out it is 10 times more detailed than the video ukherewegrow.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cover-crops/ tony

[@melodytenisch6232]

Thanks Tony! I really liked this video; never tried green manure on purpose but have used field beans years ago. Just figured,"It can't hurt."😂 I don't have a huge garden area but 2 daughters have about 1/4 acres so this will be helpful to share. I really appreciate all you do. I take notes. Bless you!👍👍👵🌲💖🐕🎶

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Melody. Yes it will really help the soil quality, Do your daughters garden or grow veg?

[@olivefarmer3491]

Thanks for sharing, mate. Great knowledge.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks, check out the blog I just released on this. Much more detail there. ukherewegrow.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cover-crops/

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

never knew that about the eel worm cysts, cheers Tony!

[@simplifygardening]

Every day a learning day matey :) Are you growing green manure this year?

[@waynesallotment7757]

Hi Tony thank you for giving this information, I have never grown green manure before but you have got me thinking of trying some this year.

[@simplifygardening]

Wayne its well worth growing, I am in the process of writing a very detailed blog post on this and it will be available in the next day or so. That maybe worth checking out as it has way more info than the video. ukherewegrow.com

[@mikeross4]

Tony, I have grown Field Beans in the past but I let them grow too large and woody and they were difficult to dig in! However, I have learned from my mistakes and I have just sown Winter Tares in one vacant bed and it is looking good. I also undersow my Brussels Sprouts and Sprouting Broccoli with Phaceli which is an excellent weed suppressant and a great attractant for bees and all sorts of other beneficial insects. Once it has finished flowering I just cut it down at ground level and let it decompose into the soil.

[@simplifygardening]

Perfect Mike, exactly how it should be done my friend. How many years you done that for?

[@mikeross4]

Tony, I have been using green Manure’s for about eight years off and on but since I changed to “no dig” four years ago I have used them regularly on plots that have not had a layer of compost applied in the Autumn. I can’t make enough compost to cover all my beds and I am reluctant to buy in manure as it is expensive in my part of Hertfordshire (£40 a tractor load) and several people on my allotment site have had problems with herbicide/weed killer contamination. I am very much in favour of green Manure’s and your video is very instructive and timely.

[@simplifygardening]

@@mikeross4 Mike If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@ericaslittlewelshgarden]

I need to get going with some green manure.

[@simplifygardening]

Time to get it in Erica before the frost comes

[@BenniLkitchengarden]

I have sown «Phacelia tanacetifolia» as green manure. I think the english name is fiddleneck. Thanks for a great video, Tony.

[@simplifygardening]

Benni what prperties does that have

[@BenniLkitchengarden]

This is a green manure plant. Provides good soil structure and is a prime bee plant.

[@simplifygardening]

@@BenniLkitchengarden Benni If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com be interested in your opinions

[@andymoore9977]

Hi Tony, so, as I understand it (I am very new to all this) I should sow green manure now on the bare soil, raking it in for soil contact etc., then in March/April(ish) strim down the growth and leave it to decompose for about a month or so, then plant vegetables as normal. We in damp mid Wales and I am always a bit worried about slugs and decomposing veggy matter. As ever your advice and support would be much appreciated.

[@simplifygardening]

pretty much it for 10 times more info and all your questions answered, check out the blog I just released on this. Much more detail there. ukherewegrow.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cover-crops/

[@Kev_meaney]

I've just sown some white clover in 2 beds but I also mixed in some buckwheat too, not knowing it isn't frost hardy, this was maybe a week or so ago, the clover is up no sign of buckwheat yet but we had a bit of a frost the other day, so I'll just have to see what happens with it. Good video though very informative been wanting to try green manure for a while. 👍

[@simplifygardening]

Ted If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@simplifygardening]

@@no-diggarden be good to get your opinions on my blog post when it comes out over the next day or so. Its something I have been writing for a while all about this subject ukherewegrow.com

[@wineberryfarm6445]

Great video👍🏻

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks. Are you using green manure?

[@simplifygardening]

Wineberry Farm If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@wineberryfarm6445]

Yes I have no animals on my farm so I try to supplement the soil with winter wheat in the fall and Clover, legumes during the summer. Would love to know any techniques you have on terminating the spring crops after they have produced.

[@MMPhotographyVideography]

great video as i want to start to sow green manure as never sowed it before

[@simplifygardening]

Excellent Matt glad its of interest to you

[@meehan302]

I have crown Calienta Mustard and I found that it works well. Kept weeds down and stopped root rot. It also reduced the number of insects and wireworms, Great video, Tony.

[@simplifygardening]

Yeah Mustards are great for that Patrick. Were your crops better too?

[@meehan302]

@@simplifygardening A little better

[@simplifygardening]

@@meehan302 Yeah it takes time mate to build up. Its not a one time thing, how many times did you do it for?

[@daroniussubdeviant3869]

this summer i have put all my lawn clipping back into the soil one way or another. i have a vertical stack compost bin that takes the cardboard and kitchen waste. a mower load of grass + charcoal i make, in that a month really seems to help. i am also working on some no dig veg patches and trying to build up a soil structure for that so i have been throwing clippings and more woody garden waste onto a patch i have already dug over once. i'm turning that and throwing in biochar inoculated with the tea from the vertical bin. i have notice a remarkable increase in the health and vitality of the nettles that are growing around that patch and trample them in once a week now too.

[@simplifygardening]

Thats how to build quality soil. grow a green manure in it now and this will have a benefit of locking the nutrients so the winter weather doesnt wash them away. Have you ever tried it before?

[@daroniussubdeviant3869]

@@simplifygardening my interest lies in carbon sequestration in an suburban environment. i subscribed to your channel a while ago whilst looking into biochar. i believe that we may be able to mitigate the damage of our industry through soil restoration. in my opinion that is a no dig system with biochar addition. what would you suggest would be good to plant now? i'm drawn to leafy greens like cabbage and other brassicae but i would also like to veer away from any monocrop concept.

[@daroniussubdeviant3869]

i want to leave the roots in and harvest without killing the plant. something i can nibble on preferably but my main aim is to lock down the carbon from last years growth as it rots over the winter.

[@simplifygardening]

@@daroniussubdeviant3869 Yeah this is why i strimm the green manure and dont dig it in i plant through it

[@ethanturner7045]

Thanks Tony 👍🏻 very helpful

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Ethan. Do you think you may give it a go?

[@jonnytash2008]

Could you in theory sow green manure ahead of creating no dig beds? Just cutting down and leaving for mulch under the cardboard layer?

[@jonnytash2008]

No-Dig Garden that isn’t actually what I asked but I appreciate your taking the time to reply to me. My question was put other wording, Is it a good idea to grow green manure where you plan a no did bed and cut it down to be absorbed into ground before laying the cardboard layer? To my mind once cut down and left on top of the bed, I would have expected that I could cover straight away but wanted to know if I’d have to leave it a little while before covering

[@simplifygardening]

@@jonnytash2008 Hey Jonny. You could do that, but as no-dig has stated if you do this then there is no need for cardboard. The cardboard is only to block out light to kill the weeds below, The fact you grew a green manure cover crop beforehand would have killed those anyway by smothering them. so there is no need for cardboard, just cut it down and then put your compost on top if you want to build layers. If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up an in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@stevendowden2579]

cracking video well done tony

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Steven. Do you grow green manure pal?

[@desperatedan7777]

Thanks Tony, going to give this a go .

[@simplifygardening]

They will greatly improve your soil so go ahead and get some sown

[@WuesteGobi]

I am recycling my container tomato soil with a mixture of green manure seeds in about 20 big bags first time this year. It even looks nice on the front yard and driveway wich are paved. With adding compost and some chicken manure in spring I will be able to grow some potatoes and brassicas. I already found worms in the big bags. No Idea where they came from.

[@simplifygardening]

They always find their way as it keeps the soil alive through winter

[@stephenluna7932]

Can you plant green manure on top of bare clay soil to prepare it for grass seed? Thinking of using hair vetch.

[@simplifygardening]

You can use it to prep the soil yes Sorry for the late reply. I have been unwell. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@shirleycastle5170]

Great video Tony thanks.

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Shirley. Are you using green manure?

[@shirleycastle5170]

@@simplifygardening no I never heard of it but now that you taught me I'm gonna look into it.

[@simplifygardening]

Oh you definately need to look into it Shirley

[@simplifygardening]

@@shirleycastle5170 Shirley If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@shirleycastle5170]

@@simplifygardening Thank you very much.

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Thanks Tony I needed to know this

[@simplifygardening]

great. sorry YT didnt tell me about your comment. I just found it

[@markwilson9219]

Great video

[@simplifygardening]

Thanks Mark. Are you growing green manure this year?

[@markwilson9219]

@@simplifygardening can you grow green manure in containers? If so then yes

[@simplifygardening]

@@markwilson9219 Yes Mark you can if you want to build layers. If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up an in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@markwilson9219]

@@simplifygardening thanks for getting back to me

[@rhomanmason8131]

This is great advice thank you never new you could do this 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@simplifygardening]

Oh its fantastic to do. Are you going to try

[@rhomanmason8131]

Yes with clover I think

[@simplifygardening]

@@rhomanmason8131 Rhoman If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@rhomanmason8131]

Great I shall take a look Tony, the more I learn the better and your my top source for information 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@simplifygardening]

@@rhomanmason8131 Thanks pal. I just made that post live ukherewegrow.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cover-crops/ check it out

[@justad1018]

Fantastic! As it happens I had just bought some field beans. My garden patch was a heavy clay field last year, it has had allot of well rotted grass compost dug in but it's still heavy soil. Saying that I had a good crop of pumpkins, squash and spuds. My 8 year old neice was so happy to dig up the spuds she's insisting on doing potato trials next year for her jacket potatoes. I am trying the field beans mainly to improve soil structure and nutrients. I read that you can cut them back once before digging them in. As long as my neice can plant her second earlies we'll be happy. Whilst I'm commenting, I will be buying some pots from oakland gardens (because I've seen you using them and they look strong). They will be used for spuds, question if I may, 50 litre or 70 litre pots? Which would you recommend? Very much appreciate your vids, as a gardener with severe health problems I really do appreciate the good content you produce. It's helped allot. Thanks mate, Adam, from Pembrokeshire, Wales.

[@simplifygardening]

Adam, Stick with 30 litres mate. the larger the pot the harder it is for the soil to warm and you get worse crops. 30l have been found to give the best yield, I regularly pull 15lbs of main crop potatoes out of them. The kids will love digging the spuds out too. Is your 8yr old as chopsy as mine lol?

[@justad1018]

@@simplifygardening Yes she is full of chops when she's digging the spuds, I had to get her her own shovel, or as she calls it her yeeting stick😂 She really enjoyed picking the runner beans, cabbage, sweetcorn and she's really excited to carve her home grown pumpkin. A happy little monkey. Do you plant one or two seed potato per 30l pot? Again, I very much appreciate the content and your kind reply. I hope the world's treating you well, take care buddy, Adam.

[@simplifygardening]

@@justad1018 Adam plant 2 seed for main crop potatoes and salad potatoes those that are suppose to be small you can use 4 see, 2 on each level of the container

[@justad1018]

@@simplifygardening thanks very much mate. And thanks for bringing the oakland gardens containers to my attention, they look good and strong. All the best, Adam.

[@Ryin88]

do cover crops need to be rotated?

[@jamesgoacher1606]

I don't know if you realised while you seemed to be leaning against a Dinasaurs foot that one there was a four leafed clover in you shot. I suppose you will tell us about the dinasaurs foot in time. Sensible question, "How if anything does this apply to Container Gardening?" Love your videos btw but I am a bit behind at the moment.

[@simplifygardening]

James you can still use cover crops in containers and raised beds for improving the soils If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@TheUntypicals]

Can you grow crops in green manures eg brassicas in clover?

[@simplifygardening]

Sorry can you rephrase your comment i didnt understand what the question was

[@TheUntypicals]

@@simplifygardening could you leave clover in permanently and just put brassica plugs in each season

[@simplifygardening]

@@TheUntypicals Yes clover will die off in winter, but If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@livingladolcevita7318]

A few points I would like to mention, all plants could be classed as green manures, some green manures are classed as Brassicas so a follow on crop would not want to be another Brassica crop. I just use broad beans instead of field beans does the same job really. Green manures can be troublesome for the no dig gardener, Rye being one as you have to let it get to the seed setting stage before cutting down otherwise it will keep growing like any other grass. Otherwise you have to dig it in. One thing I have done is plant brassicas amongst my broad beans, cut a few beans down around the plant to stop it getting leggy then when the beans have finished cut them down and there is nitrogen available. This method may also hide the cabbages from pests ie pigeons.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Mark and the reason why i say they each have their own properties. I fully intend on following up the video with a full in detail blog to support the video on this very fact

[@livingladolcevita7318]

looking forward to it

[@simplifygardening]

Great stuff

[@simplifygardening]

@@livingladolcevita7318 That blog should be available before tomorrow mate so keep your eyes peeled

[@shellygardner31]

I was told to use barley. What do you think?

[@simplifygardening]

I dont use it personally as im celiac but it can work well as a cover crop

[@danfriday1968]

If you plant on a bare Uni used patch of soil , if you do you don’t dig in , what happens to them , do they die off or just keep growing ?

[@simplifygardening]

depends on the manure you use. some die others will seed and regrow Sorry for the late reply. had some issues with comments not showing that they had not been answered, so I am getting through them

[@markshaw5835]

I was thinking of doing it this year but didn't know if it was good idea or not.. But I think next year ill try it

[@simplifygardening]

Mark its a brilliant idea, you will see such a difference in your soil and the more you do it the richer it gets and more sponge like. save you water time and money. How big is your garden?

[@markshaw5835]

@@simplifygardening not very big at all. I've got 2 beds there about 1 metre by 1 metre square. And I got a trough that about 2 metres long but 2 feet. Then I use alot of pots

[@markshaw5835]

@@no-diggarden might have to give that a try.

[@simplifygardening]

@@markshaw5835 Also Mark If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@markshaw5835]

@@simplifygardening thanks alot and I'll have a look.

[@sandrabeach7407]

What food do you put in your potato tubs and how often over the season do you feed them?

[@simplifygardening]

i use blood fish and bone meal and feed later with seaweed extract 2 times

[@orianaspiderowl769]

What's the big green thing? Squash? What kind?

[@simplifygardening]

What time stamp are you talking about

[@cqammaz53]

Will growing mustard affect my red wiggles that are in all of my raised beds???

[@simplifygardening]

No Carolyn it wont affect life that large on macro and micro. I have just released a blog 10times more detailed, check it out it should answer any questions you have over cover crops ukherewegrow.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cover-crops/

[@Diana_the_green_dragon]

Does it matter what type of mustard or its can be anything like asian mustard green?

[@simplifygardening]

Most mustards will act as a green manure but brown or crimson will be bio

[@christinewilliams1294]

Hi Tony I have not used green manure, my concern is if you leave it on the top of your soil will it not encourage Slugs and Snail? I have a massive problem with these critters everyday I have to go out and pick them out of my beds , some are bigger than large thumb , I never leave debris on the soil either Appreciate any advice I never dig the soil and never use pesticides , I can't use beer either as neighbour cat drinks it.

[@simplifygardening]

No Christine it rots down very quickly after cutting. If your struggling with slugs, may i suggest you watch this video, it will help you out kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIOafZ56nsyZesU and this will show you how to make number three in that video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZiUlKKpj75poZI

[@simplifygardening]

Christine If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@TITAN0402]

Mycorhizle fungi is the answer plus a book on Permaculture

[@simplifygardening]

yes its good stuff. Sorry about the late reply, YT didn't let me know this comment was here and I just found it

[@yorkshiremix6877]

Hi tony great video can i ask where you buy your hairy vetch from cheers and its a thumps up from me

[@simplifygardening]

Hi Don I always buy mine from cotswold seeds mate they sell to farmers and always great quality and reasonable. Are you thinking of getting some?

[@yorkshiremix6877]

@@simplifygardening yes i would love some so will take a look thanks for that tony

[@simplifygardening]

@@yorkshiremix6877 No worries pal

[@michaeldominy2084]

Tony, Yesterday I watched your video regarding green manure, and you mentioned mustard seed as a good green manure,. Is there a particular mustard seed you should use or will any seed be good enough.? 🤔

[@simplifygardening]

any mustard seed will do the same thing. sorry about the late reply, YT didnt notify me of a load of comments

[@MsLouise1960]

😉 I want to get clover Because I cannot handle anything growing to high due the the size of the grounds being huge. So can I then just dig it over in Spring?

[@simplifygardening]

yes Sorry about the late reply, YT didn't let me know this comment was here and I just found it

[@donnanutt3650]

I garden in 40 gallon feed troughs cuz I live on limestone rock. Would this helpful for container growing? I usually remove half of the soil and replace it with new soil and amendments. I’m wondering if this save me that step. I like the cut and leave as mulch option because I’m a senior citizen and I do have some moderate spine issues. Thanks so much

[@simplifygardening]

Yes Donna you can use this for containers too. Just dig it in after, Stick with something like hariy vetch or clovers

[@donnanutt3650]

UK Here We Grow thank you for responding. I will give it a shot

[@donnanutt3650]

UK Here We Grow thanks so much

[@donnanutt3650]

No-Dig Garden thank you for the suggestion but one of the reasons I use the containers is because I can st them up on cinder blocks and don’t have to Bend over to work at ground level.

[@simplifygardening]

@@donnanutt3650 Donna If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@nidge2822]

Great video tony .so you grow green manure then strum it down then what do you do ? New to this so still a learning curve 😀

[@simplifygardening]

strim it and leave on the surface and plant through or dig it in in spring

[@nidge2822]

@Dongs thanks for your help 😀

[@nidge2822]

@@simplifygardening thanks for your advice tony

[@simplifygardening]

Anytime Neil :)

[@simplifygardening]

Neil If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up a in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@amateurspotter2656]

Tony, if I de seed my green tomatoes in a blender, can I use the juice on my compost. Thanks, Eamonn.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes mate throw it on. tomatoes, even though a dirty crop can be composted, the leaves can be too as long as it gets hot, if you cant get it hot just add the fruit and not the vines. Are you saving your own seed?

[@amateurspotter2656]

UK Here We Grow . Hi Tony. Thank for the info. Yes I’m going to try growing from my own seeds next year.I have lbs of green toms ,though I’ve had lots of red ones too. Cheers. Eamonn.

[@simplifygardening]

Thats great be prepared if they were f1 varieties you wont get what you had

[@claytonbenignus4688]

What do you recommend for crowding out Bermuda Grass in Zone 8A ???

[@simplifygardening]

cardboard and go no dig until it dies out

[@claytonbenignus4688]

I found something better, spelt.

[@gym_witchmoto3963]

Have i left it too late Tony? Frost here this morn 😭 im in lancashire

[@michaeldominy2084]

Colette, if you get a reply would you pass on to me please, I am the same. , but in Leicestershire.

[@gym_witchmoto3963]

@@michaeldominy2084 sure will. He must be busy as he usually replies pretty quick. Are you on his fb group?

[@michaeldominy2084]

Colette, I subscribed to the u tube channel, but wasn’t aware it also had to be on f/b, plz, tell me more. Mick

[@simplifygardening]

yes it was too late sorry about the late reply, YT didnt notify me of a load of comments

[@simplifygardening]

yes it was too late sorry about the late reply, YT didnt notify me of a load of comments

[@clotildebonnamy6144]

Is there any benefit to mixing different types of green manure on the same patch?

[@simplifygardening]

Yes each of them has different properties, if you want nitrogen stick with legumes like hairy vetch or beans

[@MartinPHellwig]

Well theoretically (and that is all I know since I haven't tried it as I do only container gardening) having a good mix of different cover crops on the same field should give you a broader spectrum of the bio-available nutrients. It also should reduce mono-crop diseases due to inter-species competition of nutrients the plants will react in the beginning by prioritising secondary metabolites production over growth (to combat things like bugs and fungi), unless shaded out, and later prioritise seed production over growth, unless it has the ability to create stolons, then it will prioritise that over everything. If all you do is to cut them down before any of the plants can go to seed then I would suggest that a good mix of plants should be preferable. Since the disadvantage of having interplanting is the harvesting, which in that case is not applicable.

[@clotildebonnamy6144]

@@MartinPHellwig Thanks, makes sense. I also garden in raised containers, mostly 1,20m x 1,20m wooden boxes, but I think it might be a good way to improve my impoverished soil for next year, so I'll give it a go.

[@simplifygardening]

Yes martin, But some plants will out grow others so what I decide to do is to rotate my green manures each year, last year it was field beans and clover this year hairy vetch and phacelia next year will be something else

[@simplifygardening]

Its a greta way to prevent the nutrients you already have being leeched out too

[@Nick-rb9lz]

Scariest Scarecrow, EVER!

[@simplifygardening]

Thats my Worzel Gummidge Nick lol

[@jameshuddleston2353]

Did anyone laugh at "hairy vetch".... Just me then

[@simplifygardening]

Now now james lol have u grown it before?

[@jameshuddleston2353]

@@simplifygardening I haven't grown it before, each year I always think I'll grow some green manure, then always forget to do it.

[@simplifygardening]

@@jameshuddleston2353 Well mate If you want more info on green manures I am just about finishing up an in-depth blog post on this very subject should be up in the next day or so, you can check it out here ukherewegrow.com

[@jameshuddleston2353]

@@simplifygardening Great, thanks. Will have a look when I get a chance. I work on an alpaca farm in North Wales so I have always used the manure from there on my borders.

[@nicolasbertin8552]

Unfortunately this video uses notions on green manure that are like 20 years old... So, in order : 1) Never cut it down when it's still green. You need to let it flower, so it'll have a nice carbon/nitrogen ratio. Cutting it down when it's green gives off too much nitrogen and not enough carbon. 2) Never dig it in, and rather don't cut it down. The best method is to roll it over or step on it when it's in flower. Any annual that is stomped and not cut when in flower will die. It's much easier than cutting, and by cutting you run the risk of having the plant not dying and producing new growth. 3) NEVER do a mono species green manure. Always mix plants. At least one grass, like rye, winter wheat, or ray grass, combined with legumes like peas, vetch, etc... I add canola, radish, and a lot of other stuff. The more plants you add, the more productive your green manure. A 16 species manure will produce more than a monoculture, even if this culture has been fertilized with nitrogen. It has been tested by the Jena Experiment, a long lasting experiment on green manure.

[@simplifygardening]

In reality that doesnt work for most gardeners or even farmers, it grows most of the season even after rolling it. I now chop and drop but the job has been done it adds nitrogen to the soil and organic matter too.

[@nicolasbertin8552]

@@simplifygardening Direct sowing into cover crops that have been rolled after flowering has been working fine for around 40 years now, thanks to the work of people like Lucien Séguy. If you wait until flowering to roll, it doesn't grow back at all, especially with the new types of rollers. Cutting it before flowering adds too much nitrogen, and doesn't develop enough humus in the long run. That's not getting the full potential of your cover crop, so it's a shame.

[@alexobenful]

Slugs keep eating the alfalfa.

[@simplifygardening]

kill the slugs lol Sorry about the late reply, YT didn't let me know this comment was here and I just found it

[@josorr]

Alph Alpha? Really? LOL! Sorry, I can't do this. Unsubscribed.

[@simplifygardening]

Bye bye