Mr Fothergills Green Manure Winter Rye 1000 Seeds

Green Manure – Winter Rye

This is one of the very best over-wintering green manures. It produces large amounts of fibrous roots to improve soil structure and reduce soil compaction, preventing important nutrients being washed out of the soil by wet weather.

Sow outdoors, from February to March on any soils to dig in the same year, or sow in early August to November to overwinter and dig in the following year. Broadcast the seed over finely-prepared soil, which has already been watered. Cut back as necessary to encourage growth. Dig in after 50-60 days in summer, or after overwintering and 4-5 weeks before the ground is required. Cut the plants back and allow the foliage to wilt before digging in to a depth of 15-20cm. Chop up the foliage with the spade as you dig. Overwintered crops can be dug into the soil in spring. Ensure plants are cut back or dug in before they set seed.