green manure

[maryn]

Due to some misunderstanding, to complicated to even remember, my spuds ended up growing in exactly the same spot as last year; crop so far seems reasonable and the blight hasn't really reared its ugly head, so not too bad so far. My question is what would be a good green manure to set in those beds over the winter? Thanks for your help,
regards, Maryn

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Maryn, i wouldn't concern yourself too much about growing your potatoes in the same bit of ground for two years.

I would recommend the growimg of field beans for a winter green manure, these are very good and help to put Nitrogen back into the soil, as long as you leave the roots in the ground, that is.

[Mike Vogel]

Maryn, it depends on what you intend to put in the plot next. If you don't want to plant anything till next spring, then field beans, winter tares or Hungarian grazing rye will last over the winter. NB, though, that the Rye inhibits germination of small-seeded plants like carrots or lettuce. If you want to grow garlic or broad beans, both best sown in the autumn, then I suggest agricultural mustard or Phacelia tanacetifolia. Both of these germinate and grow very quickly and will give you a carpet before October. Then you can dig in and plant your cloves or beans. However, I usually do this rather earlier in the year, when I've dug up the earlies, but there is still time for these quick-growing manures to give you an effective cover.

mike