Members' experiments
Winter green manures for gardeners
Background
Winter green manures are sown in the autumn to protect the soil over the winter. They help to protect the soil surface from heavy rainfall which can damage the soil structure, causing it to set like concrete in drier weather. They also prevent nutrients from being washed out of the soil.
However, many winter green manures sold in gardening catalogues were originally designed for agricultural situations, often containing plants that become tough and difficult to chop down and incorporate into the soil.
We would like to test a diverse mix that is suited for a range of garden situations.
Aim:
To test a diverse green manure mix that is suitable for over winter use in a garden setting.
You will need:
- Two 1 x 1 m plots next to each other
We will provide:
- Seed, protocols and recording forms
Duration:
- September 2022 to April 2023
Time required:
Around 1 hour to sow the trial, then 15 minutes every month to monitor the plants.
Deadline for sign up:
22nd August
Maximum number of participants:
50
This experiment is now fully subscribed.