Green Manure Seeds 'Winter Tares' - Marshalls Garden - 10202996

Green manure is a crop grown specifically to be dug back into the soil while still green. It adds organic matter, improves soil structure, and can fix nutrients like nitrogen.

You should dig in 'Winter Tares' in the spring, about 4-6 weeks before you plan to plant your main crop, and importantly, before the 'Winter Tares' plant begins to flower.

It is not recommended to let 'Winter Tares' flower if its purpose is soil improvement. Allowing it to flower can lead to it setting seed and becoming a weed, and it uses up more of its stored energy which could otherwise be returned to the soil.

'Winter Tares' are particularly beneficial for heavy clay soils, improving their texture and drainage. They can also be grown on other soil types.

A general sowing rate is 1.5 to 2 grams per square meter. The exact amount may vary slightly based on seed size and germination rate.

No, 'Winter Tares' has specific sowing windows. For spring growth, sow between March and May. For over-wintering, sow between July and September.

Yes, as a legume, 'Winter Tares' has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root nodules.

Ensure seeds are sown at the correct depth (lightly covered) and have good seed-to-soil contact. Check if the sowing date is within the recommended window and soil conditions are not excessively dry or waterlogged.

This can be due to very poor soil quality, incorrect sowing depth, or lack of adequate moisture during establishment. Ensure the soil has been minimally cultivated.

While 'Winter Tares' suppresses weeds, very persistent weeds might emerge. Ensure dense sowing and consider a light hoeing if necessary before the green manure fully covers the ground.

For very thick growth, use a sharp spade or garden fork. If the material is too dense, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces with a spade before turning it into the soil. Avoid digging in when the soil is waterlogged.