GREEN MANURE (Autumn / Winter)

***NOT TO WA*** (Medicago sativa) Heirloom being one of the first fodder plants to be domesticated. Alfalfa (also known as lucerne) is a flowering legume in the pea family resembling clover in appearance. When left to grow, plants will reach a height of 1m & produce clusters of small purple flowers which are beneficial in attracting wildlife including bees and butterflies to the garden. Although widely grown as a fodder crop being valued for its high level of protein, it is highly beneficial when used as a green manure crop in the garden & especially for breaking up compacted soils. The plants are very deep rooted, enabling the roots to draw up sub-surface minerals and break up compacted soils. The plant is able to fix large quantities of nitrogen from the air in root nodules and add carbon back to the soil. Due to its long, deep roots, it is also beneficial in preventing erosion.

When grown as a green manure crop, plants are best dug back into the soil when the leaves are still fresh & green after approx. 8 weeks after planting. Should plants begin to flower prior to this time, the tops should be cut off & then the plant dug in. Allow the green manure to break down in the soil for up to 4 weeks before planting any vegetables.

When used as a fodder crop the first grazing should be undertaken at the bud stage & subsequent grazing just as the field is beginning to flower (approx. 1/10th in bloom). This is the stage when the carbohydrates in the plants are at their highest.

Although best grown on alkaline to neutral soils with good drainage & high fertility, the plant is hardy & will tolerate nutritionally poor soil & even drought. Plants will not grow in waterlogged soil or in the shade. When left to themselves, plants are self-fertilising & will live from 5-12 years.

Best sown in Autumn & Winter, and in temperate areas Spring.

Broadcast at a rate of 5-10 kg/ha

Smaller packets are ideal for the home garden.

(GreenManure00913-1)

SKU	GreenManure00913-1
Shipping Weight	0.0020kg

Be The First To Review This Product!

Help other The Lost Seed users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.

Write a product review

Send us a photo
(All images recieved will be displayed on this page)

Others Also Bought

ANAHEIM

(Capsicum annum) Heirloom dating back 300 years. Elongated, blunt ended, green to red fruit, to 20cm. Produces over long period. Used dried or fre

$4.20

WHITE VIENNA

(Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) Heirloom first introduced 1859. Pale green, smooth and flattened bulbs with white, sweet flesh. 50-65 days. 80

$4.20

AMISH PASTE

(Lycopersicon esculentum) Amish heirloom from Wisconsin; originally from Lancaster & dating back to 1880. Acorn shaped, deep red fruit 4-6cm wide & up

$4.20

RED CLOVER

(Trifolium pratense) Biennial, ground cover producing abundant, leafy growth and pink-purple flowers. Medicinal herb, soil improver (adds nitrogen),

$4.20

SERRANO

(Capsicum fruitescens) Heirloom originating from the foothills of Puebla, Mexico with the name taken from 'Serranias' which means foothill in Spanish.

$4.20

BENEFICIAL INSECT BLEND

***NOT TO WA*** Highly useful for attracting the predator insects to the garden. An attractive & colourful mix of flowers, herbs & vegetables design

From $4.20

BUCKWHEAT (Green Manure / Field Crop / Grain)

***NOT TO WA*** Excellent green manure crop useful for adding both nutrients & carbon to the soil. Also useful for attracting beneficial insects, in

From $10.00

SUNFLOWER SEED

(Helianthus annuus) The traditional, heirloom, single stemmed flower. A bright and cheery addition to any part of the garden. Also, an attractive w

From $4.20