OTHER-GREEN MANURE -SPRING MIX (16G)

How to grow Green Manure Spring/Summer Mix

Green manure is a type of cover crop grown specifically to till back into the soil thus adding organic matter and nutrients.  Spring mix green manure is one such blend of different annual plants to sown in spring then turn into the soil in late summer or early fall.

The specific blend of plants in a spring mix green manure can vary, but typically includes a combination of legumes (such as clover, peas, and beans) and non-legumes (such as mustards, oats, and rye). Legumes are particularly valuable in green manure blends because they can fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil.

To use spring mix green manure, you can simply sow the seeds in the spring in an area where you don’t plan to grow anything else for the season. Once the plants are established and have grown for several months, you can till them into the soil in the late summer or early fall.  This will add organic matter and nutrients to the soil, improve soil structure, and suppress weeds.

It’s important to note that you should not till the green manure into the soil when it is in bloom or going to seed, because it will not be as effective in adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil.  Also, it is important to choose the appropriate time to turn in the green manure, depending on the specific crop you will be planting next.  

Green manures are a great way to improve soil health, suppress weeds and pests, and add nutrients to the soil. They are a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to fertilise your garden.

Planting Companion Plants  with Green Manure

While it’s not necessary to plant companion plants alongside a green manure crop, there are some plants that can complement its growth and help attract beneficial insects to the garden.  Plant these companion alongside green manure – spring mix:

• Legumes such as beans and peas: These plants can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the growth of the green manure crop.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers can help attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, which can benefit the green manure crop as well as other nearby plants.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums can help repel aphids and other pests that may damage the green manure crop.
• Marigolds: Marigolds can also help repel pests and attract beneficial insects to the garden.
• Herbs such as dill, fennel, and cilantro: These herbs can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to the garden, which can help control pests and improve pollination.
• Brassicas such as broccoli and kale: Brassicas can help suppress weeds and improve soil health, which can benefit the green manure crop.

Bad Companion Plants to avoid with Green Manure Mix

Bad Companion Plants to avoid with Green Manure Mix is only necessary as they may compete for nutrients or attract pests that could damage the green manure crop. Here are a few plants to avoid planting alongside green manure -spring mix:

• Nightshades such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants may attract pests such as aphids and flea beetles, which could also attack the green manure crop.
• Brassicas such as cabbage and cauliflower can be good companion plants in some cases,. However they may also compete for nutrients with the green manure crop.
• Corn is a heavy feeder that may compete with the green manure crop for nutrients.  You will find corn in limited amounts in a green manure spring mix.
• Grasses may be difficult to distinguish from the green manure crop.  This could make it harder to manage and harvest the crop effectively.
• Ideally you should not plant multiple cover crops in the same area.  They may compete for resources and interfere with each other’s growth.

It is important to note the effectiveness of different companion and non-companion plants may vary depending on many factors.  So you can grow these plants together with green manure -spring mix without issue in certain situations.

Diseases Affecting Green Manure -Spring/Summer Mix

Diseases Affecting Green manure -Spring Mix is not a big issue. Generally Green Manure is a hardy crop resistant to many diseases, but there are some diseases that can affect its growth.  Here are a few common diseases that may affect green manure -spring mix:

•  Root Rot is a fungal disease that can affect the roots of green manure plants, causing them to decay and die. Overwatering or poorly drained soil are usually the cause of Root Rot.
•  Downy Mildew is a fungal disease causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth in green manure plants. High humidity and wet conditions are usually the cause of this disease
• Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves of green manure plants. Dry conditions and poor air circulation generally cause Powdery Mildew.
•  Bacterial Blight is a bacterial disease causing wilting, yellowing, and blackening of the leaves and stems of green manure plants.

To prevent the spread of these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation in the garden.  This includes removing any infected plants, rotating crops, and avoiding overwatering.  It is also important to plant disease-resistant varieties when possible.  And avoid planting green manure crops in areas where these diseases have previously been a problem.

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