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If you don't have access to supplies of farmyard manure or are unable to make suitable amounts of garden compost, a green manure crop may provide the solution.

As ground becomes vacant, hoe or fork out weeds, then rake down before broadcast sowing a green manure crop such as mustard, rape, vetch or annual lupins.

All of these are subsequently dug into the soil, normally during autumn or winter, or just as they are about to come into flower.

They add organic matter to the soil and improve its texture,

Prior to digging them in; top dress the ground with Nitro-chalk, or Sulphate of ammonia, at 60gms/sq metre (2oz/sq yd) 2 oz.

This will prevent a temporary nitrogen shortage, and hasten the rotting down process.

Week 13; Sow Vetch

Week 28; Sow Rape & Annual lupin

Week 30; Sow Mustard seed.

 

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