No, Green Manure Has Nothing to Do With Cows Eating Green Grass

In fact, it has nothing to do with cows or cow manure at all. We’re just used to associating the word “manure” with er… bovine residue. Actually, manure just means something added that cultivates land. Many soil nutrients are lost when crops aren’t rotated or during the winter leaching action of rain and snow. Green manure, also called “cover crops,” is a natural nutrient and soil conditioner that plays an important role in organic gardening by re-vitalizing tired soil.

Manure starts out as a balanced mixture of grain seeds which when sprinkled on soil quickly grows into a lush, dense, green mass of young plants. Manure types that can survive the winter are sown in the autumn while the soil still has some warmth left in it. These plants, just before flowering in the spring, are dug into the soil and will rot and decompose quickly-- thus making valuable fertilizers.

So, This Manure Sowing Is for the Birds

Your manure seeds could be for the birds and become birdseed if you don’t put up scarecrows, or the usual bird-scaring devices. In any event, sow as soon as weather allows. First clear all weeds, work the soil to a fine texture. Scatter the manure lightly over the surface at a rate of about 1 oz per sq. yard. Firm by patting lightly with the back of a spade.

In about 3-6 weeks, the first flowers start to form. At this stage the plants are sappy and rot quickly. After digging in, this soon-to-be fertilizer will need about 1-4 weeks to rot down thoroughly, adding valuable nitrogen and organic matter, before the land is used. Don't dig too deep— 6 inches on heavy soil is plenty and about 12 inches on light soil.

top