Green Manure Seeds 'Winter Tares' - Marshalls Garden - 10202996
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This guide is for gardeners with heavy soil types looking to improve soil health and fertility naturally. Marshalls Garden 'Winter Tares' offers a key benefit of fixing nitrogen and creating substantial green matter to enhance soil structure, with a caveat that it requires timely digging before flowering for optimal results. This hardy annual grows to approximately 750 mm, suppresses weeds, and enriches the soil for subsequent leafy crops.
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| Model Part Number | 10202996 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Marshalls Garden |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is 'green manure'?
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.
When should I dig in 'Winter Tares'?
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.
Can I leave 'Winter Tares' 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.
What type of soil is best for 'Winter Tares'?
'Winter Tares' are particularly beneficial for heavy clay soils, improving their texture and drainage. They can also be grown on other soil types.
How much seed do I need?
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.
Can I sow 'Winter Tares' at any time of year?
No, 'Winter Tares' has specific sowing windows. For spring growth, sow between March and May. For over-wintering, sow between July and September.
Will 'Winter Tares' fix nitrogen on its own?
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.
Troubleshooting
Poor germination
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.
Plants appearing stunted
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.
Weeds are still prevalent
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.
Difficulty digging in the green manure
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.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Significantly improves heavy soil texture and fertility.
- Natural source of nitrogen, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
- Effective weed suppression capabilities.
- Easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
- Provides substantial organic matter when dug in.
Cons
- Requires timely digging in spring to prevent flowering and seed set.
- Best suited for heavy soil types; may perform differently on other soil structures.
- Needs to be incorporated into the soil, which requires physical effort.
- Specific sowing windows need to be adhered to for best results.
- Not a flowering crop for ornamental purposes.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing: Prepare a fine seedbed by lightly cultivating the soil. Sow seeds at a rate of approximately 1.5 to 2 grams per square meter. Rake lightly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Timing:
- For spring sowing: March to May.
- For over-wintering: July to September.
Compatibility: Ideal for use on heavy clay soils. Can be grown in most temperate climates. It is compatible with crop rotation plans, often preceding nitrogen-hungry crops.
Care: 'Winter Tares' is a low-maintenance crop. Once sown, it requires no regular watering or feeding. The primary 'care' is ensuring the correct timing for digging it into the soil. Aim to incorporate the green manure before the plant begins to flower, typically 4-6 weeks before you intend to sow or plant your main crop.