This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension A Gardeners Place at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Green Manure
August 25, 2005
Ron Wolford
Unit Educator, Urban Horticulture and Environment
Cook County Unit 3807 West 111th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
Phone: 773-233-0476
FAX: 773-233-0910 rwolford@uiuc.edu
No, I am not talking about fresh manure that comes from various farm animals. I am talking about something you can plant, grow and turn into the soil, adding nutrients and improving soil structure. Unlike the manure from animals, it doesn't smell, something your neighbors will appreciate.
Farmers have planted cover crops or green manure for centuries to improve the soil. Home gardeners can plant cover crops in empty parts of the garden in late summer or early fall. As the green manure grows, the roots penetrate the soil allowing for better air and water movement. The green growth of the plant is tilled or dug into the soil in the spring, thereby adding lots of organic matter to the soil.
Green manure crops like oats and buckwheat are winter killed and easily tilled into the soil in the spring. Plant seed at least four to six weeks before cold temperatures set in. Till the soil to six to eight inches deep. Rake and remove any large clods of soil. Seed according to the recommended rate and lightly rake into the soil. Water with a fine mist. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
As soon as the soil is dry and workable in the spring, till the green manure crop into the soil. Do this at least three to four weeks before you plant to allow the crop to decompose. Remember, this needs to be done over several years to make a real difference in the soil's structure.
Green manure crops can be purchased from local farm supply stores or check out the following sources :
