Cover crops are fast-growing plants sown to cover bare soil.
However, certain types of plants are especially popular for making green manure.
These include rapeseed (Brassica napus subsp.
Brian Carter / Getty Images
napus), mustard (Brassica kaber), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum).
Two plant categories are commonly associated with green manure, which are legumes and certain grass species.
This fast-growing nature also makes them a better choice when weed suppression is the goal.
Getty Images / Inahwen
Alternatively, the cover crop can be planted after the harvest, growing to maturity in fall.
They are then dug into the soil the following spring before planting begins.
What Season Is Best For Planting Green Manure?
The Spruce / Colleen & Shannon Graham
Proper planting time depends on the pop in of cover crop you are growing.
For grasses being grown as green manure, the cover crops can be planted in the spring.
They grow quickly and can be dug into the soil in early summer before you plant warm-season vegetables.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
When Should Green Manure Be Dug Into the Soil?
What Conditions Are Ideal for Planting Green Manure?
The best time to plant cover crop seeds is right before an expected rainfall.
The seed must not dry out during the germination period.
After you spread the seeds, rake the soil to cover them sufficiently for germination.
Water lightly if rain is not predicted.
Gardening in this fashion can reduce your need for fertilizers and compost through the growing season.
Plus the dead leaves and stems can provide important habitat for pollinating insects.
