Green manure crops are the key to soil fertility and texture. They are turned back into the soil when still lush and green. They add nutrients and organic matter to soil, and protect soil during winter or fallow times when soil would other wise be bare. We grow at least two green manure crops for every cash crop we harvest. If the soil is weedy we use quick crops like buckwheat in summer or winter rye in the fall. These grow fast and compete well. Since they don't fix nitrogen they may need fertilization.
   In better soil we use nitrogen fixers, such as clover in the spring or Hairy Vetch with Winter Rye in September. These crops are expected to remain growing for a period of time. It is advisable to use a rhizobium inoculant when growing alfalfa/clover or peas/vetch if these crops are new to the area.

   We have stopped selling green manure seed. Cost of shipping is just too much on these low cost items. You can find them in a local farm or garden shop much cheaper. If you are a gardener, using only a pound or two you can pick up whole rye, buckwheat, alfalfa and clover seed at any health food store as well.