Legumes & Green Manure - Seeds
It is enough to cut green manures as they flower though they can also be cultivated into the top 5cm (2 inches) of soil. As part of the rotation they help build up organic matter and the rotation can be used to control weeds. The inoculant is a dormant, beneficial, symbiotic bacteria which helps the plant obtain nitrogen from the air (in the soil). The plants will grow successfully without it inoculant. Keep unused inoculant under refrigeration as it is to be kept in a dormant state until sown. Inoculants are a dry powder which is best to use a binding agent to ensure that every seed has some coverage. A good binding is milk powder. So mix a little milk powder with the inoculant and seed. Add a tiny bit of water but not enough to leave any surplus in the mixing container or the mix will not stick very well. Your hand will be sticky too but it scrubs off easily. Inoculants available for purchase when available. See inoculant category.
Read more on growing Legumes here.
