In article ,
"Suzanne D." wrote:

"Billy" wrote in message
news:wildbilly-50861D.00114017062009@c-61-
You know you could save a lot in amendments by planting "green manure"
as a cover crop. Rye to condition the soil and legumes to pump nitrogen
into it.

I like buckwheat as a good quick hot weather crop. You can get in three or
four plantings in a single season, and it gives lots of mulch when you cut
it down. I believe SteveB is the one who lives near me in southern Utah
(there are so many Steves on this NG it is hard to keep them straight), and
if so, I can guarantee him that buckwheat grows well around here with
virtually no care. I've got it growing in my tomato beds right now. I also
like canola for breaking up hard clay soil, and I like my crimson clover
(which is surprisingly growing even in this heat) to add nitrogen and
attract beneficial insects with its bright flowers. I feel that if you can
keep the ground covered with vegetation that will pull nutrients to the
surface AND provide future mulch, there is no reason to spend loads of time
and money on bagged amendments. Bulk seeds are cheap, and having the ground
consistently covered with vegetation discourages weeds. I understand the
desire to get the soil in good condition RIGHT NOW, but really, after just
two years of using no-till practices, I've got a good 3-4 inch layer of rich
black dirt in my beds, so it really doesn't take long at all to do it
naturally.
--S.

In a nutshell, that's it. All that is needed is to just get out in front
of your needs and prepare for their arrival. I haven't tried buckwheat,
but that was recommended to me along with rye. I can't give rye all the
credit for conditioning my soil but it did make a vast improvement. I
still have some of my green manure coming up here and there, and I
encourage it to keep growing. After I cut the rye and legumes, I cover
with paper, and mulch over that with alfalfa. Then I water occasionally,
and wait at least two weeks before I plant. It's not rocket science and
it leaves the aeration provided by the worms intact, as well as the
fungi that provide nutrients for the plants.
--

- Billy
"For the first time in the history of the world, every human being
is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the
moment of conception until death." - Rachel Carson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Zunx_goz4


http://www.democracynow.org/2009/6/2...ra_hass_on_the