Green manure in raised beds: What you need to know

The most important points in brief

• Green manure is a sustainable method for regenerating the soil in raised beds, as it promotes soil life, provides nutrients, and improves soil structure.
  
• Legumes such as clover and alfalfa are particularly useful, as they fix nitrogen in the soil and thus contribute to its fertility; Green manure also protects against erosion and suppresses weeds. For long-lasting gardening enjoyment, ELEO offers the weatherproof Monterosso metal raised bed, which is ideal for effective green manure and environmentally conscious gardening. After the main harvest, your raised bed needs a break. The soil is now relatively depleted and nutrient-poor. Green manure is a great way to benefit your raised bed. You can think of it as a kind of immune boost for the soil, providing fresh nutrients and significantly improving the soil structure. With the right selection of green manure plants and regular application, you can manage your garden sustainably and in an environmentally friendly way. What you need to know about green manure and which plants are best suited for it is explained in our guide to green manure in raised beds. Green manure and life in the soil: a symbiosis With green manure, you set a whole series of processes in motion that greatly enrich and improve soil life. The roots of the green manure plants permeate the soil like a fine network, creating numerous habitats for soil organisms such as earthworms, bacteria, and fungi. These microorganisms gradually decompose the dead plant material and release valuable nutrients. They also produce humus, which improves soil structure and increases water retention capacity. By using green manure, you promote healthy and active soil life, which forms the basis for a particularly fertile raised bed. Why legumes are so valuable for raised beds A diverse plant cover of various green manure plants promotes high biodiversity in the soil. Legumes (pulses such as clover, peas, or alfalfa) are particularly beneficial in this regard. They form a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants and enrich the soil. The roots of the green manure plants also protect against erosion from wind and rain. The advantages of green manure at a glance Soil loosening: The roots of the green manure plants penetrate the soil and loosen it. This significantly facilitates the uptake of water and nutrients for subsequent plants.

  Nutrient supply: Many green manures, especially legumes such as clover or alfalfa, enrich the soil with nitrogen. This is an essential nutrient for many plants.

  Weed suppression: A dense cover of green manure plants suppresses the growth of unwanted weeds.

  Improved soil structure: The dead plant material gradually decomposes in the soil, thus improving the soil structure.

  Protection against erosion: Green manure protects the soil from erosion caused by wind and rain.

  

  Crimson clover is ideally suited for green manure in raised beds and enriches the soil with nitrogen. Image source: pixabay.com, LeneA

  Which plants are suitable for green manure in raised beds?

  The choice of the right plants for green manure depends on various factors, such as the general soil condition, the climate (strong sunlight or shade), and the subsequent crops you plan to grow in the raised bed. Among the tried-and-tested classics for green manure are:

  • Legumes: Clover, alfalfa, peas, beans – these plants enrich the soil with nitrogen.
  • Mustard: Mustard grows quickly and forms a dense ground cover. It is well-suited for controlling unwanted weeds.
  • Phacelia (Bee Pasture): Phacelia is not only beautiful to look at and nutrient-rich, it also attracts numerous beneficial insects such as bees to the garden.
  • Calendula: This valued medicinal plant is beautiful to look at, improves the soil, and protects against pests.
  • Rye: Rye has deep roots and loosens the soil well.

  How to Proceed with Green Manure in a Raised Bed

  After harvesting the main crop in your raised bed (for example, potatoes, cucumbers, or tomatoes), sow the green manure. directly into the soil. The plants will grow over time and form a dense ground cover. You don't need to do anything else at this stage.

  When the green manure is in full bloom and is about to go to seed, you should cut the plants down. This will prevent unwanted propagation or spread.

  You can then work the cut plant remains into the soil.

  A green manure crop will effectively refresh your raised bed – for more enjoyment in gardening in the new season. Pictured: The weatherproof ELEO Monterosso metal raised bed. © ELEO Additional Tips for Green Manure in Raised Beds Intercropping: A mixture of different green manure plants is more effective than a monoculture. Winter-Hardy Green Manure: Hardy green manures such as rye or winter rapeseed are suitable for winter. Combination with Compost: A combination of green manure and compost provides the soil with a particularly high number of nutrients. Frequently Asked Questions about Green Manure What is the best green manure?

  There is no single best green manure, as the optimal choice depends heavily on the individual conditions of your garden. Factors such as soil type, climate, the previous crop, and the subsequent main crop play a crucial role. Popular and proven options include phacelia, clover, alfalfa, and marigolds.   

  Which green manure should be sown in autumn?     

  For green manure in autumn, particularly hardy plants such as rye, winter rapeseed, or crimson clover are suitable. These plants can remain in the raised bed over the winter and are dug in during the spring.

  How long can you sow green manure?

  The optimal time for sowing depends on the chosen green manure. In early summer, mustard or phacelia are good choices, sown when a gap appears in the raised bed due to harvesting. In autumn, you can sow hardy green manure such as rye or winter rapeseed to cover the soil over the winter. Generally speaking, the longer the green manure can grow, the better the effect on the soil. When is the green manure dug in? The green manure is usually dug in or raked in shortly before sowing the next crop. Important: The green manure should be worked into the soil before it goes to seed, otherwise the seeds will mature and spread in the soil.

  

  by Annett Zahn Annett Zahn

  Plants and herbs are my passion. From a young age, I was able to build up a wealth of knowledge in this area, which my garden constantly benefits from.

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