How to use green manure crops to improve soil quality?

Catnipmanor1234

My 2 hexis have such dry, dirt (not soil). I know it needs fertilizer and a generous amount of new planting soil. But what or how do I plant a 'green' crop? Is it to rest the soil, in my case dirt, or when the 'green' crop is finished, do I then dig it into the soil? Thank You. ps they need all the help they can get.

MitchellMc

Hi @Catnipmanor1234,

I apologise; I'm having trouble identifying the plant you are referencing. Are there other common or scientific names for "hexis" you could let me know of? 

Green manure crops are typically used to maintain soil and will struggle to revive dirt devoid of organic material. If you were only to use green manure crops to improve your soil it could be several years until you return any of its health. If you have poor soil, then I would advise adding organic material in the form of manures or compost or new garden soil. Once you've mixed the organic material through the old soil and it has a reasonable amount of vitality, then you can look at maintenance crops in the off-season. Typically these are grown and turned into the soil to add organic matter and nutrients to supplement what was removed by your growing crop. 

Let me mention one of our keen gardeners @mich1972 to see if she has any thoughts.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell