One of the ways to restore the fertile layer in a greenhouse is to sow green manure crops. The only thing that remains unclear is when to sow: in spring or autumn.
Both methods are acceptable, but have some unique characteristics that you need to be aware of.
Spring sowing
It is not forbidden to sow green manure in a greenhouse in spring, it is only important to prepare for this. Therefore, in winter, it is necessary to bring snow into the greenhouse, but not much, so as not to arrange a refrigerator in it. Having melted, it will provide the soil with moisture necessary for the growth of greenery.
In spring, the soil is dug to a depth of 5-7 cm and crops suitable for crop rotation are sown in scattered or furrowed patterns.
The seedlings are mown down and covered after they rise to 20-30 cm in height.
What to sow in spring
Phacelia, oats or spring rape give excellent results. They quickly gain rich green mass, which also quickly rots in the ground.
They can be sown as early as the end of February or the beginning of March – the plants tolerate cold well.
Autumn green manure
This scheme is followed by experienced gardeners. It allows not only to saturate the soil with nutrients, but also to influence its structure due to the developed root system of green manure, loosening the dense soil. In addition, by spring the green mass will rot thoroughly, which will allow you to get soil rich in minerals.
If we talk about autumn sowing, then at the end of September, mustard, phacelia or grains are sown. At the end of October, winter grains, rape or phacelia. But flowering should not be allowed.
When sowing in winter, you need to double the seed rate, in case some of the seeds do not sprout.
This method is practiced before planting cucumbers or tomatoes in a greenhouse.
Some summer residents even plant seedlings in green manure, which serves as protection from recurrent frosts, mulch and protection from weeds.
