Winter Tares 'Vicia sativa', also known as 'Vetch' is a hardy annual that can be sown March-May or July-September for over-wintering. It is good at nitrogen-fixing and is extremely competitive against weed suppression, forming an aggressive canopy rapidly on heavier soils but avoid acid or dry soils and dig in before flowering.

Winter Tares green manure is part of the legume family so grow on ground with/after legumes in a crop rotation plan. Any harmful pests & diseases will show up in the green manure rather than the more valuable veg. It helps to fix nitrogen and once dug in will fertilise the following nitrogen hungry crops like brassicas.

Protect from slugs/snails and birds especially pigeons who like to nip the tops off.

Please note that Winter Tares releases a chemical that inhibits the growth of small seeds (particularly carrots, parsnips & spinach) so a month should be left after digging it in before sowing the next crop. It does not pose a problem for transplants or young seedlings.

Grow with Forage Rye to give good cover in winter or Italian Rye.

Need Some Help On Green Manure?
Then we have 2 invaluable resources on our website that will provide the answers to all of your Green Manure questions:

1. A Beginners Guide that covers everything you ever wanted to know about Green Manure in 5 quick and simple steps - read it [HERE]

2. How To Choose Which Green Manure To Sow...a summary of all the Green Manures showing which soil types, plant families, and benefits that each Green Manure can bring to your veg patch or allotment - read it [HERE]

Winter Tares (Vetch) Green Manure Seed Information

When to Sow:

March, April, May, July, August, September.

Growing period:

2-3 months.
Grows to a height of c.50cm

Ideal Soil Type:

Heavier soils, avoid acid or dry soils.

Nitrogen fixer:

Yes.

How to Sow:

Prepare the soil by roughly digging it over and removing any weeds. Lightly tread the soil, and then sow the seeds by broadcast sowing (i.e. scattering evenly) for good coverage and dig in to a depth of 2.5cm. Rake the soil, lightly firm down and water well. In dry periods you may need to water until the green manure is established. (Rows can be sown but are not as good for weed suppression).

Care:

The green manure should be cut down before flowering when the stems are nice and soft as they decompose quicker, retain more beneficial nutrients and are easier to incorporate into the soil. They can be dug into the soil by turning over into the top 15cms or left on the top as a mulch, the worms will drag down the organic matter and help to aerate the soil.

Sow Rate:

5.5 grams per square metre.

Pack Weight / Area:

100g

18m²

250g

45m²

500g

90m²

When to Sow Winter Tares Green Manure Seeds

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec