{"title":"Green Manure Seed and Comfrey","description":"\u003cp\u003eOrganic green manure seeds and comfrey for improving soil health and fertility naturally. Essential for any organic garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"buckwheat-250g","title":"Buckwheat 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eOrganic Buckwheat Seed (Fagopyrum esculentum) Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a quick growing crop which is an excellent weed suppressor. 250g Sow Months: April-SeptField Rate: 50-80kg\/haHorticulture Rate: 250g covers 30m  Buckwheat is a fast growing short-term summer green manure. It produces a dense canopy of foliage that smothers weeds and once dug into the top layer of soil rapidly decomposes helping to improve the soils structure and organic matter content. Buckwheat does not fix nitrogen but is a very rapidly growing annual crop. It is good at scavenging for phosphate in the soil which it then takes up and makes available to subsequent crops after incorporation. If left to flower buckwheat produces attractive small pink flowers that are loved by bees and beneficial insects, but as with majority of green manures it is better to dig in whilst young and green rather than old and tough as they decompose more rapidly. Not related to other crops so can be sown anywhere in crop rotations.  How to sow green manures:  Prepare a reasonable seed bed. Broadcast you seeds. If you have a large area to cover it is a good idea to divide the seed and the land into 4 parts to avoid running out of seed. Rake in and water if soil is dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159691641,"sku":"39878145","price":4.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/buckwheatuse.jpg?v=1792675708"},{"product_id":"crimson-clover-250g","title":"Crimson Clover 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is a Nitrogen fixer. Mostly this annual legume is sown late summer or after harvest by mid September for winter sheep keep. Will flower if left until May and is attractive to pollinators. 250g Sow Months: April-Sept (If sown early it will flower the first year)Field Rate: 15-30kg\/ha (Depending on objective)Horticulture Rate: 250g covers 60m²   Quick growing winter hardy annual. N-fixer, suitable for undersowing in certain cereal crops. Beautiful flowers which attract bees. Produces an abundant crop and grows in a great range of soils and climates. It is fast growing and provides exceptional weed suppression. Once dug in it adds organic bulk to the soil which improves soil structure, the fibrous quality of the decaying plant matter including the vast root system can significantly improve the water holding capacity of light or sandy soils. Can be also interplanted between crops and can be sown where additional nitrogen is required. Will grow in full sun or in semi-shade and is suitable for all soil types.  How to sow green manures:  Prepare a reasonable seed bed. Broadcast your seeds. If you have a large area to cover it is a good idea to divide the seed and the land into 4 parts to avoid running out of seed. Rake in and water if soil is dry.  Did you know?  Clover fixes nitrogen from the air in its root nodules and when chopped and dug into the soil the nitrogen store is released very quickly. As well as fixing a high amount of nitrogen, clovers long tap root can lift minerals and nutrients from deep in the soil strata to help improve the quality of following crops. Crimson clover is an annual variety of clover. In summer it will produce clusters of attractive crimson flowers that are loved by bees and other beneficial insects. It is also a good choice for sowing late in the year as it can either be worked into the soil when young or simply left to die down. The plants will gradually die as the temperatures drop, making it easy to incorporate into the ground in spring. Sow clover before a brassicas in a crop rotation plan to release nitrogen to the following leafy greens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159757177,"sku":"39878146","price":5.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/CrimsonClover250G.webp?v=1767969009"},{"product_id":"phacelia-200g","title":"Phacelia 200G","description":"\u003cp\u003ePhacelia tanacetifolia is a fast growing hardy green manure that germinates at low temperatures and is ideal for sowing from March until September. Produces masses of bulk lasting well into winter. Bees love the flowers. 200g Sow Months: April-OctField Rate: 10-15kg\/ha (Depending on objective)Horticulture Rate: 200g covers 120m²  Will grow up to 1m in height. Is tolerant of cold temperatures and may over-winter if it's not too cold. Suits most soil types but is particularly good in dry ones. Phacelia has beautiful scented purple\/blue flowers with dense fern-like foliage. It smothers weeds and has an extensive root system that improves the soil structure.  It flowers from 6-8 weeks after sowing. Phacelia is highly attractive to honey bees, bumble bees, and hover flies, and these insects are valuable pollinators.  Hover fly larvae are voracious feeders on aphids and young caterpillars.  Phacelia provides both pollen (for protein – needed for egg production) and nectar (for carbohydrates – needed for energy).  Phacelia is listed as one of the top 20 honey-producing flowers.  Beautiful cut flower as well. If sown in August it will produce masses of growth that will last well into the Winter. This will slowly die back and can be left as a 'blanket' on the soil then dig it in in the Spring.  How to sow green manures:  Prepare a reasonable seed bed. Broadcast you seeds. If you have a large area to cover it is a good idea to divide the seed and the land into 4 parts to avoid running out of seed. Rake in and water if soil is dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159789945,"sku":"39878149","price":4.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/Phacelia200G.webp?v=1767968980"},{"product_id":"red-clover-200g","title":"Red Clover 200G","description":"\u003cp\u003eRed Clover is a fast growing short lived perennial which provides exceptional nitrogen fixation and weed suppression. Used widely as a green manure, for silage production and in pasture mixes. Diploid varieties are smaller leaved and less likely to dominate over grass in summer. Variety 'Lucrum'. 200g Sow Months: May-SeptField Rate: 15-20kg\/haHorticulture Rate: 200g covers 80m² Red Clover is a fast growing perennial of the legume family and has excellent qualities which have made it invaluable to sustainable farming systems. It fixes very large amounts of nitrogen from the air, improves soils with its penetrating tap root and provides excellent high protein fodder rich in protein and minerals. It is often grown with ryegrasses to create high yielding silage leys. Like many clovers, red clover works well as a green manure or cover crop. Once established, the vigour of red clover allows it to suppress weeds and create a lot of bulky foliage. When dug back in, the combination of all that organic matter and decaying root system will improve the soil quality greatly and is especially good for increasing the water holding capacity of ligher soils.   Possibly the legume with highest N fixation - up to 200kg per hectare in a year. Tap root penetrates soil layers to improve soil structure whilst bringing up minerals. Very vigorous once established. Will suppress weeds and recovers quickly from cutting. Produces large amount of bulky foliage which makes high protein and mineral rich animal fodder or a potent soil improver when incorporated back into the soil as a green manure. Bees and beneficial insects love the flowers but you may want to cut down or dig in the plants before they set seed.   Sowing: Seed is small so should be broadcast or shallow drilled. The ground should be rolled afterwards to get good soil contact with seed.Persistence: Perennial. 2-4 years. Frost hardy and drought resistant.Soil Preference: Not fussy about soil type but requries decent fertility (Index 3 for P \u0026amp; K) and a pH of 6 to 6.5 to perform well.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159822713,"sku":"39878152","price":5.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/redclover.jpg?v=1767968938"},{"product_id":"rye-winter-vetch-300g","title":"Rye \u0026 Winter Vetch 300G","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Rye\/Vetch mix is one of the best greenmanures to cover and protect your soil over winter. 300g Sow Months: August-OctHorticulture Rate: 300g covers 20m2    Benefits of Winter Rye Soil Erosion Control: Winter rye grows quickly and forms a dense cover, protecting the soil from erosion caused by wind and water. Its extensive root system helps to stabilize the soil.  Nutrient Scavenging: Rye absorbs excess nitrogen from the soil, preventing it from leaching away during winter rains. This helps maintain soil fertility for future crops.  Soil Structure Improvement: The deep roots of rye enhance soil tilth and aeration, making it easier for subsequent crops to establish their roots, especially in compacted soils. Benefits of Winter Vetch Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, winter vetch can fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, enriching it for future plant growth. This makes it an excellent companion crop for rye.  Weed Suppression: Vetch grows vigorously and forms a thick mat that suppresses weeds, reducing competition for nutrients and moisture in the spring. Biomass Production: Both rye and vetch produce significant biomass, which can be incorporated into the soil to enhance organic matter content. This boosts soil fertility and promotes microbial activity. In summary, planting winter rye and vetch together creates a beneficial environment that enhances soil quality through erosion control, nutrient retention, improved structure, nitrogen fixation, and biomass production.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159855481,"sku":"39878154","price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/Rye_WinterVetch300G.webp?v=1767968848"},{"product_id":"winter-vetch-250g","title":"Winter Vetch 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eVetch (Vicia villosa) is a short lived nitrogen fixing legume that competes well with weeds by forming a dense canopy quickly. Important green manure and fodder crop. 250g Sow Months: Mar-OctField Rate: 75-100kg\/ha (Depending on objective)Horticulture Rate: 250g covers 25m²  N-fixer. Produces a lot of bulky foliage that suppresses weeds. Will add organic matter and improves the texture of the soil. Grows best with a support plant - e.g. Phacelia, Sunflower, Westerwolds or Rye.  Will attract bees if allowed to flower.  Crop residues are succulent and decompose quickly. Best not to top as it does not recover well from cutting. Allelopathic effect - be careful if planning on direct sowing crops after incorporation. How to sow green manures: Prepare a reasonable seed bed. Broadcast you seeds. If you have a large area to cover it is a good idea to divide the seed and the land into 4 parts to avoid running out of seed. Rake in and water if soil is dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159888249,"sku":"39878156","price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/wintervetchhairy.jpg?v=1792675574"},{"product_id":"comfrey-root-x5-available-until-march","title":"Comfrey Root x5  Available until March.","description":"\u003cp\u003eComfrey root cuttings for propagation. These will be packed in a small envelope of 5 roots. To propagate the roots follow the steps below:  Prepare Pots: Use pots filled with a mix of soil and compost for good drainage. Plant Cuttings: Place the root cuttings about half an inch deep in the soil, with any buds facing up. Water: Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Light and Temperature: Keep in a warm, sunny spot, protecting from frost and heavy rain. Monitor Growth: New shoots should appear within a few weeks. Once they have at least two leaves, transplant them to larger pots or garden beds.  The cuttings may take about 5-6 weeks to show signs of growth, Whilst some may only take a week or 2. It's best to not disturb them during this time but if theres no visible sign of growth after 6 weeks gently scrape some of the compost away from where the cutting is and check for roots.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Organic Centre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159921017,"sku":"40019002","price":7.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/ComfreyRootCuttings.webp?v=1767968792"},{"product_id":"landsberger-mix-250g","title":"Landsberger Mix 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ultimate in winter green manure. Landsberger Mix contains Hungarian Vetch, Crimson Clover and Westerwolds Ryegrass. Deep rooting, nitrogen fixing, prolific growth and excellent ground cover. Sow until mid October. 250g Sow Months: April-OctField Rate: 50kg\/haHorticulture Rate: 250g covers 50m²   Landsberger mix contains -  Vetch (Vicia pannonica). Crimson Clover. Westerwold Ryegrass.  Crimson Clover - A good ground cover that will help with weed suppression, it is quick and easy to grow. It can take a degree of frost but even if it does die back the winter roots are beneficial. Good nitrogen fixer. Suits most soils especially useful in sandy ones. Great feed value. Vetch - Masses of growth here and nitrogen too. Good weed suppressor and lots of organic matter. Very good feed value. Westerwold Rye Grass - This is an annual form of ryegrass which is very fast to establish and produce forage. It is a very good N lifter and is very quick to make a large root mass making it suitable as a green manure. It effectively seeks out and mops up nitrate in soil. Benefits of Landsberger Mix:  Provides large quantities of fresh and dry matter. Excellent feed value. Good root structure. Good ground cover. It has an above-average capacity for humus production and leaves the soil in excellent condition. The growth can be grazed, used as fresh feed, ensiled or left as a mulching cover crop.  All cover crops should be either tilled in, (mulch)mowed low to the ground, or smothered by (organic) mulches before they go to seed.  How to sow green manures:  Prepare a reasonable seed bed. Broadcast or drill seeds. If you have a large area to cover it is a good idea to divide the seed and the land into 4 parts to avoid running out of seed. Rake, roll in and water if soil is dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159953785,"sku":"42577440","price":4.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/landsberger_mix_sq_com_-2.jpg?v=1767968747"},{"product_id":"winter-wheat-250g","title":"Winter Wheat 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eWinter Wheat Green Manure 250G\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475159986553,"sku":"47645275","price":3.75,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/WinterWheat250G.webp?v=1767968723"},{"product_id":"sweet-lupin-200g","title":"Sweet lupin 200G","description":"\u003cp\u003eSow months: March-June Organic matter forage with high protein. Fast growing Nitrogen fixer.  They suit light sandy acid soils but will tolerate most situations. Very long tap roots that dredge up minerals. (Lupins fix 25% more free nitrogen than clovers and 28% more than peas and beans). The long roots also help to break up and aerate heavier soils. Will increase the moisture retention properties of the soil due to the large amount of bulk produced - both leaf and root. Part of the legume family. Can be used for fodder. Lupins produce beautiful blue\/white flowers but it is best to dig it in and cut down before they flower 200g covers 50m2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475160019321,"sku":"47754914","price":3.75,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/Sweetlupin200G.webp?v=1767968694"},{"product_id":"phacelia-winter-vetch-250g","title":"Phacelia\/Winter Vetch 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eUsing Phacelia as a Green Manure Phacelia tanacetifolia, commonly known as phacelia, is a highly regarded green manure crop due to its rapid growth and multiple benefits for soil health and ecosystem support. Here are the key features and advantages of using phacelia as a green manure: Soil Improvement Phacelia has an extensive root system that helps improve soil structure and aeration. Its growth enhances the top layers of soil, preventing erosion and nutrient leaching, which is particularly important during wet seasons. Weed Suppression The dense foliage of phacelia effectively smothers weeds, reducing competition for light, water, and nutrients. This characteristic minimizes the need for herbicides and helps maintain a clean growing environment. Attracting Beneficial Insects Phacelia is often referred to as \"Bee's Friend\" due to its attractive purple flowers, which are highly appealing to pollinators such as bees and hoverflies. These beneficial insects not only aid in pollination but also help control pest populations, particularly aphids. Nitrogen Holding While phacelia does not fix nitrogen like legumes, it acts as a nitrogen holder, capturing nitrogen from the soil and making it available for subsequent crops when the plant is incorporated into the soil. Easy Management Phacelia is easy to grow and manage, with a sowing period from late March to September. It typically reaches a height of up to 1 meter and can tolerate cold temperatures, often surviving mild winters. For optimal benefits, it should be dug into the soil before flowering, when the plant material is still soft and nutrient-rich. After 6-8 weeks of growth, incorporate the plants into the soil to enhance fertility and structure, while also providing food for pollinators by allowing some plants to flower if desired.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475160052089,"sku":"MIX04orgDIS","price":4.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/phaceliawintervetchuse.jpg?v=1792675190"},{"product_id":"phacelia-rye-300g","title":"Phacelia\/Rye 300G","description":"\u003cp\u003e300g of this mix covers 40m squared. Using Phacelia as a Green Manure Phacelia tanacetifolia, commonly known as phacelia, is a rapidly growing annual green manure that thrives in various soil types, particularly dry ones. It is often referred to as \"Bee's Friend\" due to its attractive flowers, which are highly beneficial for pollinators. Here are the key features and benefits of using phacelia as a green manure: Soil Improvement Phacelia develops an extensive root system that enhances soil structure and aeration. Its growth helps prevent soil erosion and nutrient leaching, making it an effective cover crop. Weed Suppression The dense foliage of phacelia effectively suppresses weeds by outcompeting them for resources. This characteristic is particularly valuable in maintaining a clean growing environment. Attracting Beneficial Insects Phacelia's purple flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects, including bees and hoverflies, which can help control pest populations in the garden. Nutrient Retention While phacelia does not fix nitrogen like legumes, it acts as a nitrogen holder, capturing and retaining nitrogen in the soil. This nitrogen can be made available to subsequent crops when the phacelia is incorporated into the soil. Easy Management Phacelia is easy to grow and manage, with a sowing period from March to September. It typically flowers 6-8 weeks after sowing. For optimal benefits, it should be dug into the soil before flowering, when the plant material is still soft and nutrient-rich. After growth, incorporate the plants into the soil to enhance fertility and structure. Using Rye as a Green Manure Rye, specifically winter rye (Secale cereale), is a popular choice for green manure due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions. Here are the main benefits of using rye as a green manure: Soil Erosion Control Rye has a deep root system that helps bind the soil, preventing erosion and improving soil stability. This is particularly beneficial on slopes or in areas prone to runoff. Nitrogen Fixation and Nutrient Cycling While rye does not fix nitrogen, it captures nitrogen from the soil and helps cycle it back into the system when incorporated. This contributes to overall soil fertility. Weed Suppression Rye grows quickly and densely, effectively suppressing weeds. Its robust growth can outcompete many weed species, reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Winter Hardiness As a winter cover crop, rye can be sown in the fall and will survive cold temperatures, providing ground cover during the winter months. This helps protect the soil from erosion and nutrient leaching during the off-season. Easy Incorporation Rye is easy to manage; it can be sown in late summer to early fall and is typically killed off by frost. Before planting spring crops, the rye should be mowed or cut down and incorporated into the soil, where it breaks down quickly and enriches the soil. After winter, incorporate the rye into the soil before it flowers in the spring to maximize its benefits for subsequent crops.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475160084857,"sku":"MIX05orgDIS","price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/Phacelia-Rye300G.webp?v=1767968633"},{"product_id":"egyptian-white-clover-200g","title":"Egyptian White Clover 200G","description":"\u003cp\u003eEgyptian white clover, scientifically known as Trifolium alexandrinum, is commonly referred to as berseem clover. It is a fast-growing annual legume that thrives in warm, moist conditions and is primarily cultivated for its high biomass production and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. This species is particularly valued in agricultural practices for its ability to improve soil fertility. 200G covers 60m2. Characteristics and Growth   Growth Habit: Egyptian clover exhibits an upright growth form with dark green, trifoliate leaves. It produces white, slightly oblong flowers and has a shallow, fibrous root system.   Soil Requirements: It prefers well-drained, medium loamy soils rich in lime and is sensitive to frost, making it unsuitable for winter cultivation. The optimal sowing period is from April to September when soil temperatures are warm.   Uses: This clover is often utilized as a green manure crop, contributing organic matter to the soil and enhancing its nitrogen content. It is also used in mixtures with grasses for hay and silage production, and it attracts pollinators when allowed to flower.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475160150393,"sku":"49058478","price":4.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/EgyptianWhiteClover.webp?v=1767968606"},{"product_id":"mustard-green-manure-250g","title":"Mustard Green Manure 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eUsing Mustard as a Green Manure Mustard is a fast-growing, hardy annual that makes an excellent green manure crop. It can be sown from March to September and grows well on most soil types, particularly fertile ones. Here are some key benefits of using mustard as a green manure: Weed Suppression Mustard grows very vigorously, quickly smothering weeds and creating a dense cover crop. When sown in late summer, it will outcompete weeds and provide a weed-free bed for planting in the fall. Soil Improvement Mustard produces large amounts of green matter and fibrous roots that improve soil texture and moisture retention when chopped up and incorporated into the soil. It helps add organic matter to soils that are lacking. Disease and Pest Suppression Mustard contains compounds that act as natural biofumigants, suppressing nematodes and pathogenic fungi in the soil. Incorporating mustard into the soil can have a cleansing effect on soils with high pathogen loads. Nitrogen Fixation As a member of the Brassica family, mustard is good at picking up nitrogen from the soil. It makes an excellent catch crop, with the nitrogen-rich plant matter becoming available to subsequent crops when the mustard is dug in. Easy Incorporation Mustard is not winter hardy and will be killed by frost, making it easy to chop down and incorporate into the soil. It has a short growing period of 6-8 weeks and can reach 60-90cm tall. To use mustard as a green manure, simply prepare a seed bed and broadcast the seeds. After 4-8 weeks of growth, chop down the plants and cultivate the chopped material into the top few inches of soil. The mustard will quickly break down, releasing its nutrients and beneficial compounds.     250g, covers 80m squared.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475160183161,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/green-manure-mustard.png?v=1794412077"},{"product_id":"alfalfa-green-manure-250g","title":"Alfalfa - Green Manure 250G","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlfalfa, scientifically known as Medicago sativa, is a versatile and highly beneficial perennial legume that serves as an exceptional green manure crop. Renowned for its deep, extensive root system, alfalfa not only enhances soil structure but also contributes significantly to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Key Features of Alfalfa Green Manure  Deep Root System: Alfalfa's roots can penetrate over a meter deep, effectively breaking up compacted soil layers and improving aeration. Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, alfalfa has the unique ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, enriching the soil for subsequent crops. Drought Tolerance: Once established, alfalfa is resilient to dry conditions, making it a reliable choice in various climates. Soil Improvement: The organic matter from decomposed alfalfa enhances soil structure, increases water retention, and promotes healthy microbial activity. Biodiversity Promotion: Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, supporting a healthy ecosystem in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475160379769,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/alfalfa-in-flower.png?v=1794412895"},{"product_id":"overwintering-rye-400g","title":"Overwintering Rye 400G","description":"\u003cp\u003eCereal rye (Secale cereale) is a popular cover crop known for its ability to thrive through winter, providing numerous benefits for agricultural systems. Benefits   Soil Protection: Rye develops a strong root system that helps prevent soil erosion, maintaining soil structure and improving drainage.   Nutrient Scavenging: It effectively captures residual nitrogen from the soil, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching and enhancing soil fertility.   Weed Suppression: Rye has natural properties that inhibit the germination of certain weed seeds, helping to control weeds and reduce competition for resources.   Organic Matter Contribution: The biomass produced by rye adds organic matter to the soil when incorporated, enhancing soil health and moisture retention.   Adaptability: Rye can be sown later in the fall compared to other cover crops, making it a flexible option for different planting schedules. Its hardiness allows it to survive harsh winter conditions.   Management Practices To successfully manage overwintering rye:   Seeding: Plant rye in late summer to mid-November, using about 400G of seed per 20 square metres for optimal coverage.   Termination: In spring, terminate the rye at least 30 days before planting new crops to avoid any negative effects on subsequent growth. This can be done through mowing or tilling.   In summary, overwintering rye is an effective strategy for improving soil health, managing nutrients, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fruit Hill Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56475160445305,"sku":null,"price":3.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0095\/9353\/files\/OverwinteringRye400G.webp?v=1767968521"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.theorganiccentre.ie\/collections\/green-manure-seed-and-comfrey.oembed","provider":"The Organic Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}