Proponents of alfalfa describe it as a wonder crop. As a green manure, alfalfa can be grown for a few months or a year. The plants are able to fix large quantities of nitrogen from the air, its long roots break up soil pans, prevent erosion and improve soil and water quality.

Green Manure “General Mix” is designed to provide a short term mix for use throughout the year. The plants have nitrogen fixing properties and provide a mix of bulky foliage that add organic matter. improving the texture of the soil and suppressing weeds.

Green Manure 'Spring Mix’ is designed for maximum germination at low temperatures, this fast growing cover adds both nitrogen and the maximum amount of organic matter to the soil. Includes English Vetch and Mustard White Tilney. Sow from March to September.

Tares and Rye are a traditional combination as they work well together. Used particularly in crop rotation prior to planting leafy crops such as brassicas, this two-way mix guarantees biomass, builds soil and leaves readily available nitrogen for hungry crops. Sow in spring or as late as November.

As a green manure Tares are an excellent choice for heavy soils, they produce a lot of bulky foliage that suppresses weeds, adds organic matter and improves the texture of the soil. Easy to dig in, this hardy annual can be sown in spring to dig in later in summer or sown in autumn to overwinter.

Green Manure ‘Winter Mix’ is a specially formulated mix suitable for sowing in in autumn and for digging in during spring. It is a good all-round mix, containing three plants that each have different properties. Crimson clover, Mustard White Tilney and Red Clover.

Where areas aren’t required for crops or bedding or if you simply plan to give a garden bed a rest, put the area to good use by sowing sunflowers. Not only will they look very attractive in a group, sunflowers act as a cover crop, protecting soil and inhibiting the growth of weeds.

Phacelia is a very attractive plant and one with a variety of uses. Very rich in both nectar and pollen, it is listed as one of the top 20 honey-producing flowers for honeybees. It is ideal for a wildlife-friendly planting scheme and makes a wonderful green manure.

“Dainty Marietta” is a dwarf cultivar grows to only 20cm (6in). Use them in rockeries, at the front of the border or edge the border or path. Provide a sunny location and this fast growing plant will bloom non-stop throughout the growing season