[Scpg] Green Manure

[L. Santoyo]

You sure are on the right track -with the no tilling...
I wouldn't chop them -just push them down under a thick layer of mulch
(straw and/or fine wood chips).  Favas break down very quickly, fix nitrogen
in the soil (when needed) -and don't forget the flowers are delicious too!
I would also spare a patch to let them mature into fat beans -to eat -and
save some to plant later.

Because your new plant roots and the bacteria that breaks down the "green
manure" (in this case the favas) and mulch into rich soil -both use nitrogen
-some people do wait a week or two before planting... -if you were to add
even a little prepared compost/aged manure with your seeds and seedlings
-the perceived competition for nutrient shouldn't be long or have much
impact at all...

I would try planting some right away -but in one and two weeks from now, it
won't be too late to plant anyway...

good luck

Larry
www.earthflow.com


On Wed, Mar 19, 2008 at 8:51 AM, Michael and Trish Hernandez <
crazymiles at earthlink.net> wrote:

> Fava Beans with out rototilling. Our garden is covered with a gorgeous
> winter cover crop. What's the best way to chop and drop the beans without
> rototilling? Chop then, then cover them with more mulch? How much of the
> root needs to be tilled back into the soil? I've read that we need to mulch
> the beans and let them the area sit for 2 weeks before planting, which is
> now! Would love some feedback.
> ---------
> "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I
> can hear her breathing."
> "Arundhati Roy"
>
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