It is a good idea, at this time of year to dig some animal manure into your beds.The reason is that the animal manure contains the three essentials: nitrates, potash, and phosphates.
Pig and cow manures are invaluable on light soil because it conserves moisture.
Horse manure, on the other hand, is indispensable for heavy type soils because it will supply food and assists drainage by breaking up the soil particles.
Chicken and other poultry manure is very valuable when used in a dry state, but do not forget that the material is at least six times stronger than any other type of animal manure.
A good way to measure out manure is one barrowful to the rod. A rod, by the way is a land measurement: a unit of length equal to 5.5 yards, 5.0292 meters.
On heavy land, it is good to try to add decayed vegetable matter, and wood ashes, as these will help to sweeten the soil.
As well as animal manure, it is a good idea to drill some green manures. The best time to do this is August or September.
The purpose of this is to keep the soil covered if you are not growing a crop and to dig the green manure crop into the soil later on in the year to supply humus to your raised bed.
White mustard is a good green manure to use on light soil but you must make sure that you dig it into the soil well before it flowers.
Rape is another very useful green manure to use, but this crop, like mustard should be dug in during November or December.
For digging in the soil during February or March, crimson clover, winter tares or rye are all very useful. Old fashion crops, I know, but they are still the best to my mind.
Far greater use might be made of these green manures, especially in cases where the land is otherwise bare through the winter months.
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