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Sowing; There are two methods of sowing Rye and vetch as a green manure.

Sow at 20g per square metre

The seeds can be simply mixed and sown together in spring or in autumn. But, when used as an overwintering green manure in very cold areas, where temperatures are likely to be below freezing for a substantial time, Tares are often overseeded into rye in the spring. Tares will grow through the rye and is usually seeded at 50% that of Rye.

Tares (Vicia sativa)

Vicia sativa, also known as ‘Tare’ or simply ‘the Vetch’, is the largest, most vigorous leguminous plant in the Vicia genus. During the spring it will grow dense green foliage that suppresses weeds, adds organic matter and improves the texture of the soil. It is easy to dig in. This hardy annual can be sown in spring to dig in later in summer or in autumn to overwinter.

Rye

As a green manure, Rye is hardiest of cereals. Rye can establish in very cool weather. It will germinate at temperatures as low as 1°C (34°F). Vegetative growth requires 4°C (38° F) or higher. It can be seeded much later in autumn than other cover crops and still provide considerable organic matter. It can be sown in spring to dig in later in summer or in late summer to overwinter. (through November if the weather is mild).

Inexpensive and easy to establish, it is widely adapted, but grows best in cool, temperate zones. Rye prefers light loams or sandy soils and will germinate even in fairly dry soil. It outperforms all other cover crops on infertile, sandy or acidic soil or on poorly prepared land. It also will grow in heavy clays and poorly drained soils, and tolerates water logging.

Sowing; March-May or July-November for overwintering. Prepare the soil by removing weeds, digging over if it hasn't been recently cultivated and raking level. Scatter seeds over the surface of the soil. Both Rye and Tares are sensitive to seeding depth so plant no deeper than 5cm (2in) into the soil.

Make sure the seed is in firm contact with the soil by gently tapping over the surface with the back of a spade. Water in well.

Bare patches should be covered within two to three weeks and plants will do the most good if they are left for at least eight weeks before digging in.

Some farmers prefer to chop or mow by ‘late boot stage’, before they flower.

Tares flowers later in summer, but if it is a very mild winter Rye will start to head out very early, around March.

Digging in early, while plants are short and succulent and before the rye is 45cm (18in) high, is one way to minimize N tie-up and conserve soil moisture. Incorporate N. A rotavator set to only 5cm (2in) makes light work of large areas

Having incorporated tares makes rye a little easier to dig in, but after a winter it may still be hard work and is best done in stages. Either loosen roots one day and then dig in a couple of days later, or cut down foliage, then cover with a light excluding mulch such as black plastic for three weeks and it will be easier to dig in.

Rye releases a chemical that has allelopathic effects. They inhibit the growth of the next crop. To extend rye’s weed-management benefits, you can allow its allelopathic effects to persist longer by leaving killed residue on the surface rather than incorporating it. Allelopathic effects taper off after about 30 days. After killing rye, it’s best to wait three to four weeks before planting small-seeded crops such as carrots or onions directly into the soil.

If planting vegetables into rye as a nurse crop, be aware that rye seedlings have more allelopathic compounds than more mature rye residue. Transplanted vegetables, such as tomatoes, and larger-seeded species, especially legumes, are less susceptible to rye’s allelopathic effects

Don’t forget; Rotate green manures as you would any other crop.