Security blankets
Security Blankets for Soil
Originally published: August 24, 2023
Updated: September 2025
What do climate change, biodiversity, water management, carbon sequestration, soil fertility, and weed suppression all have in common?
Green manures.
These humble plants are the unsung heroes of regenerative gardening. Think of them as security blankets for your soil. They can cover bare ground after crops are harvested, enriching the earth, and helping nature do its job.
Green manures are grown not to eat, but to improve soil structure, retain moisture, suppress weeds, and boost fertility. When chosen wisely and managed simply, they can be powerful allies in any sustainable garden.
Tending to My Little Patch
In my current garden, I’ve been tackling heavy, compacted clay soil, which was previously buried under a concrete patio. Bringing it back to life has been a long-term project. One thing I learned quickly: never walk on wet clay! Even light footprints turned into puddles.
After breaking through the initial hardpan layer, I began regenerating the space using a mix of:
Composted bark
My own hot bin compost
It’s still not the crumbly loam I once enjoyed, but it’s alive now. I've got more earthworms, greater diversity of insects, and improved drainage. The garden feels healthier.
What to Sow in Autumn 2025
As summer crops come out, fill the gaps before winter sets in.
By mid-to-late September, sow annuals:
Clovers (crimson, red, white) – Crimson Clover is showy and great for quick cover; red and white are perennial and more persistent.
Vetch (winter tares) – A fantastic nitrogen-fixer and great for improving fertility.
Phacelia – Fast-growing, bee-friendly, and one of the easiest to manage.
If you're sowing later in the autumn, consider:
Grazing rye
Field beans
Forage peas
These cope better with colder conditions. Annuals are generally best for no-dig systems; they die down naturally, making spring prep easier.
Managing Green Manures
Once green manures have grown and died back:
Mulch over them – This protects soil and encourages decomposition.
Use cardboard sheets topped with compost for insulation and worm activity.
Or simply chop and drop—cut the plants down and leave the debris in place. Tougher stems can be pulled and added to the compost or hot bin.
Learn More
For up-to-date, in-depth guidance on choosing and growing green manures, visit:
Garden Organic – Green Manures Guide
Final Thoughts
Green manures may not be glamorous, but they’re incredibly effective. Whether you're restoring a neglected patch or maintaining healthy soil year-round, they’re worth the effort.
Your soil deserves a little TLC—and green manures are a simple, natural way to give it just that.