Green manures are plants grown specifically to improve soil health rather than for harvest. They’re one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect, feed and rebuild soil naturally, whether you’re working with a garden, lawn, paddock or larger growing area.
Used for centuries in agriculture and gardening, green manures are now becoming increasingly popular as people look for more sustainable, low-input ways to care for soil.
What Do Green Manures Do?
Green manures work by covering bare soil and actively improving it while they grow. Instead of leaving ground exposed to weather and weeds, green manures protect the surface and add value both above and below ground.
Their main benefits include:
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Improving soil structure
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Adding organic matter
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Reducing nutrient loss
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Suppressing weeds
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Supporting beneficial soil life
Once cut back or incorporated into the soil, green manures return nutrients and organic material, helping create healthier growing conditions for whatever comes next.
How Green Manures Improve Soil
As green manure plants grow, their roots break up compacted soil and improve drainage and aeration. This creates better conditions for roots, worms and beneficial microbes.
Above ground, leafy growth protects soil from heavy rain, wind and erosion. When the plants are cut down and allowed to decompose, they increase organic matter, helping soil retain moisture and nutrients more effectively.
Some green manures, particularly legumes like clover, also fix nitrogen naturally. They work with soil bacteria to convert nitrogen from the air into a form plants can use, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.
Common Types of Green Manures
Green manures come in many forms, each suited to different purposes and seasons.
Legumes such as clover are excellent for adding nitrogen to the soil and improving fertility.
Grasses and cereals are good for building organic matter and improving soil structure, especially on compacted or tired ground.
Mixed green manure blends combine different plant types to deliver a wider range of benefits, balancing soil conditioning, nutrient support and biodiversity.
When Are Green Manures Used?
