Description
Buckwheat is a fast-growing 'green manure' crop, ideal for covering and protecting the soil in summer/autumn.
Fast Germination: seeds can sprout in just 3-4 days.
Natural Weed Control: the dense canopy of foliage soon smothers and out competes weeds, without the need for chemicals or manual weeding.
Pollinator Friendly: When left to flower, the white or pale pink blossoms are a great source of nectar and pollen.
Attractive to Beneficial Insects: Buckwheat is known to attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies (whose larvae feed voraciously on aphids), ladybirds and other beneficial insects. Evidence also suggests that it can act as a pest deterrent when grown in close proximity to other crops.
Soil Improver: As buckwheat decomposes, it adds valuable organic matter and nitrogen to the soil. It also improves soil structure.
Soil Protection: protects bare soil from potential erosion etc.
Growing Info:
Grows well on poor soils and is tolerant of acidic conditions.
Tips:
- It's best to dig in while young, before tough woody stems are formed - as these take longer to break down.
- Make sure to dig in before it goes to seed, as it re-seeds very easily and can become a bit of a pest.
Sowing:
- Clear the area of weeds especially perennials, rake soil to a fine tilth.
- Broadcast sow seed and rake in to a depth of 1cm, can also be sown in rows 20cm apart.
- Firm soil and gently water. Keep moist until seed has germinated.
Coverage:
This 75g packet will cover 12 square metres.
