We are not planting any winter crops this year, what can we grow in our raised garden beds over winter to improve the soil?

• Grow a green crop such as oats, blue or white lupin or mustard seeds.
• Green crops add organic matter to the soil, helping to improve soil structure and moisture retention. 
• Mustard has special properties to deter soil nematodes which nibble on plant roots.
• Sow in autumn (March/April) so that the plants put on good growth before winter.
• In August cut and drop the green crop before they flower using hedge shears or a weed eater, dig the plant material into the soil.
• Sprinkle Tui Garden Lime over the raised bed to speed up the breakdown of the organic matter.
• Leave for 4-6 weeks before planting your spring and summer vegetables.
• Before planting add sheep pellets and a balanced fertiliser such as Tui Vegetable Food or Tui NitroPlus.
• If not wanting to grow a green crop, add a layer of Tui Pea Straw over the bed to keep weeds at bay, pea straw breaks down and is a good source of organic matter.
• Before planting add a layer of Tui Compost and dig into the soil.