[The Lint Mill]

Our pigs went off earlier this month, I have made the ground level and was thinking of sowing a green manure (field beans perhaps) and these would be ready when we reintroduce the pigs to the area. Are green manures safe?

Thanks

Colin

[hughesy]

Can't see there being a problem with field beans. We're about to sow turnips and maybe some swede with a view to lifting some to store for the winter and letting the pigs eat the rest where it's grown.

[Dan]

Agree with Hughesy that you'll be fine with field beans. The only common green manure I can think of that might be a problem is Mustard.

[graham-j]

Hi,out of interest why might mustard be a problem.

Thanks Graham.

[Dan]

Mustard can be harmful to most livestock, including pigs and equines, someone cleverer than me can give the scientific explanation:

Mustard oil glucosides found in plants belonging to the Mustard family cause severe gastroenteritis. Symptoms are severe colic and purging.

[hughesy]

Why not sow something you can use? After all the pigs have already done the manure bit for you.

[Bodger]

Not a green manure of course, but have you considered spuds?

[hughesy]

I've all  but given up on spuds we've had terrible blight round here the last few years. We're giving jerusalem artichokes a go this year as an alternative if they do ok we'll plant a lot more next year with a view to feeding them to the pigs.

[droveway]

I was thinking of planting turnips after the pigs. Could anyone suggest a variety .
                                                                                                 THANKS

[Fleecewife]

Way back in the '50s and '60s we grew fodder beet for our pigs.  Is that still available?

[Raine]

 


I looked into this a couple of years ago.  This is a good site     


https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/seedmix/root-crops

[droveway]

 Thank's Raine. As it's raining hard I am browsing their website.
                                                                                                   Pete.