The oats are grown purely for the benefits of a green manure crop, Matt. Last year I hoed them in, actually I used wheat last season, but this year I'll be using the spade to its full depth.The worm population is increasing each year and as Gene pointed out, also shades the soil.The daffodils have never been as good, protected in part by the tall oats and this year no wind damage.The variety used is Swan oats, about $1 per kilo.One problem I had, were the sparrows ,crows and parrots (galahs) pulling up the seedlings as they emerged.I sowed very thickly to compensate, so in parts the oats have not stooled out as they should.In fact , one section has had 3 sowings.Now we are into spring, there must be other food about to interest them as there is no more damage.
I have already dug a few half rows and planted young lilium seedlings as you can see in one picture.The area is too exposed Gene to successfully grow any choice lilium species there, so these are confined to pots and polystyrene boxes and placed under the protection of some huge old apple trees.
Green manure crops are also sown in my 3 year old heritage apple orchard.There are 21 varieties all on dwarf root stock, as well as cherries, peaches and nectarines, also dwarf root stock.Closer to the house are 4 Japanese plums, 2 pears 2 peaches 5 apples and a double graft apricot on standard root stock.
