Sainfoin Seeds (Onobrychis viciifolia) - Green Manure

About Sainfoin

Sainfoin, also known as Onobrychis viciifolia, is a perennial legume that is highly valued for its use as green manure. This hardy plant is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. It is particularly beneficial for dry, alkaline soils and is often used in crop rotation systems. Sainfoin’s deep roots improve soil structure, increase water retention, and help prevent soil erosion, making it an ideal choice for organic farming and sustainable gardening practices.

Why Choose Organic Sainfoin Seeds?

• Soil improvement: Sainfoin’s deep-root system enhances soil structure, improves drainage, and increases water retention.
• Nitrogen fixation: This legume naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and enriching the soil for future crops.
• Drought-tolerant: Sainfoin thrives in dry, alkaline soils and is highly drought-resistant once established.
• Perennial: As a perennial plant, it regrows year after year, providing long-term benefits to your soil.
• Organic: Grown without chemicals, making it an excellent choice for organic farming and gardening practices.

How to Cultivate Sainfoin

1. Planting Time: Sow seeds in early spring or autumn. Sainfoin grows best in cooler weather and should be planted before the first frost for optimal growth.
2. Location: Sainfoin prefers well-drained, alkaline soil and full sun. It can tolerate drought conditions but thrives in areas with regular rainfall.
3. Spacing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1–2 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
4. Watering: Water during the germination phase but reduce watering once the plant is established, as it is highly drought-tolerant.
5. Pruning: Pruning is unnecessary, but cutting back the plants before they set seed can ensure maximum benefits as green manure.

Benefits of Sainfoin as Green Manure

Sainfoin is a superb choice for improving soil health. As a green manure, it enhances soil fertility by fixing nitrogen naturally, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Its deep root system helps break up compacted soil, improving aeration and drainage. Additionally, Sainfoin’s organic matter contributes to better soil structure and water retention. This versatile plant also helps prevent soil erosion and can be used in crop rotation to m