A GREAT COVER CROP TO ADD ENERGY AND NUTRIENTS TO YOUR SOIL! GREEN MANURE IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS FOR ADDING GOODNESS TO THE SOIL! PLUS IT AERATES AND ENCOURAGES WORMS! PLANT AND THE FLOWERS BRING BEES AND POLLINATORS TO YOUR WINTER CROPS TOO!

Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, is a fast growing annual crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years across Asia and Eastern Europe. Despite its name, it is not related to wheat and is naturally gluten free. It belongs to the same family as rhubarb and sorrel and is valued both as a nutritious grain substitute and as a wonderful plant for improving soil and supporting pollinators.

Nutritionally, buckwheat is highly regarded. The seeds are rich in protein, dietary fibre, magnesium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants such as rutin, which is known to support circulation. Buckwheat is commonly used to make flour for noodles, pancakes, breads, and porridge. The young leaves and sprouts are also edible and can be used fresh in salads. Because it grows quickly and produces abundant flowers, it is also widely planted as a green manure crop to add organic matter back into the soil.

Buckwheat is one of the easiest crops to grow. It germinates rapidly, covers the ground quickly, and helps suppress weeds. The plants grow upright to around 60 to 100 cms tall, with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small white to pale pink flowers that bees absolutely love. In fact, buckwheat honey is highly prized around the world. The plant thrives in moderate conditions and does well even in poorer soils.

How to Grow From Seed:

Sow buckwheat directly into the garden in spring or summer once frost danger has passed.

Scatter seed over prepared soil and rake in lightly, covering to around one to two centimetres deep.

Keep moist during germination, which usually occurs within five to ten days.

Buckwheat prefers full sun and moderate watering.

If growing as a grain, allow seeds to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting.

If using as green manure, dig or cut the plants down before they set seed and turn them into the soil to improve fertility.