Fenugreek - Green Manure - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Trigonella foenum-graecum, or fenugreek, is an annual legume cultivated as green manure or fodder. It grows rapidly and is perfectly adapted to calcareous soils and dry climates. Sow the seeds from late March to late July at a rate of 200g per 100m².

Fenugreek, also known as Greek hay, is an annual plant native to the Middle East. It is an herbaceous plant that reaches about 50cm (20in) in height. Its foliage is composed of three ovate leaflets that are slightly bluish green. Its flowering occurs from April to June in the form of yellowish-white flowers. This is followed by the formation of long, slender pods shaped like horns, containing its seeds.

This plant has been known since ancient times, when it was cultivated to feed herds, hence its name "Greek hay". Fenugreek is also used as a condiment, for medicinal purposes, and as a dye. In cooking, its seeds are ground and used to add flavour to Indian dishes. It is reputed to stimulate appetite, repel lice, and promote hair growth. It is also said to be used in dyeing to obtain a beautiful deep red colour.

Like all plants belonging to the Fabaceae family, fenugreek is particularly appreciated for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It enriches soil with nitrogen while providing it with a vegetative cover that protects it from leaching caused by rain and weed growth.

As green manure, fenugreek is broadcast-sown on freshly tilled soil. Once developed, it is then mown before it goes to seed. It can then be incorporated into the soil or left in place as mulch. It is perfectly adapted to dry soils, hot climates, and calcareous soils, but performs less well in mountainous areas and clay soils. It can be used alone or mixed with crimson clover, vetch, and oats as a nitrogen provider.