Hi Ken
Over the last twelve months I have grown 7m x * 1.2m strips of several green manure crops, namely field beans, phacelia and buckwheat. In each case I have scythed down the top growth and added it to the compost heap. I have then planted modules, such as brassicas after the field beans, although not immediately. I have not done any digging.
I have a few photos on my blog – here and here.
I also have a couple of beds of grazing rye for over the winter. I haven’t decided what to do yet but my thought is to cut down the top growth in Feb/March and then cover with mypex until the strips are needed for planting modules. My neighbour tells me that the main benefit of the rye is the dense fibrous root system which I guess is best left where it is.
I also have a couple of strips of comfrey. It’s amazing how well they have grown from 25mm root cuttings and I will start cropping this next year adding it to my compost heap.
I have found that more or less equal parts of veg waste/green manure, old small wood chippings and farmyard manure give excellent compost after sixth months or so.
It’s good to hear other people’s thoughts and experiences with green manure.