Green Manure

[Eeyore]

Thanks for the info Inge. I need to test the soil first. I don't think nitrogen is an issue but until I test I won't be sure.

[Dumbo]

It's only about 1500ft^2
But I want a CEC of 20

I could do another 1000Ft^2, but my wife might hit me a few times, then a few more times just because. And once more for fun. then once for the forum.

The thing is where to find the organic material. I refuse, absolutely refuse to take the organics from the city which is free. Won't happen. Mushroom compost is useless and spent garbage good for only breaking up clay. And they sell "forest compost", riiight.

What I need is to find a farm in the ottawa area. Meanwhile I guess rye and buckwheat is all I have to go for in the immediate, which won't do much.

[OGrubber]

If I were you, I would go for a drive in the country and boldly drive up to the house of any farm where there are horses or cattle grazing - or leave a note in the mailbox with your phone #.
Ask nicely if they would be willing to sell you a couple of small bales, even "spoiled" ones. You'll get over charged of course, but you'll likely come away with some. [Hopefully you have a pick-up truck or a large trunk.]

[Dumbo]

Hay?
I thought those bales of hay you can buy in October weren't very good for gardens? Something about taking forever to decompose or something along those lines? I never gave it a second thought after reading something like that.

So this is good?

EDIT:
Did a fast re-read, some places say use straw, rotted straw is better (as you said). And it does takes a long while to decompose.

I, um, I don't know the diff between hay and straw. Guess I'll find out now.

TY for the tip OGrubber, it never dawned on me.