How to use green manure?

TriciaB

We are hoping to improve the soil in a couple of raised beds by sowing winter grazing rye. The packet says to cut the plants back and make sure they don't flower and then cut down and dig in in the spring. Are there any drawbacks to this? For instance, is it difficult to dig in if you have raised beds? Anything else we need to consider?

Fairygirl

I doubt it would germinate now, but maybe if you're in a warm enough area.
It's easy enough to dig in, but it might be better just to add organic matter- compost, well rotted manure, leaf mould etc.
Depends what you're using the beds for too  

NewBoy2

How big deep are the raised beds.

What will you grow next season

KeenOnGreen

We tried green manure when we had our raised veggie beds at home (vs at our allotment now).  We found it a bit of a faff.  When we tried to dig it in, it was hard to break it up into small enough pieces that it would rot down quickly.  We ended up digging it up, chopping it up with shears, and then digging it in.  As I said, a faff.

If you can get well-rotten manure or good garden compost, that would probably be easier, and as @Fairygirl says, it probably won't grow sufficiently over Winter anyway.