[andyww2013]

Hi,

Just about to start applying my manure, I'm planning on spreading it on the surface and letting the worms do the work.

My question is does that ground have to be dug and weed free before I do this?  If its fairly loose but has some weed coverage at the moment.

Thanks.

[jambop]

I use a rotavator on my garden so I have no problems just spreading and then turning it in.

[greenjay]

i put cardboard down then the manure on top.

[snowdrops]

Depends how deep you are able to put it, either way if you can get cardboard & put that down it will help exclude the light, then a good 6 inches of well rotted manure. Only perennial weeds should be able to penetrate that & then in a weakened state, so you can just trowel them out.
Voila you will have created your first no dig bed, with minimum work, as you were going to apply manure any way

[mrs bouquet]

I always put manure around the tops of the beds right about now.  The Worms will do the rest and take it down.   I don't dig it in until spring and I don't cover anything either above or beneath, and its always worked for me.  (I don't have a rotovator anyway), so let the worms enjoy.
Remember where all the manure has come from! no matter how rotted,  So there is always a chance of weeds.
But there always is anyway     Good luck,  Mrs Bouquet

[Dev]

I'm with Greenjay. Cardboard with manure or compost on top. You don't need to dig - it just brings dormant weed seeds to the surface.

[Goosegirl]

Manure will also help to insulate the top of the soil which will be good for the worms.

[rowlandwells]

we put fresh horse manure and straw on one plot probably plough it in come spring to bury the straw before ratavating the other plot raised beds spread old horse manure on the  :)top let the worms pull it in