How to use horse manure?

reefskin · « **on:** April 13, 2008, 22:36 »

I'm just about to get a load of horse manure (straw bedded).

It's not black gold yet, but it's pretty dark brown - but looks like it has composted for at least 6 months

I was wondering how best to use it. Can I just spread it thinly on beds a week or two before I plant various things?

I've heard that no more than 1 wheelbarrow per 10m squared is recommended (garden organic website)

I'm just really trying to improve soil which is looking a bit lifeless claggy and low on organic matter. I was figuring on just dumping it on top, and let the worms do the rest of the work (such ones as there are).

bimbler · « **Reply #1 on:** April 13, 2008, 23:05 »

two options 1) if you are positive its had over six months to rot down then it should be safe to spread.
2) if you have any doubt that it's had six months to rot down build a heap and let nature take its course. if you build a manure heap in contact with the soil the worm will come and breed like well worms.

bimbler · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2008, 23:05 »

two options 1) if you are positive its had over six months to rot down then it should be safe to spread.
2) if you have any doubt that it's had six months to rot down build a heap and let nature take its course. if you build a manure heap in contact with the soil the worm will come and breed like well worms.

bimbler · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2008, 23:06 »

sorry not sure what happened there.

reefskin · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2008, 23:11 »

There's a good amount of worms in it already.

I was hoping to use it to repopulate my soil with worms too.

That's why I was going to spread it around - like make a really thin layer that the worms can get stuck into.

Next time I'm up the 'lotment I'll stick my head in the bag and take a big sniff. If I don't keel over and it smells earthy I might just chuck it on!

woodburner · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2008, 23:19 »

I could be wrong but I think when the worms come along it's well and truly done and safe to use straight away. I believe in mulching and letting the worms do the work but haven't actually had a plot long enough to view the results yet

DD. · « **Reply #6 on:** April 14, 2008, 06:47 »

Quote from: "bimbler"

sorry not sure what happened there.

Sorted -( duplicate post folks - happens to the best of us - I've also been known to do it

).

woodburner · « **Reply #7 on:** April 14, 2008, 11:17 »

Quote from: "DD."

Quote from: "bimbler"
sorry not sure what happened there.

Sorted -( duplicate post folks - happens to the best of us - I've also been known to do it ).

Actually that was a rare triple post :o One down one to go.

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