[MrsLuigi]

We started our allotment last October and had some serious clearing to do.  With the help of some heavy/scarey tools we managed to clear half the plot and are now itching to start planting.  Current task is almost complete, preparing an area for a manure pile.  Doing this using old wooden pallets, looks quite good, and even better, it cost nothing.
It looks like this area has been used for a manure/compost pile by previous allotmenters and so the soil is lovely, seems a waste to just dump more manure on it. 
And to the point..... the area immediately next to this has the best soil of the whole plot and i wondered if it is ok to plant veg or fruit so close to a manure pile,  if so, what sort of things should i plant.  Would squashes be a good idea?
 

[Noah'strolly]

I grew squash in my manure pile last year and they loved it. I just topped it off with a layer of compost and popped it in the middle.

[RichardA]

I always grow pumpkins or marrows etc on any standing compost heaps or top soil/turf stacks etc - always goes well but watch out for slugs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
R

[woodburner]

I've heard of growing comfrey next to the compost heap, but I think any deep rooted green manure would do the same job. (Catching nutrients leeching down into the ground.)
I expect rhubarb would benefit from the location too.

[MrsLuigi]

oooh i like the comfrey and rhubard idea for next to the pile and i have seen a few of my lottie neighbours doing the pumpkin/squash thing on their heap, so  i think i'm going to give that a go as well. 
Thanks for your replies.