How old is old?

jonmiles · « **on:** July 31, 2011, 15:54 »

With some plants or seeds we are told not to plant in recently manured soil. How old is 'recent'? Of course last week is, certainly last month and possibily 3 months ago but how far back is 'recent'?

Your opinions gratefully welcomed.

sonnycbr · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2011, 16:02 »

By recently manured, I would say that it refers to land manured for this growing season, so somewhere between last Autumn and this Spring. Obviously, this is only my understanding of it, I dare say others will see it differently.

mumofstig · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2011, 17:33 »

I agree

JayG · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2011, 17:40 »

So do I!

Parsnips and carrots are the usual root veg mentioned; they need uniform (and preferably stone-free) soil to stop them forking (the roots tend to go off in different directions seeking out the moister or richer areas of soil which is often what you get with "recently" manured ground.)

Trillium · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2011, 18:23 »

It's also possible that the person was referring to recently manured as fresh (versus rotted) manure being applied to the soil which is more likely to kill all plants and seeds. The ammonia content is very high in fresh, hot off the press, manure and plants can't tolerate it.

I apply fresh manure every fall to my veg beds and won't plant anything until spring when it's had a chance to mellow. My fall garlic beds get an application of old manure that I save just for that purpose.

jonmiles · « **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2011, 21:16 »

Many thanks for your replies, I understand what it all means now.

How old is old?

jonmiles

How old is old?

sonnycbr

Re: How old is old?

mumofstig

Re: How old is old?

JayG

Re: How old is old?

Trillium

Re: How old is old?

jonmiles

Re: How old is old?