HELP! I'm off to get compost/manure.......

Hi and welcome.   I get confused too. I buy anything that hasn't got peat in it, and just got by price, BUT I know that isn't how you are supposed to do it.   :?

Not much help from me  :oops:  Just having a nose to see if I can get any tips  

I have been wondering how long you would have to add the manure before you can plant, say your potatoes?  

Hi and welcome.   I get confused too. I buy anything that hasn't got peat in it, and just got by price, BUT I know that isn't how you are supposed to do it.   :?

Thanks Bagpuss. I just bought all organic stuff. All without peat. Got the multipurpose organic compost, AND also manure. Hopefully this time next year we'll be more knowledgeable.

Quote from: "jacnal"

I need one that's good for organic gardening

If you are looking to buy actual organic compost then you will find it to be pricier than regular stuff.

If (as I recall from earlier posts) you are looking to go organic later then any compost will add needed humus.

Humus and nutrients are also supplied in abundance by manure although this is usually added to the compost heap or directly to the soil before planting particular crops, e.g. notably potatoes, courgette, garlic

Hey WG,

I've decided to try organic - by the *book* till I have to use say, glyphosphate on bindweed, but really mostly on those from the neighbouring plot trying to make their way over to mine! I'm still digging deep for those roots! Hope to stick with it - till I can't, which I hope is never. Surely once things are under control it should get easier, not harder. I've used ferrous phosphate on slugs though  :oops:.

It's true, organic is slightly more expensive, but I reckon it's worth it. I'll do a few extra shifts to pay for my chosen lifestyle! And also deny myself some not particularly necessary stuff, like brand new clothes and wine and new shoes  , and I'll hopefully make up for the wine with some home made elderflower or rhubarb champagne (when I can identify elder.....), and will continue getting clothes from charity shops!

Persevere Jacnal, don't be like me and feel a failure if you don't know everything in the first year.  I now have a five year plan to get my veg plot nearly reasonable.  Plant only what you really enjoy eating and don't waste precious space on crops that are cheap to buy and take up a huge amount of space.  Above all enjoy your plot.

Thanks for the advice, Ice hockey mad.

I really am only growing things I enjoy eating. I enjoy most veg really, and I'm worried my plot is quickly running out of space! I'm a little harder on myself. I really want to be self sufficient (to a point) in 3 years time, and want to get that plot looking great next year. Won't be hard on myself this first year, seeing as I really only started growing 4 weeks ago, and the plot wasn't prepared with compost/manure. Just grew where I'd dug up and weeded! Ah well, a few things growing still, so I'm happy at the mo! As for not knowing - I'm a complete novice, and I ask so many questions, but it's a learning process, so I'll use everyone I can to get info, then use what I feel is best for me. Thank God for this forum though! You've all been absolutely wonderful to me.......

Quote from: "chrissiethechippy"

Not much help from me  :oops:  Just having a nose to see if I can get any tips  

I have been wondering how long you would have to add the manure before you can plant, say your potatoes?  

Oh C the C!!! Leeching off my answers, are you? Are you!?  

Well, we got a good answer re potatoes from Rich, so you're okay..... Let's learn together!

   :oops:  

Good question and great answers     Thank you Rich  


Ok, one more.......

does it matter if the manure has straw and chips in it?  Or does it have to be pure dung?  :?

hmmmm, what's wrong with peat?  I thought that was great for growing?  I have very fond memories of the peat bogs in Ireland, fantastic places  

does it matter if the manure has straw and chips in it?  Or does it have to be pure dung?  

Rotted straw is best.  Straw is good, woodchip / sawdust is not.