[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

We are lucky enough to have a local farm that donates fresh manure (mainly sweepings from stables) to our allotment, and there always a huge pile near the entrance.

I was taking advice from people about putting a layer of manure on top of the beds shortly after cutting down the ferns in autumn, but then read not to do it with fresh manure as it has a high acid content.

Do you think my crowns could die or be damaged when the acid soaks through?

[Trillium]

Fresh manure can be very potent and if it doesn't set back the plant considerably, it can outright kill it. Been there, done that.

If you've already spread the fresh manure, then rake it all off asap. The residual manure leaching will be minimal.

[savbo]

as a seaside plant asparagus would probably prefer soil on the alkaline side... I'm adding compost, leaf mould and seaweed on mine

sav

[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

Problem is, it's been on for a week already, and I've no idea how old the manure is. I expect its about 2 or 3 weeks old.

Is that likely to still be high in acid content?

[Yorkie]

Yes, at this time of year compost will take at least 6 months to rot down, probably nearer 9 months.

[Trillium]

Not too late to scrape it all off and compost it. You can always re-apply in spring before the shoots sprout.