[gardener247]

is it still fresh if its been rotted for a year and you just add it to your beds of is fresh like a week old? and can i use 1 day old manure to kill weeds to start off a new bed?

[Goosegirl]

Fresh manure is straight from the cow, sheep etc. It is too strong to use at that stage as it will "burn" plants that it comes into contact with. I would say that it needs leaving about 6 months so the rain (what is that???) can leach out or dilute the natural chemicals that develop, such as ammonia from urine - clean out a cat's litter tray a day old and you get a whiff of what I mean! Definitely use year old stuff on your beds. You know if it is ok to use as you can't smell it. 

[Elcie]

If you look at it and wouldn't want to pick it up with your hands then it is definitely too fresh!  Not that I particularly like touching rotted manure, but I can just about bear it!  Also, if it doesn't smell of... well... of.... well.... manure, then you are ok!

[Babstreefern]

Its still steaming

[hamstergbert]

....and the tail is still raised!

[skywalker]

"Mum look at that tortoise stood next to that horse" 

[boosh]

....and the tail is still raised!

     

[Trillium]

Basically, if it stinks you can't use it yet.