[kiwinicks]

Hi all,

The soil in an area of my plot is very heavy and I think it needs some compost etc.

Im not sure if I should use stable manure or mushroom compost, I am going to get them from the local garden shop so they will me well rotted etc.  Has anyone use either of these and what is best to use?

im planning to give a good covering of manure in August but want to add something for this summer season.

Nick

[Rexmundi]

I have started a veg patch that was first turned over by a mini digger - the soil was awful and very very heavy, then I put about 1/2 a ton of stable manure on it. I did this work over the winter period. Since then, the soil has improved slightly but its very heavy in parts and I would expect it to take a full season to break down.

I suppose I will base the results of the work carried out on the outcome crop of potatoes, onions and leeks I get this season.

Can't you contact a local stable and ask them for some manure? My local one has a big pile of rotted manure and are happy for me to take as much away as I want.

I'm looking to start a Comfrey patch asap as according to what I've read, you get a whole lot of excellent natural fertiliser all year round!

[mumofstig]

Mushroom compost can have a lot of lime in it, so unless you need to add lime it would be better to use stable manure.

[Totty]

I wouldn't bother trying to improve a significant amount of ground with bagged products. Try to source a load of rotted strawy farmyard manure. I had 10 tonnes delivered by a local farmer for seventy quid, so it's a lot more cost effective than buying bagged stuff and will be coarser, therefore greatly improving structure.

Totty

[Kirpi]

I stopped using animal manures - personal reasons.  For opening heavy soil I have used home-made plant based compost to great effect; retains water without getting water-logged and releases nutrients all year to your crops.

Possibly not as high in Nitrogen as animal manures but in my experience I have known animal manures to turn heavy soils claggy and water heavy, whereas plant composts, comfrey etc tend to open up the soil matrix.

[spudlover]

if your soil heavy try sharp sand and horse manure.if i get any free sand it all go on my plot. have been told seaweed good for heavy soil. try your local skip companies you may get a free load. we do on my allotments 15 tons of it in one go. always we give the driver a drink for it

[gavinjconway]

Expensive to use the bagged products for enriching the soil.. Yes for tubs and baskets tho. As mentioned above test the mushroom stuff before using for the lime/alkalinity.

Rather try to get a load of manure from a local stable or farmer. Stables will usually give for free.  Also try freecycle.

[simonwatson]

Improving heavy soil is a long term commitment. As others have said, bagged products will bankrupt you before you get the results you want. Most allotment sites will be able to put you in touch with someone who delivers farmyard manure. Your local council might also deliver soil improver from their composting operations by the truckload as well (they do here in Newcastle for about £15 per ton). Sharp sand will improve drainage. Lastly you might want to grow a green manure towards the end of the season that you can dig in to add further organic content to the soil.