[FreddieJ]

Hi there

When is the best time to spread manure on the allotment?  I've read that late autumn is best, but I'm worried that all the nutrients and good stuff will be leached out of the soil during winter?  Would spring be a better option?  Also, should you dig it in the soil or just leave it on the surface for the worms to incorporate?  

Thanks

[Trillium]

The best time to spread the manure is the fall. And, you should be turning it in somehow, either by spade or rotovator. Over winter the nutrients will sink deeper into the soil where the plant roots will search for it, along with moisutre, and the plants will maintain better overall health. I also add some old manure in the spring for the 'upper layers' of soil, but not as much as I add in the fall. In the fall I also add lots of orther organic matter like shredded leaves, animal beddings, etc so it can break down through winter and be ready for spring.
If you have only enough manure for one application, then it's fall.

[DIGGER]

Hi there

When is the best time to spread manure on the allotment?  I've read that late autumn is best, but I'm worried that all the nutrients and good stuff will be leached out of the soil during winter?  Would spring be a better option?  Also, should you dig it in the soil or just leave it on the surface for the worms to incorporate?  

Thanks

I tend to get the manure on site now allowing it to settle , then spread and dig in when digging over the plot at the end of October.
Hope that helps

[Yorkie]

Would the same be true for chicken manure pellets?

I have a bag in the back of my car and am wondering what to do with it and when ...  :roll:

[Sadgit]

hijacking the thread

I can get a mixture of cow and horse manure, is this stuff ok to use?

[compostqueen]

I'd use it for sure.   I lay it on top (as I'm lazy) for the winter.  It protects the soil underneath. You can always move it in spring and you'll find the ground underneath is good and moist, or you can leave it where it is, make deep holes and plant spuds. Having said that muck planted spuds tend to be scabby but that doesn't worry me