[Poolfield2]

putting wood shavings and chicken poo onto my veg beds as a mulch over winter? One book says don't put fresh wood to rot on the soil as it robs the nitrogen, the other book says don't put chicken poo onto veg beds as it has too much nitogen. Sooooooooooooooo I was thinking will the 2 balance out and make a good soil improver and food and winter protection?

[Aidy]

Probably not. Its best to use the chuck muck before you plant out and I would avoid wood shavings full stop, look for other materials to use to add bulk. I rest my beds over the winter apart from the brassica bed and whats left of the leeks, dig it over to get the birds and frost to kill the pests that have dug themselfs in and prepare around feb with manure etc.

[noshed]

I agree - compost it before putting on your beds.

[Poolfield2]

I have done a small area to see what happens, I was one of those kids that had to stick a knitting needle in the socket to find out what would happen.................so I haven't changed much. Hope the result is not as painful.