[3759allen]

hi.

i need to spread manure over the beds that i'm going to be growing brassicas in this year. i've walked over the ground to firm it up, and am going to spread the manure and leave the worms to dig it in.

the question is do i cover the area or not?

i'm thinking covering it will keep it constantly moist and weed free, slugs don't seem to be a real problem in the area so not so concerned with that.

i've got enough plastic sheet to cover the area, or i could get hold of some old carpet if that would be better.

i'm concerned that if left uncovered the nutrients will get washed through the soil by time i come to growing anything, the ground is quite well draining, but also seems to hold enough moisture. hope that makes sense, generally i think the ground is pretty good in that respect just lacking in organic matter at the moment.

thanks in advance for any help.

[Yorkie]

Manure is predominantly added as organic matter to improve soil conditions, not as a fertiliser.

I wouldn't bother covering.

[Baldy]

and if you do cover it, I'd advise against using carpet - there can be unpleasant chemicals used in it - and I know from bitter experience that removing carpet can be a nightmare if for some reason it ends up on the ground longer than you intended

Cheers,
Balders