[jambop]

I just got a batch of manure from the farmer and although it has quite a bit of straw in it, but it does not smell at all pongy ?? Should I leave it for a while or dig some in now? I put a good load in my composter and watered it a bit because it is a bit dry and I thought that would bring up the pong but no, no ammonia or other nasty niffs coming off it at all. I am quite surprised because it looks a bit fresh although normally when gardeners ask for manure he tends to make sure it is a bit of the older stiff from the bottom of the pile.

[mumofstig]

My rule of thumb is that if it don't smell, it is rotted enough to use without harm - so lucky you 

[jambop]

My rule of thumb is that if it don't smell, it is rotted enough to use without harm - so lucky you 

Good enough for me mum I am about to start prepping my new beds so will use some of the manure to build up the bottom before I start then when they are built fill in with the soil around them and some more manure.

[Mum2mj]

My rule of thumb is that if it don't smell, it is rotted enough to use without harm - so lucky you 

I tried that rule last year and killed off all my beans 😩

[jambop]

My rule of thumb is that if it don't smell, it is rotted enough to use without harm - so lucky you 

I tried that rule last year and killed off all my beans 😩

Well I have decided not to use it for anything I am going to grow just now but was going to use it to bulk up my raised beds for planting out in September or there about I will be keeping them well watered over the summer because it gets so dry otherwise ... should have rotted away a bit by then and be ready for planting up?