Manure: A Gardener’s Guide to Soil Improvement
Introduction
Manure is a natural fertilizer that can greatly improve the health and fertility of your garden soil. It is made from the droppings and bedding of animals, such as horses, cows, pigs, and chickens. Manure is rich in organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms that help plants grow strong and healthy.
Types of Manure
There are many different types of manure, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
- Horse manure: Horse manure is a good all-purpose manure that is easy to use and has a sweet fragrance. It is widely available from local stables.
- Cow manure: Cow manure is another good all-purpose manure that is often sold as “farmyard manure” from garden centers.
- Pig manure: Pig manure is a “sticky” manure that is good for improving sandy soils.
- Chicken manure: Chicken manure is very strong and should be composted before using it on plants. It is high in nitrogen, which helps speed up composting.
- Pet manure: Manure from herbivorous pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, can be composted and used on the garden.
Green Manure
Green manure is a type of cover crop that is grown specifically to be dug into the soil to improve its structure and fertility. Green manure plants are often used as a sustainable alternative to animal manure.
Benefits of Manure
Manure offers many benefits for garden soil, including:
- Improves soil structure
- Increases water and nutrient holding capacity
- Adds organic matter
- Provides nutrients for plants
- Supports beneficial soil microorganisms
How to Use Manure
Manure can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. It can be spread on the surface of the soil, dug into the soil, or added to compost.
- Fresh manure: Fresh manure should be composted before using it on plants.
- Composted manure: Composted manure can be spread on the surface of the soil or dug into the soil.
- Manure tea: Manure tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping manure in water.
When to Apply Manure
The best time to apply manure is in the fall or spring. This gives the manure time to break down and release its nutrients into the soil before plants begin to grow.
Which Plants Don’t Like Manure?
Some plants do not like manure, including:
- Plants that are drought tolerant
- Plants that need a free-draining soil
- Plants that do best on a poorer soil
Hygiene Precautions
Manure may contain bacteria that are harmful to human health, so it is important to take hygiene precautions when handling it. These precautions include:
- Wearing gloves, sturdy outdoor footwear, and old clothes
- Wearing a face mask if the material is dry
- Not eating, drinking, or smoking while handling manure
- Washing hands thoroughly after handling manure
Buying Manure
Manure can be purchased from garden centers, online, or from local farms or stables. When buying manure, it is important to consider the type of manure you need, the amount you need, and the cost.
Conclusion
Manure is a valuable resource for gardeners. It can improve soil health, fertility, and plant growth. By following the tips in this article, you can use manure safely and effectively in your garden.
