Manure

[julian91]

I've decided to dig over the over half my plot to plant out sprouts, cabbage, broccoli etc and just wondering if I can dig in some well rotted manure down first to just give the topsoil extra nutrients, Or is it too late? Or should I just plant? Without the manure. The soil is lovely and very loam as I have spend two days weeding and de-stoning. Any help would be appreciated, thanks ;-)

[rustylady]

Julian, your brassicas would be better without the manure. They prefer slightly alkaline soil.

[julian91]

Hi thanks, so it's just the sprouts, cabbage/red and kale, what will benefit from the manure? I just want too use it up! As it keeps looking at me ;-) if not it will be going down in the ground where it's sitting, and seems a waste. And just leave broccoli and cauliflower? Manure free where I will be planting them. :-) I think, I'm understanding it not sure correct me if I'm wrong? :-)

[Indigo23]

Hi Julian, all the veggies you have mentioned are brassicas, therefore, as rustylady advised, they'll do a lot better without the manure.

[roitelet]

Brassicas also do better in firm soil in fact I never dig my brassica bed, just take out the previous crop, usually legumes, and put compost on the surface in autumn, cover with straw and leave it. When planting time comes move the straw aside and plant. Easy!!!!

[WendyC]

I manure where my potatoes are going.

[Two_Sheds]

I can dig in some well rotted manure down first to just give the topsoil extra nutrients

Manure doesn't supply that many nutrients: it isn't a feed, it's a soil conditioner, improving the structure and enabling it to absorb more water