How to Spot Good Quality Manure?

[RobintheBobin]

Hey Grapes

I've finally found a stables that has a nice pile of horse poo for me to collect for my new beds but I'm wondering what sort of manure should I get - should it be fresh (probably near the top of the pile) or older (from the middle) visions now of manure heap collapsing on me as I burrow in for the good stuff!!!

Anyway, does anyone have any advice on the identification of ideal manure for putting cardboard on my beds?

Thanks

[FionaH]

Burrow for the good stuff!

Well rotted manure doesnt smell and looks more like soil than poo. Hope this helps.

Hope you dont get buried

If you get some that isnt well rotted leave it in bags for about a year or put it in your compost bin.

[Brengirl]

A small local stables gives away it's load of 'tish'. I say deep deep girl to get the real mcCoy

[Pies]

It wont smell

If you find a patch full of worms,fill your boots

The best stuff probably wont be right at the bottom as there is very little oxygen down there