Manure advice please??

[paul25]

I've recently taken on an allotment that was a mess, got it in shape with polytunnel and some raised beds. I was just wandering, is it too late to add manure to my soil and leave plenty of time for it to rot down into the soil? Also, could anyone please advice me on any vegetables that don't like manured soil? I would like to know so that I can leave a number of beds manure free for this year.
I appreciate any help and advice. Thank you in advance.

[Bigmallly]

Welcome to the vine Paul. While you wait for replies take a look at "Growing Techniques". There is loads of info re manure. You may find what you are looking for. Good Luck.

[SunnyU]

Hi Paul - welcome.

Now, I'm fairly new to all this myself but I think now is very much the right time to dig in some manure. We took a delivery on our site just very recently and everyone seems to be getting it on their plots right now to break down over the winter.

Not really sure which vegetables don't really like much manure - only know that squash/marrows benefit from it a lot but no doubt someone else will be able to answer that one for you

[Jeanied]

Welcome to the vine, PaulA. A quick answer would be to get it on all parts except for any area you want to grow roots - carrot, parsnip etc - and make sure that you don't need to add lime for brassicas at the same time. Now I'm no expert - just have an opinion!

[binley100]

Hi ,welcome to the vine I'm with Jeanieds answer.

[bigshod]

Winter is the time to spread the manure where you need it, but in view of everything that has gone on with contamination of manure, have you tested your muck? See Our plot on Green Lane Allotments - Click Here to ENTER | Manure contaminated with herbicide

[Two_Sheds]

I've never used farmyard manure, just a bit of guinea pig bedding once a week, that goes into the Daleks with all my other compostables.

Roots don't like manured ground, and don't use it at the same time as lime (brassicas like an alkaline soil, but spuds like a more acidic soil)

[potashpat]

Manure

We used to use loads of manure in our allotment but found that by the time you've rot it down that big mountains gone down to a barrow load. The last couple of years we started using GrowOrganics organic fertilzer instead. Its concentrated manure and its 6 to 8 times stronger than normal horse manure in effect you use one handful where you would use a bucket full.

we buy it from Our local cattle market in Nottingham it costs us about £8.50 for a 40ltr bag. When you work it out its cheaper than buying manure and it's less effort.

I'll try to find the guys contact details, he's cheap and sells a full range of feeds and fertilizers

[Maddie106]

I've recently taken on an allotment that was a mess, got it in shape with polytunnel and some raised beds. I was just wandering, is it too late to add manure to my soil and leave plenty of time for it to rot down into the soil? Also, could anyone please advice me on any vegetables that don't like manured soil? I would like to know so that I can leave a number of beds manure free for this year.
I appreciate any help and advice. Thank you in advance.

If the FYM is well-rotted, now is EXACTLY the correct time to be putting it into your soil, as you do the winter digging.
If it's not well rotted, then leave it in a heap for next year.

Root crops don't like freshly manured soil, apart from spuds. (even then, don't plant them directly onto manure, because I've found that encorages scab.)
Runner beans will love a trench of manure, even if it isn't well-rotted.

It's good for brassicas too, but do a pH test about 6/8 weeks AFTER the manure and use lime if the soil is acidic.
You also need to be very sure of your source of manure too.If it IS well-rotted, it COULD contain a herbicide that is going to kill off your plants!

You might be better off getting either used mushroom compost (My heavy clay soil LOVED that and I picked a few mushrooms too...but watch the soil pH) or used hops if you have a local brewery (They smelt wonderful the year I used them!)

I personally think that the nutritional value of "manure" in terms of plant nutrients is negligable, but it is invaluable in adding organic material to the soil.

Good luck with your allotment!

[potashpat]

YPF Horticultural supplies (wholesale) they stand at Nottingham cattlemarket and a few other markets 01159 414422. We found them reasonable and they're quite knowledgable when it comes to gardening.

Pat