can i use not so well rotted manure??

[sallyr6]

Just got the call to say there is allotment available!!! so reading up like mad on things, and was wondering can i use fresh manure? sister has a horse so tonnes of the stuff available but its fresh, would i have to rot it down? does it just mean make pile of poo cover and leave? any help really appreciated!!

[Nicos]

Hi there sallyr6 and welcome to the Vine!

Can you tell us if it's mixed with shavings/straw -or just neat poo?

How fresh is the oldest she has?

Has the grazing been sprayed with anything to keep the weeds down?

[Thelma Sanders]

If it don't smell of ...........errm............poo, then you can use it

If it does, then stack it under cover for a while til it doesn't smell any more.

[sallyr6]

HI thank you!!! Well i can get what i want out of the muck heap, is neat poo best? the muck heap is changed every few weeks, but might be difficult getting some of the oldest stuff! no, im pretty sure nothing in fields is sprayed.

[Jamesy_uk]

Basically a rough estimate I was given by the old hands on my lotty is 3 months for fresh(ish) manure to rot down before you dig it in / plant into it. I tend to steer mysef by their advice as every site is unique, soil etc.

[Bigmallly]

Welcome to the vine Sally, when you say tonnes, is that a figure of speach or is there literally tonnes of it. As already said, you want the oldest so from the bottom of the pile, it should be a lot darker than the fresh stuff (it's known as black gold) & will not smell.

[sallyr6]

Well there is tonnes of the stuff, i am sure the yard don't mind me taking what i want, But just as much as i can fit in my car, got allotment today and has few big wooden box things (you know what i mean?!) should i try get some manure in their to start rotting down? so its to hand? thanks peeps!

[Bigmallly]

Does your sister have access to anyone with a trailer, that would be better than messing about with boxes plus less mess in your car. Get the black stuff if you can.

[sallyr6]

im sure i could find someone with a trailer, if not i will have one pooey pongy car for couple days! thanks Bigmally!

[Mikey]

Do you mean raised beds Sally?

[sallyr6]

no not raised beds, like big crates looks like previous owner knocked up, that make more sense sorry!?

[Mikey]

Is it a compost heap?

How tall are they?, roughly what size?

[bario1]

Sounds like four pallets nailed together to make a compost bin.

[sallyr6]

Yes think purpose of it is for compost bin, theres about 3 i think, about 3-4 foot tall, should I fill them with the less rotted manure? thanks guys

[Mikey]

Do they look like this?