manure, application + suppliers

[cheeseplum]

Hi

I have a quiery about the application of manure. I am planning to have a manured section of my plot as I have read some veg. like it such as show perfection peas, courgettes and squash.
Do i put the manure on now or in April/ May when i plant out my seedlings? Also it is important to get well rotted manure? Finally, any reccomendations for a good supplier that delivers?

Thanks

[pigletwillie]

Winter is the traditional time to apply manure as the winter weather (whats that) and worms help take it into the soil. However, if it is well rotted there is nothing wrong with applying it at any time when appropriate for the crop being grown.

The ideal manure is as well rotted as possible and this can be used immediately. Any that is fairly fresh can be piled up to rot down ready to use later in the year or even the following season.

When planting squash, cougettes, pumpkins or anything similar I always dig a good bucket full of manure into the planting hole and apply extra as the season goes on.

As for supply, if you require a load your local allotment society may well have a contact, if not try local stables or dairy/beef farms. Stables are generally always keen to get rid of manure.

One thing about manure however is that you can never have enough so if possible always plan ahead with your supplies by piling up manure this year to rot down for next.

[supersprout]

Just to endorse piglet's comments: stables and pony owners are keen to give it away (some may even deliver); you'll never have enough; and you can pile it on top of the soil around greedy feeders (e.g. blackcurrant bushes, squash, globe/jerusalem artichokes, spuds) so long as it doesn't touch the tender stems, at any time of year.

Some stables have a good clear out around Christmas, ideal for asking them to deliver a load onto your plot - perfect timing for spreading all over the plot, except where you plan to grow roots next year

[cheeseplum]

many thanks for your quick reply. will get on the case and will hopefully have very happy courgettes this year!

[Pippin]

Another possible supplier for well rotted compost is your local recycling company - those people who collect your rubbish on a weekly or fortnightly basis (remember we used to affectionately call them binmen). These are usually private companies contracted to do the work by local authorities.

My collecting company here in Somerset (Virador) compost all the waste organic rubbish (cooked stuff is sterilised in big ovens over several days). It has to be done according to set standards and independent composting experts are regularly brough in to check temperatures during the process.

I live about 8 miles from one such place and they have mountains of this rich, black gold in varying grades. I borrowed a friends trailer and was able to get just over half a metric tonne into it(600kgms). For all of this, it cost me.... £10.00. Truely a bargain. It will get considerably more expensive if you want it delivered.



I was able to top up three deep raised beds that I built. I have virtually no weeds growing from it.



Pippin

[Geordie]

If you have manure, or seaweed, steep a spadefull in a bucket of water. Leave for three or four weeks, stirring occasionally. Dilute the brown liquid with the same again as water and apply the feed to over wintered garlic and onions....a perfect tonic to boost the crops.

Oh year and it may smell so dont store indoors!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Having just dug over my first (!) lottie, for the first time - is it too late to get some pony poo down? I could transport it from my friends field a few miles away (the stuff at the bottom of the pile which is at least 12 months old). Does this sound a good idea or not? DDL
PS Can you see me? sacks of pony poo in the back of the estate........hoping they don't fall over? LOL No probs! PPS any volunteers?