can I use my manure yet?

[greenie01]

I filled my manure heap at the beginning of Feb. with fresh(ish) horse manure and was wondering if it would be ok to stick some under my squashes when they are planted out in June?- or should it be left to rot for longer?

[FionaH]

I moved this out of growing techniques so people can see it!

[Flummery]

I'd give it a year to rot down. Just my opinion. Interested to see what others think.

[Jeanied]

My manure pile was constructed late last autumn and I have started using the well rotted stuff from the middle of the pile - very well mixed with soil - in the bean trenches. It did get nice and steamy last year under a compost duvet.
The stuff round the edges has not rotted down well enough so I may just turn it into my green compost pile next. It will be next year before I start to use that.
Why not try making some manure tea for your squashes and feeding them that way?

[taff]

I'll be experimenting with putting it on as a mulch on tomatoes, squash and courgettes [already have on the peach and plum trees], and I have a 60ltr barrel that was half full of the stuff,topped up with water to use as a feed as well.
It's all fresh, was picked up from a field a few weeks ago.
I'll see what happens....If everything dies I'll report back