how long?

[begining at 40]

Hi all. Another question from a novice. I have just managed to dig over another bed on my allotment. We have added more soil and 3 wheelbarrows'. Full of manure. My question is how long should I leave the manure to settle before I plant anything, as I'm hoping to start of some cauliflower. Seeds soon. Thank you.

[WendyC]

If the manure was well rotted then there is no need to wait. However I prefer to start seeds in pots and modules for later planting out.

[Alison]

Agree with what Wendy says. However, what type of caulis do you have? Seems a bit of a funny time if year to be sowing outdoors, my autumn and spring ones are all in the ground although I have just down some mini ones for overwintering in the tunnel.

[begining at 40]

Thank you both. My cauliflower. Seeds say all year crop. Was going to grow them indoors first. Do you think its the wrong time to start growing them? It must be so obvious I'm a novice. Ha ha.x

[Bigmallly]

"All Year Round" Caulis can be sown Sept/Oct:

Cauliflower All The Year Round Seeds|Mr Fothergill's Vegetable Seeds

[bario1]

Thank you both. My cauliflower. Seeds say all year crop. Was going to grow them indoors first. Do you think its the wrong time to start growing them? It must be so obvious I'm a novice. Ha ha.x

I would grow them outdoors if I was you - if you start them off indoors at this time of year it will be too warm for them and they will grow tall and weak. Start them in modules in a shady spot somewhere.

[begining at 40]

Thank you both. Didnt know about the time to plant them or fir planting them outside. The packet didn't really give much info. I know I'm a pest but how do you know if manure is well rotted? I'm using manure from another's plot who has it outside for all to use, I think its been there a while. I'm very lucky how generous my fellow allotment holders are.

[Bigmallly]

It's commonly known as black gold............so the darker the better as far as rotting down is concerned. If you dig into the bottom or middle of a pile you will see it's a lot darker, a bit like soil really.

[begining at 40]

Thank you bigmally. I have so much to learn its mind boggling! But absolutely loving it. Shame about the weather though! Me and my little one have still been out digging in the rain, great fun.