Late setting up a veg patch - how to prepare ground?

[Andyste1]

After thinking about starting a veg patch for the last couple of years, I finally got around to clearing an area today (only 12'x4'). I plan to start double-digging this weekend and I've read that it's a good idea to add manure while doing this.

I understand this is something that would normally be done at the end of the year. I have access to horse manure so can I still add this now or is it too close to planting? If so, should I dig something else in instead?

[Bigmallly]

Hello Andy & welcome to the vine. There is always a debate surrounding Horse Manure but personally if it is well rotted, I would add some under your compost. Others may not due to Aminopyralid contamination.

[Alison]

Which veggies do you want to grow, some don't like manure anyway (ignoring the fact it can be contaminated with weed killer and if too fresh it's no good)? I'd be inclined to just grow stuff this year, adding some chicken manure pellets when planting. See what does well and what needs more help next year. Don't panic, you're in no means late for this year, I don't start my spring prep until Easter.

[Aberdeenplotter]

If you don't know what aminopyralid is, it's a selective weedkiller applied to grassland which after passing through a horses digestive system can be released into the ground and ruin good growing ground permanently

[Paulieb]

Yep, depends what you're thinking of growing. For example carrots will prefer no manure.

Also, depending on what you're growing double digging may not be essential! You could get away with just removing the perennial roots, covering with fresh compost about 3ins deep, then sowing seeds in that top layer of compost (this is basically a 'no-dig' method). In a 12'x4' area it might not be too expensive to buy the compost.

After a season the worms will have taken the compost into the ground for you and the seed free compost will have saved you weeding as it will have stopped any annual weeds growing (which is what you'll have if you double dig).

[DannyK]

If you don't know what aminopyralid is, it's a selective weedkiller applied to grassland which after passing through a horses digestive system can be released into the ground and ruin good growing ground permanently

The RHS say it will break down in soil in a year but it perstsists if manure is stacked.

See https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=477

[Potstubsdustbins]

'It should breakdown' doesn't mean it will, we had a grape that had terrible problems. If I remember correctly she had to strip and replace her top soil...........

[Alison]

The RHS say it will break down in soil in a year but it perstsists if manure is stacked.

See https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=477

I know several people who have found that it persists for years unfortunately.

[Snadger]

Nowt like putting the frighteners on a newbie is there!

Ask if anyone else has used the hoss muck from this supplier and if its been OK for them? I use hoss muck all the time because its free, and have had no problems.

[Scarlet]

I've always used cows muck cos it's freely available here. Growing some runner beans in several pots taken from several places from within the heap should tell you whether there is a problem with it.

[Kirk]

Are you intending to add an edge to the veg bed then the manure and anything else will add a little height.

Not sure about double digging, sounds good but a lot of work and if I recall the idea a lot of logistics as well. Also you will have to have any manure and or compost close to hand to mix in at the time of digging. Would make a good bed however. My veg bed started out low and I could not double dig (not that the idea ever crossed my mind) as no real soil before chalk. As I added compost etc to it I simply added to the surrounding edging to increase the height.

The depth you dig to may depend on what you intend to grow, anything with a deep root will appreciate the less compact earth.

At 4 foot across you should be able to reach over it easily - an important but often overlooked aspect.