Adding Manure To Existing Flower Bed

Question

I want to try adding manure onto my perennial flower bed. I was told I can add up to 30 pounds per 100 sf of manure on top in the Fall and in the Spring. 1. Would this much manure suffocate the existing plants? Would it affect the new growths? 2. Do I have to cut back the plants before adding manure? 3. How to work the manure in the soil without damaging the root system of the perennials? Or I can just lay it on without tilling? 4. I have a layer of mulch in the bed already, should I remove it before adding manure? Thanks in advance for your attention.

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Answer 1

First, I would highly advise against uncomposted manure. It can contain deadly pathogens and can burn plants fairly quickly.

Should you choose to use fresh manure, make sure to follow safe use guidelines, which can be found within this article:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/using-fresh-manure-in-gardens.htm

If you should still choose to use fresh manure, just do a thin top dressing, avoiding the manure touching any of your plants, directly.