I added steer manure to veggie garden but plants are turning yellow

Question

I added steer manure that I bought at Lowes. Worked into to my raised beds and waited 5 weeks before planting my veggies, but now they look to be burning from the lower leaves up. The onions seem ok but everything else is dying. What can I add to the soil to change this? I live in the Olympia, Washington and we have had a cool spring, so not sure if that is some of the problem. Any advice would help. I am hoping to be able to save some of my vegetables. Thank you from HELP.

Answer 1

It sounds like you have nitrogen burn. This can happen from adding cattle manure to your beds. You could try leaching the soil with lots & lots of water. Try adding peat moss as well. I never use cattle (steer) manure to anything. I use horse manure or llama manure as it isn’t so high in nitrogen & won’t burn your plants. If you need to purchase manure I know I”ve only seen the steer (fortunately for me my parents & inlaws supply me with horse & llama) only apply it in the fall, work it well into the bed and let it rest for the winter months & it will be safer when spring rolls around.
Good Luck
Earthlady