I was attempting to make compost tea. I added some raw honey (didn't have molasses yet) and water. I then realized the compost I bought was compost and manure mix. It has now sat in a 5 gallon bucket for 2 weeks. It has begun to smell and has bubbles on the top. Is it still ok to dilute and use? Or should I throw it out? I'm not sure if it would have too many bad bacteria in it that might harm my plants?
I would dilute it 50-50 with good clean water and then use it. The smell means it is well brewed. When I make alfalfa tea it begins to smell like the barn yard after 5 days too! With an old stick or branch piece, give it a stir and then mix it with the plain water and serve it up to the plants. I recommend that folks water there roses, plants, shrubs or whatever well the day before the application of ANY insecticide, fungicide, fertilizer or food. A well hydrated plant is far less likely to have any sort of negative reaction than a dry and very thirsty one.
I'm in New Mexico. We depend on auto sprinkler system. I am going to green up my lawn. There is a lot of bare and dead spots due to busted sprinkler heads which are now all fixed. My plan is nitrogen pellets, sheep manure, and grass seed all applied with a spreader. My question is, of those 3 items, what sequence should I use to apply them?
I have listed several links for you to help with lawn repair, some specific to your area.
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H508.pdf
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H507/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/
I have a piggery where I have installed a three stage septic system that utilizes enzymes and two air pumps to break down the pig waster. What I would like to do is pump out this processed waste into grow beds on other parts of the property. Currently, nothing has been planted. My question is the safety of such a project. Adding this waste to the existing soil, is there a health concern? Thanks
You may want to consult with an extension agent from your local land grant university to determine whether your system successfully kills pathogens. The following article mentions that pig manure is considered unsafe for vegetable gardens because it is more likely to carry pathogens:
https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/2510e/
These sites also provide information:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/fruit-vegetable/using-manure-and-compost/
http://animalscience.uconn.edu/extension/publications/manuremanagement.htm
My friends and I are growing sunflowers, and we're using alpaca poo fertiliser to promote its growth. The sunflowers will be in a 2-litre pot, and we were wondering how much alpaca poo will we need to use?
Make sure the manure that you are using is composted.
Mix the manure with equal parts of perlite or vermiculite.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/alpaca-manure-fertilizer.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/vermiculite-growing-medium.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/perlite-potting-soil.htm
How much in advance of planting vegetables should you fertilize a garden with chicken manure?
I would recommend doing a soil test on the soil prior to planting and fertilizing.
This will take the guess work out of what your soil may need.
You local County Extension Office can help you with a soil test.
Here is a link to find your closest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
Fresh chicken manure should not be used directly on a garden bed. It should be properly composted, which can take 6 to 9 months.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/chicken-manure-fertilizer.htm
How much cow manure fertilizer should I use in a 12x14 raised vegetable garden that is approximately 5 inches deep? Thank you.
The amount you use depends on the manures aging. Well aged manure can be applied liberally and builds the soils as well as feeds the plants therein. Manure that has not been aged well can be "hot" and burn the roots of many plants until it gets consumed into the soils and over time ages out. A rule of thumb is to use 30 to 40 pounds of well aged cattle manure per 100 square feet. Here is a link to an article for you as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm
How soon can I use sheep manure in my garden? Can I put sheep manure that has not aged? Will that be a problem and if so what should I do once I've put it into my garden? Thanks Tim
You need to properly compost your sheep manure before use in the garden.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/composting-sheep-manure.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/the-benefits-of-manure-in-your-garden.htm