I've read that fresh manure is high in iron. I also have seasoned, which looks like dirt (thanks to worms in it). Can it be used in gardens? tree saplings, fruit trees, flower beds?
I actually recommend it to be seasoned beforehand. This will help to make sure that it doesn't burn your plants, as it can with many. If worms are consuming it, then you can bet that it is much better quality than fresh. I think you will be better off using what you have
I don't want to ruin my garden
We do not recommend specific places to buy products. I would check on your local resources, as they will have a good idea of where to get things like that.
Good day. I added fresh manure to my garden before learning I shouldn't. How long should I wait before I can safely plant veggies in my garden? Thanks
This article explains why and how long you should wait after adding fresh manure to the garden.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/using-fresh-manure-in-gardens.htm
I was shocked that raw manure was added to my bed where I grow my vegetables and my sweet pea flowers. I didn't know that was done until after the fact. I found your web site and I am concerned especially because of growing food to eat! I AM SHOCKED AND DISAPPOINTED BY THIS FORM OF ASSISTANCE. I sustained a fall two weeks ago, broken ribs and a dear, friend and neighbor since 2006 offered to help. I will not let this ruin a friendship BUT WHAT CAN I DO FOR THE SOIL SO I CAN PLANT, EVEN JUST MY SWEET PEA FLOWERS?? I did remove as many big, clumps they looked like charcoal brickets with grass in them. Waiting for your kind reply and any help you can provide. I have not planted anything yet. Thank you so much, Sharon Lockwood, gundryqueen@yahoo.com Long Beach, CA 90807
Usually, outdoors, it isn't the biggest deal. There are plenty of microbes in the soil to help break it down. The only concern will be giving the plants too much nitrogen. A few good rains will bring these levels back out, so there is likely nothing to be done at this time.
You can add a little DOLOMITIC LIME to balance the pH out, but there isn't much to do really. It is best to use well composted manure, but really only more sensitive plants will be harmed by direct manure application.
Last year in spring time, we put some sheep manure onto garden soil. The manure was about 8 months and was not composted. My question is that being a year later, how is the soil? And what are some things I can do to improve it? We have always had a good growing season til I made that mistake.
It should be nice and broken down by now! Make sure and test the soil for deficiencies and pH issues before adding anything. This will help you to be sure that the correct nutrients will be put back into the soil.
Here are some articles that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm
We are starting to raise rabbits and I want to dump the manure around the plants without composting it. Will this harm the plants?
You can apply it directly to the garden soil as it breaks down quickly, however it is even better when composted.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/manures/rabbit-manure-compost.htm
To build up my beds, can I put older, but not composted manure around the soil/plant ball- in between plantings - not mixing it in. This would give bulk to my beds but not burn my roots. Later, when the manure is more mature I can mix into the soil more. Would this be harmful?
This is what is known as "leeched manure" and is wonderful for adding as a top dress. Just leave a little gap between the young plants/seedling and the manure, just in case. Usually, it is not going to cause a problem, but better safe than sorry.