Horse Manure uses

[kira000]

Hi, I have just been given a big bag of well composted (6 month old) horse manure.

I currently have the following growing in my garden:
Cucumbers, Squashes, aubergines, courgettes, pumpkin, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, chillies, cape gooseberries, peas and beans.

Can anyone advise me which of those plants might benefit from a top dressing of manure, or if there are any of those who wouldnt appreciate it at all?

Many Thanks!

[Coldicote]

Hello Kira. Years ago I went on a gardening course at an agricultural college and we were told that manure had relatively little actual fertiliser value, but was useful mainly as a conditioner - it helped to break the soil down and make it workable. It might be worth using a proprietary fertiliser as well. Manure has to be disposed of somehow and spreading it on land is usually the most convenient way.

[figure]

Kira - one set of my grand parents were farmers and the only fertilizers they ever used were the manure from their horses and cows. They always had the best produce around.

[Ice.Maiden]

I have to agree with figure - and it also works wonders on rose bushes!

[shylock73]

The only problem with any manure is not only the smell but weed seeds that have passed through the animal. I find it best to incorporate it in with the compost and let the heat build up in it destroy weed seeds and also helps to produce the heat required in the heap.

[numptyjames]

go to your local greengrocer ask him for a oinon sack put some of your manure in the sack and put it in a warter but then use the water as a liquid feed keep the manure in the bag for as long as you can,you can top up with kitchern waste in a year you will a very fine growing medium witch you can mix with your potting compost this will give your seeds a great start.
you dont say how you grow tomatoes (greenhouse)
have more tips if you wont them...