A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Manure

My father-in-law just gave us a whole pickup load full of dried cow manure (its at least 2 years old). I was wondering how much manure should be put in the garden, what is the ratio we should use.

Thanks
Victoria

If it's old, use as much as you like. Are we talking vegie patch, rose garden? Only vegies that won't appreciate it might be root vegies.
Everything else will love it.
Cow manure can be a bit acidic so a side dressing of lime or dolomite may assist overcoming this. If your soil is naturally alkaline though i wouldn't bother with the lime.

Thanks for the reply! A few more ?s.

How do I know if my soil is alkaline? Is there a frugal (cheap) way to test for it?

I am new to most of this so I assume that root veggies are like carrots, onions, etc...is that right?

It will be used for a veggie and herb garden...next year it will also be used for a fruit garden.

Thanks
Victoria

Here's a test u can use. yes, root vegies are carrots, beet turnip etc


http://www.thegardenhelper.com/cgi-bin/ubb/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/29/76.html?

Savedbygrace,

I use it all the time..
To start a flowerbed, i take off top soil and add about 6 inches of the dried manure in the bed. And stir it up with the regular soil.. You really dont need it that thick, but it sure makes a difference.


dodge