[Nozebleed]

I was over in my local horse stable today and the guy s there said i was welcome to take the manure away for free. What should i take?? the fresh manure thats in the stables or the stuff thats mixed with straw and wood chippings? Im curretnly diggin a plot that wont be planted until next year. would it be a good idea to get the fresh horse dung and let it rot? I kinda prefer the dung rather than the hay/chippings/straw combo.
thanks
andy

[kindredspirit]

I'm no expert but I would think that if your soil is friable, then fresh dung would be best and if it's heavy clay, then the hay/chippings/straw mix would be best.

[Nozebleed]

thanks for that kindredspirit...unfortunately the soil is quite poor on my new plot. its the drainage(run off) side of the garden and the soil is like rock! sounds like i need the mix of dung and straw...

[sorcha]

Someone with more experience can correct me, but isn't it well-rotted horse manure that is good for gardens, rather than fresh? Isn't that just a case of taking the manure from the back (or bottom?) of their manure pile, or does it need to rot down further than it would in the stables? I'm asking because I'm planning on doing the same, as soon as I can get myself organised (garden soil is like Connemara, despite being in north Dublin).

[kindredspirit]

Yep, fresh manure will burn your plants but Nozebleed (Why d'you pick that name?) is not going to plant anything 'til the Spring so it will have plenty of time to rot into the soil overwinter.

If he's got heavy clay, then the stuff with all the straw, etc, mixed in will help to lighten his soil.

[Nozebleed]

i cant remember why i picked the name "Nozebleed". kinda sorry i did.its a bit horrible. Should have gone with my original selection "Donkey".