Manure

Manure FAQs

Below, we've covered a few handy things to know about using, storing and making the most of manure in your garden.

What is manure?

Manure is a natural soil improver made from animal waste, usually combined with bedding materials such as straw. Once well-rotted or composted, manure can be added to garden soil to improve its structure, fertility and ability to hold moisture.

Well-rotted manure is generally preferred for gardening because it has broken down sufficiently to be gentler on plants and easier to incorporate into the soil.

Where can I use manure?

Manure can be used to improve soil in flower beds, borders, vegetable gardens and around many established plants. It's particularly useful for enriching soils that are low in organic matter and helping improve the structure of heavy or light soils.

For best results, incorporate well-rotted manure into the soil before planting or spread it over the surface as a mulch around established plants, keeping it away from direct contact with stems.

What is manure made of?

Manure is primarily made from animal waste and organic bedding materials. The exact composition depends on the animal source and how the manure has been produced and composted.

Well-rotted manure has undergone a natural decomposition process, reducing the fresh material into a darker, more stable organic matter that can be used as a soil improver.

What are the benefits of using manure?

Adding well-rotted manure to your garden can increase the amount of organic matter in the soil, helping improve its structure and moisture retention. It can also support soil fertility by adding nutrients and providing organic material for beneficial soil organisms.

Manure can be particularly valuable when preparing beds and borders for vegetables, fruit and ornamental plants, helping create a healthy growing environment for plants.

Can I use manure when planting vegetables?

Yes, well-rotted manure can be used when preparing vegetable beds and borders. It is especially useful for hungry crops that benefit from fertile, organic-rich soil.

For crops such as potatoes, courgettes, pumpkins and other vegetables that appreciate fertile conditions, manure can be incorporated into the soil before planting. Always make sure the manure is well-rotted rather than fresh, as fresh manure can be too strong for plants and may contain weed seeds or pathogens.

Can I use manure around plants?

Well-rotted manure can be spread around established plants as a mulch, helping add organic matter while gradually releasing nutrients into the soil.

Leave a small gap around plant stems and trunks rather than piling manure directly against them. This helps reduce the risk of excess moisture and other problems around the base of plants.

Can manure be used instead of compost?

Manure and compost can both add organic matter to the soil, but they aren't always interchangeable. Well-rotted manure is particularly useful as a soil improver and source of organic matter, while composts are available in different formulations for specific growing purposes, such as seed sowing, potting and growing fruit and vegetables.

For containers and pots, use a suitable growing compost rather than relying on manure alone.

How should I store manure?

If you have unused bagged manure, keep it sealed and store it somewhere cool, dry and protected from excessive moisture. Follow the storage instructions on the product packaging.

Once opened, reseal the bag as well as possible to help maintain its quality and prevent it from becoming excessively wet.

Why buy manure from Marshalls Garden?

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