For gardeners, manure is one of the most wonderful things in the world. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to improve your soil and grow healthier plants. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the many benefits of manure and how you can use it to benefit your garden.

Manure and manuring is essential for a productive garden

The method by which plants secure their food from the soil was not discovered until comparatively recently. From the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans down to the beginning of the nineteenth century, researchers sought to find the magic substance in the soil that was the real food of plants. At different times throughout the ages it was thought to be fire, water, or oil, and many other materials; and the general idea held was that plants fed on a single substance. During this period all plant food was supposed to come from  the soil; it was not known that the greater part comes from the air. One theory that was held for a long time was that humus, or organic matter, furnished the material from which growing plants secured their food. After it became known that the carbon of plants is derived from the carbon dioxide gas in the air and that only ash comes from the soil, it was easy to find the real function of the soil and how to control its plant food.

Scientifically, there are at least ten elements necessary for plant growth and the maturing of a crop, and the three most important may be secured from the soil, air and water. To ensure success, the soil must contain these three elements in an available form in sufficient quantities and no one of these – three may be left out or the crop will suffer. In fact, in their absence it is doubtful if the crop can be carried through to maturity. The elements referred to are:

The important points to consider in manuring are the class of soil under cultivation, what it lacks and the needs as far as these three elements are concerned of the particular crop to be raised is essential to produce a maximum yield.

This plant food may be secured from different sources. Cultivation alone will not render sufficient plant food to mature a perfect crop in average soil, so the direct application of plant food in the form of animal manures (horse, cow or otherwise), green manures, or commercial fertilizers, is necessary in productive garden.

The term ”manure” includes both organic and inorganic substances; the former consists of vegetable and animal matter, while the latter is of mineral origin. It is not intended to deal fully with all the different fertilizers available, we’ll cover the better known and most largely used in gardens today.

Vegetable Garden manure

Garden manuring in the edible garden is absolutely essential. Do not even attempt to grow vegetables without first manuring the soil. Flowers may bloom well on poor soil, but vegetables are very different. If farmyard manure is available, it well repays the expense and effort; it is indispensable for intensive and successful vegetable cultivation. Yields are always increased by the use of farmyard manure, and it pays for itself two or three times over.

Dig in the manure during the autumn, especially on heavy land and clay. Leave the earth as rough as possible all winter. Do not dig again in spring, but break up the lumps with a fork and rake well before planting.

Green Manuring vs Chemical Fertilizers

Chemical fertilizers are compounds containing high concentration of nutrients required for plant growth. The disadvantage of chemical spreads is that they do not supply the soil with humus, or decayed vegetable matter, which helps to retain the moisture in the soil. This difficulty is overcome by sowing agricultural mustard seed on the ground made vacant by the removal of the crops in the autumn.

During winter the mustard covers the ground, preventing the growth of weeds and prevents the nitrates from being washed out of the soil. When the time comes for planting the land, the mustard is dug in and buried as deeply as possible.

The Four Manure Types

There are four main types of manure: fresh, composted, green waste and animal waste. Each type of manure has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your garden.

Fresh manure is often high in nitrogen, which can be beneficial for plants. However, it can also contain harmful bacteria that can harm humans and animals. Fresh manure should therefore be used with caution, and only applied to areas where it won’t come into contact with people or animals.

Composted manure is a great option for gardens as it is relatively safe to use and is rich in nutrients. It’s important to make sure that the compost is fully decomposed before using it on your plants, as fresh compost can damage their roots.

Green waste manure is made from grass clippings, leaves and other plant matter. It is a good source of nitrogen and other nutrients, but it can contain weed seeds that could infest your garden.

Animal waste manure is another popular choice for gardens. It is rich in nutrients and can help to improve soil structure. However, it should be used with caution as it can also contain harmful bacteria. Whichever type of manure you choose, make sure you use it wisely to get the best results for your garden.

Useful Animal manures

Animal manure is packed full of nutrients that plants need to grow healthy and strong. It also helps improve the structure of the soil, making it more aerated and easier for roots to penetrate.

Chicken manure

Chicken manure is particularly high in nitrogen and is an excellent source of organic matter. It is best applied to the soil in late fall or early winter so that the rain can wash away any ammonia that may be present.

cow manure

Cow manure is also high in nitrogen, but it also contains significant amounts of phosphorus and potash. These nutrients are essential for plant growth, so cow manure makes an excellent fertilizer for all types of plants. Cow manure should be aged before using it on your garden, as fresh manure can burn plants.

Pig Manure

Pig manure is another excellent source of fertilizer for gardens. It contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as calcium and magnesium. Pig manure is best used as a compost or mulch because it can contain harmful pathogens that can infect humans if ingested.

Horse Manure

horse manure is an excellent source of nutrients for garden plants. It is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. horse manure also contains a lot of organic matter, which helps to improve the structure of the soil. Horse manure is also relatively low in salt content, which means it can be used on salt-sensitive plants without damaging them. Horse manure is also effective at suppressing weeds. horse manure should be composted before use, as fresh horse manure can contain harmful bacteria.

Sea weed

Gardeners who live near the sea will find seaweed to be an excellent substitute for organic manure. It has a lower phosphate content but a higher potassium content, but aside from that, it is almost as valuable as farmyard manure, especially when rotted down. It should be applied at the same rate as dung and can be dug in in the fall or applied as a top dressing in the spring.

Using Manure Spreaders

Manure spreaders are an essential tool for any gardener who wants to give their plants the best possible chance of thriving. Manure spreaders help to evenly distribute manure and other organic matter, ensuring that plants get the nutrients they need. They also help to aerate the soil, preventing compaction and creating a healthy environment for roots to grow. Manure spreaders come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for the size of your garden. Before using a manure spreader, it is important to familiarize yourself with the instructions so that you can use it safely and effectively. once you have finished using the manure spreader, it is important to clean it thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease.

Manure can be applied to the soil as a green waste compost, used as a mulch around plants, or dug into planting holes before replanting. Manure is an incredibly versatile gardening tool that every gardener should take advantage of. Whether you use chicken, cow, or pig manure, you’re sure to see a difference in the health and vigor of your plants. So get out there and start spreading some stink! Your garden will thank you for it.