Horse manure novice

josusa47 · July 2018

I can never make anything like enough compost for the autumn mulch, so I'm wondering about buying in some stable manure. I don't have a car, so I'd have to have it delivered. Then what? I don't want the smell to upset the neighbours. I live in a detached house but it's in a built up neighbourhood. And if it was too fresh, I'd have to keep it, possibly for months, before using it.

Are there any other town gardeners out there who use horse manure, and can you advise me? Are there other animal manures, such as chicken, that wouldn't be too whiffy, or need long-term storage? As a horse lover, I don't find the smell unpleasant myself, but others might. I'm on good terms with all my neighbours, so I don't want to be the neighbour from hell.

Hostafan1 · July 2018

I have horse manure delivered fresh by a neighbour and I've not noticed it smelling, unless you get up close and dig into it.
Maybe just a wee word with your neighbours so it's not "thrust upon them"
I add it in layers with my compost and leave for about 6 months.
If you're worried about smell, throw a tarpualin, or big sheet of plastic over it.

blameitonthedog · July 2018

We too buy it fresh locally and as mentioned, there is a bit of a whiff if you stick your face over the open bags but definitely nothing too noticeable - and believe me, I have a neighbour who would complain if she possibly could.

What I find a pretty horrible smell is the pelleted chicken manure you can buy in tubs.

Pete.8 · July 2018

I've bought this from CPA Horticulture last year and am very pleased with it.
It's delivered in 60L bags which makes it easier to handle than a bulk bag
The farmyard/mushroom manure was full of the real thing, reasonably well composted and no sign of wood shavings.
I'll be buying more of the same this autumn
PS - there's barely any smell to it, just a bit composty

valerieroberts · July 2018

We have cow manure delivered by farmer with a tipper trailer. It’s quite cheap that way. Our soil is hot, dry and sandy so consider your soil type when choosing what manure you would be best getting.i believe horse manure has quite a few seeds in. Put a polythene sheet down and a sheet to cover it. Ask for well rotted as this smells minimally. You can then put it in any receptacle you like for winter or spring digging in. My neighbors look at it longingly when I’m putting it in the soil. good hunting Val

Nanny Beach · July 2018

I always thought it had to be 12 months old otherwise too acidic. I havent found a farm nearby so buy mine at the garden centre no smeel,, friend with a van??

Fire · July 2018

I recently got a fairly large order through Wickes. Pretty cheap. They often have three for two deals. And free delivery over £60. I do joint buys with neighbours. I don’t have an easy place to offload a truck load of loose soil etc. It comes to the pavement then I have to carry it all through the house to the back. If you have a driveway / yard or similar, then getting a dump truck load and a wheel barrow of old, well rotted manure would be the cheapest option. Well rotted stuff shouldn’t smell. If you have a place to store well rotted manure, it can often be free. Esp if you collect it yourself. Or you can dig fresh manure into the ground and leave it 6 months to a yr before planting into it.

Lizzie27 · July 2018

I just buy it by the bag from any garden centre, usually a deal of 5 bags at a time. It doesn't smell very strong and I find it convenient this way.

josusa47 · July 2018

Thanks everyone, this is all really helpful. I'll start shopping around.

Fire · July 2018

Sorry - the above post should read "If you have a place to store fresh manure, it can often be free. Esp if you collect it yourself."

Horse manure novice

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