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Too late for manure?

oliver.greatbatcholiver.greatbatch Posts: 36
in Problem solving
Hello all, 

I meant to do this over winter but life got in the way!

My question is, is it now too late to add well rotted manure to borders along with compost and topsoil to improve the clay soil. I'm looking to plant soon so wasnt sure if this would damage the plants? I read about burning? 

Thanks so much again


Posts

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    If the manure is well rotted then there is no risk of it burning your plants. If it is incorporated into the soil so much the better,  even if applied on the surface as a mulch,  so long as it doesn't touch the plants directly it will be fine. 
    AB Still learning

  • mandyroberts99mandyroberts99 Posts: 235
    I  did what you are suggesting last year to completely renovate an over grown neglected clay bed, Plants loved it. Good luck

  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    edited March 2021
    Hi Oliver, manure (as long as it is rotted), can be used in autumn or early spring as the soil is still damp. You can spread it as a mulch at least 1-2 inches thick but I would leave 3 inches at least away from the stem of the plants. If you didn’t want to mulch you could always just ‘tickle’ it into the top soil around the plants. Though I think a mulch would be better :smile:

    I intend to mulch my beds soon with well rotted manure as well, most likely this month.
  • oliver.greatbatcholiver.greatbatch Posts: 36
    Thanks for all of your help. As nothing is there at present I can mix it all in with compost and topspil and plant straight away. Is this correct? Thank you again
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Yes you can do as you suggest. 
    AB Still learning

  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    It's never too late for applying manure.  
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    Call it early rather than late ;)
    East Lancs
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