Yes, no need to feed if there are no plants at the moment. If you plant any trees or shrubs over the growing season, a couple of handfuls of FBB at their base will be sufficient to give them a boost. It is important to get plenty of organic matter into your soil in preparation for planting - it sounds as if you're on the right track! The compost you have purchased can be added to your borders along with any manure to improve your soil texture and add nutrients. Enjoy creating your garden! (Maybe take some before and after photos!)
Bear in mind that even if you have stables nearby, the manure will have to be left for several months before using to plant into. You can't use fresh manure for plants.
I'm lucky that I worked in a yard, and I could have got fresh or aged stuff, but I didn't need to plant right away so it didn't matter.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I've never used manure in my garden because of concerns about weed seeds, antibiotic residue and other contaminants. Are these concerns ill founded? I sometimes buy something from the GC called "Farmyard Manure". Is it a suitable alternative do you think @Fairygirl and @VictorMeldrew? Here's a manufacturer's description:
A perfect soil conditioner with rich levels of organic matter
Specially formulated to produce a higher yield of crops
Suitable for mulching and planting with no green waste
Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure is a rich organic compost that’s ideal for use all around the garden, making it perfect for mulching, planting and soil conditioning. It’s suitable for use on fruit and vegetables, as well as roses, trees and shrubs.
This Farmyard Manure is also a rich source of organic matter which helps to improve soil structure and fertility and prevents plant nutrient deficiencies. Organic matter in soils also helps to bind soil particles that can be penetrated by roots, helping the plant to retain moisture. Furthermore, it also helps to bind nutrients, so they are not washed away, therefore releasing nutrients to help feed the plants.
I've never had a problem with weed seeds I've also used commercial bagged compost - B&Q and similar. It's not as good as the real thing IMO, but I'm biased, having spent over 20 years working with horses
Joking apart- its perfectly satisfactory, although obviously - much more expensive.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thank you @Fairygirl. There is a lot of information about the downside of using manure, apart from weed seeds, so a bagged commercially produced alternative lessens my worries!
Enjoy creating your garden! (Maybe take some before and after photos!)
This was our garden 6 months ago, it's a bit messier now it's a 'work in progress'. I've only seen just one blackbird, he visited twice since we moved in 6 months ago. So I'm really looking forward to enticing the wildlife.
I can see I might have to stretch my purse and buy some manure.
The first year of a garden is so expensive.
Hi Jenny, depending where you are you really shouldn't have to buy manure. Are there any horse stables or riding schools near you? They're constantly mucking out and there should be a muck heap that they're only too happy for people to plunder.
Funnily enough there is a stables that me and the dog walk past every morning at about 7am, I've not seen anyone there, just the heads of several horses peering over their stable doors, but I do think they've been fed by the time we pass. I must make a concerted effort to try and contact them.
That looks inviting @Jenny_Aster, you've got lots of scope to experiment there, unhindered by neglected plants and obstacles! Your blackbird will return once you start digging and planting gets under way. Enjoy creating your garden, take your time and ask questions here if you need any recommendations or advice!
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I'm lucky that I worked in a yard, and I could have got fresh or aged stuff, but I didn't need to plant right away so it didn't matter.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure is a rich organic compost that’s ideal for use all around the garden, making it perfect for mulching, planting and soil conditioning. It’s suitable for use on fruit and vegetables, as well as roses, trees and shrubs.
This Farmyard Manure is also a rich source of organic matter which helps to improve soil structure and fertility and prevents plant nutrient deficiencies. Organic matter in soils also helps to bind soil particles that can be penetrated by roots, helping the plant to retain moisture. Furthermore, it also helps to bind nutrients, so they are not washed away, therefore releasing nutrients to help feed the plants.
I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
I've also used commercial bagged compost - B&Q and similar. It's not as good as the real thing IMO, but I'm biased, having spent over 20 years working with horses
Joking apart- its perfectly satisfactory, although obviously - much more expensive.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border