I am going to make some beds for irises over the upcoming weekend. There is a person locally who had Alpaca Manure for a good deal. It is dried Alpaca Gold (approx.) 15#s or 2 cubic ft. for $1.00. I was going to mix it with top soil and use that for the beds. Has anyone used it before? Any thoughts? Thanks.

I haven't a clue about Alpaca manure, Richard. I think it's important that it's aged, though. Composted horse manure is ok to use -- but it must be aged, or it is too hot to be used safely. I guess I'd require that of any manure that I put on my Irises.

I would also consider laying a layer of just topsoil over the manure mix so the rhizomes don't sit directly on the manure mix. Just to decrease any chance of rotting.

Found this article about Alpaca - it appears it doesn't need aging:

http://www.gardeningknowhow.co...

Be careful with the nitrogen content though. Since it says Alpaca manure as a fair bit, it would a good idea to not add any other nitrogen amendments to the soil or you will get lots of leaves and not as much bloom.

Could one add wood ashes later?