Hi, I would like to add some "composted" (not fresh) steer manure to my raised beds. I don't know how much to add without going overboard. Could someone give some insight on a "approx." amount to add (per square foot}? I'd appreciate any tips, advice, etc. Thanks in advance !

Duane

Howdy, Duane,
Not knowing what kind/type of soil you have (clay, loam, sand, etc) you should feel perfectly comfortable adding 25 pounds of manure (composted) per 100 sq ft. I'd even add some ground phosphate rock as well to encourage some good microbial action as well as ump-up (is that a word?) the phosphorus content.

Have any pics of your raised beds?

Shoe (always curious to see other folks' gardens) :>)

http://i69.photobucket.com/alb...

I have plenty of cattle raising that goes on in this rural area- and could get it for free. Only problem is my dogs love to dig it up and roll in it, so I am forced to buy bagged stuff.


Love checking out others gardens! ~Jan

I found chili powder only medium-effective in deterring catsd and squirrels. Even light rain reduced its effectivness.

So I spread chicken wire over freshly-turned soil or recently-planted bulbs. That worked, I just had to remove it before sprouts got too big.

Maybe after fresh manure has been int he ground a while, the dogs won't like it as much. If so, and you don;t mind wheelbarrowing it around twice, you might be able to make a big pile and surround it with wire until it aged enough to lose its allure.

I'd do anything to get free manure!

Last fall we built several raised beds for veggies this year. We got a load of 30 yrs. old manure that was just beautiful soil by the time we got it. Today my onion sets were delivered. I am concerned it is too cool at night yet. It has been getting in the 20's yet. They look ok and I could store in a cool dry place but I don't know for how long. What should the temps be at night for them and Garlic??