Organic Ingredients - Manures

Animal manures are at the top of the list for addingidea of collecting your own, contact farms in your
nutrient to the soil in an Organic Garden. Manures arearea and ask them if they would mind you collecting
typically from Cattle, Horse and Sheep. Sheepa bag or 2 direct from the paddock. Most, if not all
manures are popular due to the small pelletised formwill be pleased to have you collect it.
but they tend to be lacking in nutrients whenPlants which respond well to manures in the garden
compared to Cattle manure. Chicken manure is alsoinclude:
popular but should be well aged before adding toTomatoes, Capsicum, Pumpkin & Zucchini
garden beds. Chicken manure, when fresh is high inRoses, Annual beds, Perennials and most flowering
Nitrogen and tends to burn young plants.plants
Chicken Manure is an ideal additive to a compostManures are not recommended for indoor plants due
heap. The high nitrogen content aids in theto typical smell that comes with all manure.
decomposition of the material and can lead to quickerWhen applying to Leafy Vegetable plants - Lettuce,
compost being formed. It should be scatteredCabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower it is best to mix the
periodically on compost in thin layers to avoid a thickmanure with water and apply with a watering can
"glug" of chicken manure in the middle of thedirectly to the base of the plant. Especially if it is
compost heap. Fresh chicken manure may be appliedbeing added near plants that are ready to be
to a lawn with a thick Flatweed growth. Flat weedsharvested.
do not respond well to high nitrogenous fertilisers andIt is best to get your manure from farmers who use
will wilt. Most grasses will thrive on high nitrogenOrganic Agricultural practices. If this is not possible
products.and you are adding your manure to Vermiculture
Organic Manures can be bought from most gardensystems (Worm Farms) be sure the cattle have not
centres and can also be collected direct from chickenbeen given any form of "worm prevention
farms, Cattle farms and the like. Some companiesmedication" at least a month prior to feeding the
also produce pelletised forms of manures, which arevermiculture system. If this is not possible, age the
suitable for many applications. If you don't mind themanure at least a month first.