ok, I'm starting my horse manure experiment/project. I went over to my favorite Amish ladies I buy pies and goodies from, (their peanut butter pies are SOOO good)!, and inquired about some horse manure. They said sure, go for it, so I filled two 5 gallon buckets full. I dug a hole and put the stuff in, mixed other mis. potting soil, good dirt, etc., and I'm going to let it sit and cook til next summer. Does this sound right?, Will this work? Should I cover the whole thing up with more dirt?? Does anybody have any expertise on this matter-??, Thanks=! moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
That should work just fine. When the pile stops smelling like manure, it should be ready. The length of time depends on temperature, moisture, and sunlight (a pile in the shade matures more slowly than one in direct sun.) Since you have it in a hole, it may take longer. An exposed pile with air circulation usually does better. Here in Texas we just pile up manure and stay upwind of it.
Well, I would not say that my experience is what one would call, "expertise", but I use horse manure every year. I leave it to "mature" in a pile and covered with plastic. Between 8 and 12 months it is ready for use on the plots. It is important to say here that the timing and technique works in no small part because of the prevailing climatic conditions here in my little corner of the world. It is a factor in the process. Your technique sounds good to me. Like MG says--you can tell by the smell when it is ready for garden use. You can also tell by sight, but to be honest--this is a question of experience. Good luck with your project. Please do keep us posted with text and foto's. What you are doing is interesting.
Thanks Sjoerd., I know the hole this is in is above the frost line, so I'm assuming the cold will affect the manure break down. I also know if I put it on the flowers too early it will burn them up.
I dump horse dung in the compost bin, mix it with grass clippings, leaves, twigs, miscellaneous garden plant material, weeds minus seeds and what-not. When the bin's full we leave it for a year before we use it. I've also used Sjoerd's method and it works just fine for us.
To me compost isn't compost without horse manure. This is only one example of composting. http://www.gardenstew.com/viewtopic.php?t=30461&highlight=
