old manure on top of weeds

Grajean

As we have horses here we have a huge pile of rotted manure (waiting collection by local farmer) if this was put on top of weedy patch of ground would it kill the weeds? Manure at least 10 months old possibly older.

Liriodendron

I think that would depend on the sort of weeds and the thickness of the manure.  Deep-rooted perennial weeds like couch grass and dandelions will grow through a fair thickness of mulch, but it would certainly kill annual weeds.

nick615

I'd agree with Liriodendron.  Fresh farmyard manure @ around 3-4 inches deep is excellent for, as she says, stifling most weeds.  The persistent, more aggressive, ones can then be dealt with individually.  With your horse manure, my instinct says 4-5 inches might be better and it should be compacted well by treading down with your wellies.  Natural worm activity will gradually disperse it, but it does sound as though you're giving away a useful resource?

Fairygirl

I'd agree that a thick layer will do the job with less problematic weeds but not persistent perennial ones, but I also agree it's a shame not to make more use of it.
Is there no one else that you can offer it to @Grajean ? 

Joyce Goldenlily

Down here in Cornwall they hold a Dung Run each year when the Young Farmers sell farmyard manure for charity. They go to farms, bag up the manure and deliver it to local gardeners, £1.50 per bag.