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Compost

Had our garden for almost a year now so still getting used to bits and pieces but one thing for sure is that it is going to need tonnes of organic matter/compost this winter.

Although we have four compost bins, the amount we have in them at present is not even going to scratch the surface.  Does anyone have any advice on sourcing decent compost/manure for enriching the soil?  Also, when we moved in the veg patches were covered with black polythene which was brilliant for suppressing the weeds and keeping the soil warm which was a massive help at the start of the season.  The question is if we put a good covering of manure or compost over the surfaces in the autumn for overwintering, presumably we would be best not to cover it with polythene again.  

Sourcing the manure is a particularly worry since we heard about the RHS having serious problems with some of their manure  which contained a awful herbicide which wrecked their crops last year.  How can you be sure that your manure is good old fashioned stuff with no chemical nasties?   Any advice gratefully received.

Posts

  • TeenrbeeTeenrbee Posts: 57

    Thanks waterbutts for you helpful response.  As far as the 'tainted' manure goes, apparently it was a herbiside that had been sprayed on pasture that the animals had eaten and then it had passed through them and into the manure.  It's coming to something when you can't even trust the manure you are using.  As you say its best to source it from someone you know and trust.  We live in a very rural location so I think I'll try to get on talking terms with the many horsemen and women who pass our door.

  • addictaddict Posts: 659

    The herbicide you are talking about was used to control perenial weeds on pasture land. It is called aminopyralid but comes under many different names. It affected many vegetable crops especially tomatoes but also roses and some perennials were badly affected too.

    Since then I have only used bagged composted horse and cow manure just so I know I can get back at the big suppliers.

    Here is the RHS info on it....

    http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?PID=477

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