In article , Katharine
Mill writes
Alan Gould wrote in message
news:S31mFmAnn1P+EwIL@a
golincs.demon.co.uk...

Well matured horse manure is one of the finest treats you can give to
your soil.

Can you give a hint as to when it is 'well matured', please? I was
thinking of getting a carload from the local stables this weekend, but
what they have looks very strawy and I was worried about putting it
direct on the soil. Should I put it bit by bit in the compost bin or
let it rot down in its own pile instead? If so, for how long? Can I
use a bit on the garden already? (ps I have a really small garden and
not much manure storage options)
TIA

IMHO some straw in stable or farmyard manure is not a problem if you are
anxious to apply some in time for this coming spring. Try to keep any
fresh parts clear of young plants. That said, it is much better if you
can make a compost heap of it and allow it to heat up then cool down
before applying it next autumn. It is properly ready to use when it has
become nearly black and it is sweet smelling and moist but friable to
the touch.
--
Alan & Joan Gould - North Lincs.