In article , Jack
writes
If you do put it down before it has matured properly, what damage will it
cause?

Because I have plentiful and regular supplies of stable manure, I spread
all of my vacant veg. growing areas with a thick mulch of it fresh,
strawy and steaming last October/November. I did not put any of it near
to plants which are over-wintering because it would tend to be too
strong and because it is not suitable as a direct plant food. That mulch
has now practically all worked its way into the soil, frost has broken
it up and birds have had a great time snatching insects and young weed
seedlings from it. The treated areas are now almost ready to be lightly
worked over and spring seeded or planted. I also have a compost box full
of the same stable manure which has fully matured and is ready to be
applied to areas which need to be replenished with nutrients after
cropping, or are in fallow, but not where roots are next to be sown.
I keep that heap covered with a plastic sheet against rain and to
encourage it to continue composting until I use it.
--
Alan & Joan Gould - North Lincs.