Quote:
Originally Posted by Kate Morgan
I am glad to say that I have recovered from my poly tunnel excitement, I was
not hurt only cross, I tried to hold on to the frame but stood no chance at
all but thank you to those who were concerned :-) While I am here can I
pick some brains, a neighbour had a good sized load off our muck heap some
years ago, she has only just told me that the muck was infested with red
spider/red mite - are they the same thing - and they ruined her vegetables
because they ate all her potatoes ?
kate
still windy Gloucestershire
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I feel your pain about flying polytunnels!
We lost a huge 120ft by 25ft tunnel in the gales in last march this year....scarey as hell!
The manure thing will almost certain be because the stuff is way too fresh!
If you don't allow the manure to compost for long enough (2 years is best) then it will be way too strong in nitrogen and ammonia, which will burn the plants stems and roots and will cause them to die, it's almost like weedkiller when it's too fresh!
The stuff you are getting should always be taken from the oldest part of the muck heap which has been turned regularly and there should be no signs of the stuff being hot or steaming when you dig into it.
Also, the texture of the stuff should be crumbly and friable and not slimey or clay-like.
The colour should be black as pitch and there should be little or no smell coming from it, save a slight mushroomy/earthey smell.
Only then is it safe to use!