Every garden should have a regular application of farmyard manure.

This is a rich source of plant nutrients and a great soil conditioner.
It builds up black moisture retentive humus in the soil which improves structure.
It feeds soil organisms such as worms which themselves help to keep the soil in good condition.

Note: it is important not to apply fresh animal dung to plants or to soil that will be planted.

Fresh animal dung from cows, horses, pigs or poultry should be left for about a year before applying to the soil. Keep the heap under a cover sheet to reduce leaching of nutrient liquid.

The dung is usually mixed with straw or wood shavings. Their high carbon content helps to stabilise the nitrogen in the dung and make humus. Composting produces a hot heap that kills weed seeds.

When ready for use it should not smell except perhaps for a pleasant earthy smell. The added woody bits should not be identifiable.

A good time to apply it is in late autumn or early spring about 3 weeks before planting. Do not apply to recently limed soil and do not lime after application. Lime causes nitrogen content to be converted into gas and lost into the air.

Nutritious liquid fertilizer can be made by hanging a sack full of the stuff in a bucket of water.

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