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Lakewood, Colorado

There is a bounty of horse manure available in the Denver metro area for free. Some of it is "composted", some is fresh. I know that I want it composted.

But is there anything else that I need to look for/look out for when getting free composted manure?
Thanks for the input.
Lakewood E

3/4/2011 6:58:08 PM

Muddy Waters

If they use wood shavings you might want to have tested.If pure manure compost for 1 year,no test needed.

3/4/2011 8:45:58 PM

Linden, Mi.,

Horse manure -- I have always stayed away from horse, trying to use cow manure - (less weed seeds)with the cow having three stomachs, breaks down the seeds more.

I know it is all a smelly !!

3/5/2011 10:45:30 AM

Sourthern Utah

free is good.. make sure its composted good .. fer a year at least// i have used both horse and cow,, both work great .. but like previously stated .. horse has more weeds in it

3/5/2011 5:21:07 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Doesn't proper composting rid any manure of weed seeds? Peace, Wayne

3/5/2011 11:45:14 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

not all the time Wayne not everyone turns it the farmer is too busy so you will have weeds more in cow then horse the horse manure gets hotter

3/6/2011 9:19:43 AM

Denver, Co.

I added about 6 yds of composted horse manure last year to a new bed to boost the organic matter, which it did very nicely. I had my soil tested afterwards(a month) & found out that there are alot of salts associated with many manures. Many of my nutrients spiked too - the lab actually suggested that I flush my patch with 6" of water to clear out the salts & extra nutrients.
Of course I didn't, I planted a giant pumpkin & a couple watermelons.
I didn't have any weed problems because my plants were so healthy! My soil may not be perfect, but I think the horse manure helped a bunch. I planted a cover crop this fall to be turned under in the spring.
I had my best garden ever this past year! Just be careful not to use too much of a good thing.

3/12/2011 10:41:56 PM