This weekend, I shall mostly be writing about manure

March 24, 2006

This weekend, I shall mostly be writing about manure

Good news: my book has a title!

Not-so-good news: I am not sure if it's public knowledge yet - will have to check with the publishers. But safe to say things are moving apace and I may be able to furnish you, dear reader, with more details soon.

I've got two chapters left to polish off, and I can see the finishing line beginning to hove into view. Hallelujah!

So this weekend, when I am not planting the exciting selection of plants I just bought on eBay (of which more later, but black hollyhocks - yum!) and planting potatoes, I shall be putting fingers to keyboard on how to assess and improve your soil. All manure tips (virtual, not literal) welcome at the usual address.

24 Mar 2006 23:16:37 | My book

4 Comments

you must be so relieved to be nearing the end!And what could be better than writing about manure?

Posted by: al | March 25, 2006 at 09:46 AM

Safe to say I am looking forward to spending more time in my garden and on my plot and less time at my keyboard ...

Posted by: Jane Perrone | March 26, 2006 at 10:38 AM

Not a tip, but as a newbie allotmenteer, here are a few questions that I hope your book answers.

Books always refer to "well rotted manure" as if this were a self evident process. So how long does it need to rot, in what container, do you water it, or mix anything with it. What about hot beds? Can you use it in a hot trench for beans/peas?

Good luck with the book!
Caroline

Posted by: Caroline Povey | March 27, 2006 at 05:49 PM

Well Caroline, funny you should say that, as I have been thinking about that very issue this weekend. You've inspired me to rewrite that section and make it clearer. But in a very brief summary: to make your manure well rotted, pile up your manure, make sure it's thoroughly wet, cover with tarp or black plastic and leave for 6 months to a year, depending on how much straw or bedding is present. Then it'll be "well rotted" and can be used as mulch. Alternatively add it to your compost heap raw and it'll do wonders for your homemade compost. You can use fresh manure on a hot bed because it never comes into contact with the plants: instructions here - http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06965.htm

Posted by: Jane Perrone | March 27, 2006 at 08:46 PM

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