Planting in horse manure compost
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 8:24 am
The natural soil where we are trying to garden is heavy clay. Last year, we tried amending it with compost and planting into the ground, but it was almost a total failure. Because of the clay, we have very poor drainage, and it was very rainy last year. The clay plus all the rain meant that at one point, some of the plants were standing in an inch of water. So I'm thinking that's probably why last year's garden was so unsuccessful.
This year, we are trying to do raised beds so that we'll have enough drainage for a decent crop. I volunteer at a horse farm, so we have access to lots and lots of well-composted horse manure for free. So far, I have put about 6 inches of horse manure compost in most of the raised beds. Is this going to be adequate for growing my veggies? If not, what would you advise? I could mix the compost with the native soil, but as I said, our soil is really awful. It's a rental house situation, so we'll be there for another year, maybe two, so I'd rather not invest too much money in a solution.
Thanks!
This year, we are trying to do raised beds so that we'll have enough drainage for a decent crop. I volunteer at a horse farm, so we have access to lots and lots of well-composted horse manure for free. So far, I have put about 6 inches of horse manure compost in most of the raised beds. Is this going to be adequate for growing my veggies? If not, what would you advise? I could mix the compost with the native soil, but as I said, our soil is really awful. It's a rental house situation, so we'll be there for another year, maybe two, so I'd rather not invest too much money in a solution.
Thanks!