I've been curious to the benefits of chicken manure on vegetables (Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Pole Beans, etc.). A friend of mine a work says I have 5 bags of chicken manure I bought last year but decided not to use and you can have them if you want them. So I went and got them today and am now wondering what do I do with them. I don't want to kill my garden that is growing pretty nicely but I would love to grow some huge tomatoes.
Questions:
1. Is this manure aged..? Although it is a year old it's been sealed in the bags as it was bought. Ok to use or brew tea 'as is' ?
2. I don't have an active compost bin but would be willing to start one should I buy some hay or something to mix with the chicken manure to start a nice compost pile..?
3. Please give me some opinions on using this manure on 4'x8' raised beds growing vegetables. 30 year old oak trees and newly planted landscaping shrubs, grass, etc.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Mick