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San Jose [email protected]

I live in northern Calif. so we have mild winters (minor frost maybe 20 days a year) only about 13 inches of rain over the winter. How much manure can I safely put in the patch and till in? 4" 8"

Can I assume it will decompose quicker out here than back east.

I havn't done a soil test, but the soil cracks when it drys, I dont think the OM is very high at all.

11/10/2005 7:40:28 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

It wouldn't hurt to start with a soil test. Then you would have a baseline and some information that would help you decide. If the OM is low, add the 8 inches and high go with 4 inches. The soil test would help.

11/10/2005 8:12:58 PM

Puyallup, WA

IMHO, I would keep the patch soil moist all winter. That's no problem up where I live! ;>) Moisture is needed to help the manure breakdown to usuable components.

11/10/2005 10:40:31 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

Hi Gary,
If you do decide to do a soils test, A&L was recommended to me and I was really happy with their quick response and nice graphical soil analysis report. I think it was around $30. All you have to do is take 10 random shovels full of soil from you patch, mix them together in a bucket, scoop out 1 cup of soil and send it off to Modesto California with the order form and a check. On their web site you can get the order form. I think I had results back within a week or so. Their phone number is : (209) 529-4736. I liked seeing what my organic matter score was and when I got it back, Tremor on this site helped with amendment amounts after looking at the test results. - Kristine

11/10/2005 11:49:26 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Gary, the simple answer to your question is yes. There can indeed be to much OM in your patch. Once you cross the 10% OM level you are now the owner of organic soil. It comes with a new set of challenges the grower must deal with. Nitrogen and Molasses are often used to help feed the beneficials in the soil as they break down the manure.

11/11/2005 6:06:23 AM

Rhode Island

kahuna hit the nail on the head. to much and you can bring in all sorts of disease, insects (grubs for one ) and nitrogen.
we will never again add any uncomposted manure to our patch.

doing so brings in to many problems. in fact before we go to a new supplier for composted additives we have that also tested.
its worth it come aug and sept when your pumpkins and/or plants are still healthy rather than diseased and rotting away

dick

11/14/2005 1:51:55 PM