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Minnesota([email protected])

Our neighbor dropped off a large pile of cow manure, mixed with straw, by our garden, about a month ago. I think it was somewhat aged, but probably not a year old. It's dry. I'm wondering if there is any danger of using it as a light mulch(topdressing may be a better term) in and around my A.G. plants. I would only spread it over lightly.
Do you think the nitrogen release during rains would be a problem? Or could it result in too much pumpkin growth after rains? My plants are getting close to full sized, and two of them have pumpkins set(I think). One plant doesn't have a set yet(hopefully in the next week though).
I may put a hay(or straw) mulch on soon as well.
In the spring I tilled in a light layer of this same stuff, before planting. The soil isn't super fertile at this point.

7/17/2006 8:00:06 PM

Nashville, TN

Since I use fresh stall waste as a mulch under the vines - I'll answer as best I can..

#1 - if it's DRY and HOT weather - you won't have much issue with the N release during brief rains. To get the N to release well - it must be in contact with the moisture (tilled in the ground - or steady rains for a day...this is why you've got to soak the manure for one day in order to make 'manure tea')

#2 - it will help insulate the ground during these extreme heat waves that most of us are enduring. This will help to stabilize your ground moisture and Temps.

#3 - make sure to put a barrier between the bottom of the pumpkins and the manure. The moisture caught under the pumpkin will allow the naturally-occuring microbes in the manure to start the decomposition process up again. They don't discriminate between pumpkin-flesh and manure..

I haven't had any issues through the years with 'N-burn' from using a THIN layer (less than 3/4") of FRESH barn waste as mulch... I have had 'N-burn' from chemical fertilizers though..

7/18/2006 8:59:47 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks Scienceteacher.
Your reply was quite helpful!

7/18/2006 5:10:28 PM

Ennismore, Ontario

Just wondering if weeds washed up on shore from a near by lake, would there be any advantage of useing for a mulch over the vines.Good or bad idea.

7/18/2006 9:09:29 PM

Nashville, TN

Not sure about using 'lake weeds' - since I don't have them... But I have been putting soil and/or barn waste over may of the vines - encourages faster rooting.. I've heard of others using grass clippings - so maybe your 'lake weeds' would be similiar?

More roots - the BETTER!!

7/19/2006 8:36:39 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Gerry

I know a grower who used them before with decent results, though he also had good soil. Just make sure you don't put them on to thick. A thin layer would be best.

Phil

Phil

7/21/2006 8:58:33 AM