Compost

[Sunfish]

If I clean some manure from some pens and put in the garden this fall will it compost over the winter or will it not create enough heat ?

 

[kucala5]

We pile ours up through the year to compost, then move it to the garden early Spring.

 

[M.Magis]

i think in order for it to be compost, and to kill the seeds, it needs to be piled to create heat.

 

[Sunfish]

That's what I figured. I should have started sooner.
Thanks

 

[CottageFarm]

You can spread it now and still receive the nutrient benefit. This is done all the time, however, as stated previously, it won't generate the heat required to kill pathogens or weed seeds. Is there a reason you can't pile it in the garden now, and spread it in the spring?

 

[Sunfish]

You can spread it now and still receive the nutrient benefit. This is done all the time, however, as stated previously, it won't generate the heat required to kill pathogens or weed seeds. Is there a reason you can't pile it in the garden now, and spread it in the spring?

The garden is still producing and wanted to wait till the first freeze
I didn't know if it would still be too "hot/rich" for the plants next spring

 

[CottageFarm]

Gottcha. Given your location, I'm guessing there isn't a lot of time between first frost and spring planting?
It would probably still be fine by spring if you waited til frost, but it would be better if you could pile it now.
Can you put your pile next to the garden where it's still convenient for spreading in the spring?

 

[Sunfish]

It'll freeze in October and plant in May

 

[CottageFarm]

Shorter season than I expected!
You could wait til Oct, but I would still recommend now if it's possible.

 

[Sunfish]

Thanks