Cow Manure?

littlesapphire 4/22/2010, 7:33 pm

I looked and looked locally for five different composts, but in the end, all I could find was dehydrated cow manure (the bags did say that they contained up to 20% of other ingredients). I got one and a half boxes filled today, and I intend to finish the other ones tomorrow, but I'm worried sick because my mom-in-law told me that too much cow manure will burn your plants.

Did I do the right thing by going with all cow manure? I plan on starting my own compost sometime, but for now, that's not going to help me. I didn't just waste all that time and money, did I?

**timwardell** 4/22/2010, 8:03 pm

Was it composted cow manure or just manure? Meaning, did it smell like earth or poo? If it smelled like earth (or if it said 'composted' on the bag) then it's probably okay. However, it it smelled like animal poop then it hasn't composted and will most likely 'burn' your plants.

littlesapphire 4/22/2010, 8:15 pm

I looked at the bags, and I didn't see the word compost on there anywhere. But it didn't smell like poop. It kind of had an odor to it, but it was so mild that you had to get close to it to smell it.

I don't plan on planting for about another month (our last frost date in western NY is memorial day). This is going to sound dumb, but if it is manure instead of composted manure, if I continue to turn and water my boxes daily for the next month, will that help?

littlesapphire 4/22/2010, 8:35 pm

Just an update. I looked at the bags again, and it said it's dehydrated manure with 20% hummus. Also it's 2-2-2 mix? Not sure what that means.

I just fear that I ruined my boxes and all the work I've gone to. I hope there's a way to fix this if I have.

littlesapphire 4/22/2010, 9:20 pm

Sorry for posting again, but I couldn't figure out how to edit my last reply. I don't want everyone to think I'm a weirdo who's sitting here freaking out about cow manure! (I am though, of course, I just don't want you to think that.)

I did a typo with my last post. The bags say it's .2-.2-.2 mix.

Shoda 4/23/2010, 12:42 am

I have been following your post. I am sorry you are so worried. Sounds like you could do some turning and watering just to be on the safe side but I would suspect if it doesn't smell like poo you should be OK. Also, since you aren't planting for a month, you could watch the temp of your beds. If it is composting, the temperature of the mix would increase.

Now I hate to act stupid but what exactly is hummus? I searched the Internet and all that came up was a Middle Eastern recipe that was made with Chick Peas. Since I am certain they didn't put Chick Peas in the manure, it must be something else, no?

Ray'ssfg 4/23/2010, 1:19 am

Hi Littlesaffire,
Being a dairy farmer from way back unless it was very "green manure" which I would doubt if it is dry, you shouldn't have any worries at all. Fresh manure of any sort may burn, particularly chicken manure (you need to dig it in for a couple of months) but as you are not planting for a month I would say there would be about 1% chance of burning your plants. Cow manure is particularly good for plants as the cow's stomach gets very hot which kills seeds and also they have 3 stomaches so it is well broken down.
I actually have cow manure in a barrel of water that I leave for a week and then pour the water on to the plants and then refill the barrel. It is the best plant food you can get, it just gets a bit smelly some times.
I regularly put cow manure in my garden and plant straight away and have never had a problem.
I am sure it will be fine.
Ray Down Under Cow Manure? Icon_cheers

Ray'ssfg 4/23/2010, 1:26 am

shoda wrote:I have been following your post. I am sorry you are so worried. Sounds like you could do some turning and watering just to be on the safe side but I would suspect if it doesn't smell like poo you should be OK. Also, since you aren't planting for a month, you could watch the temp of your beds. If it is composting, the temperature of the mix would increase.

Now I hate to act stupid but what exactly is hummus? I searched the Internet and all that came up was a Middle Eastern recipe that was made with Chick Peas. Since I am certain they didn't put Chick Peas in the manure, it must be something else, no?

Hi Shoda,
I would think it was meant to be "humus" which is plant material rotting or breaking down. Compost. Great for the garden.
Bye the way I love hummus, have it most nights on dry crackers, not fattening. Very popular in Australia.
Cheers Ray Cow Manure? Icon_cheers

littlesapphire 4/23/2010, 7:59 am

Ray'ssfg, you're right, I did mean HUMUS. LOL, I guess I was just thinking about how tasty HUMMUS is.

Thank you, everyone. I'm feeling a lot better about my boxes than I was last night. Ray'ssfg, you especially have helped quiet my fears! You guys are the best. I'll keep you updated on how everything goes!

Shoda 4/23/2010, 1:21 pm

Thanks for the information. I think I have had hummus before now that I think about it.

Since I now had the correct spelling, I was able to look up "humus" and how understand better what it is. Thanks again.

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