Homestead mailing list

[keith bellinger <bartermn AT epix.net>]

Bill Jones wrote:

> If you sprinkle on some soaked alfalfa pellets before you put the 
> topping on, I'm sure you could stretch that manure a lot further.  That 
> seems like a lot of manure to apply every year.  There's even a problem 
> you can get by overmanuring, small bugs known as symphylans.
>  

Thanks for the tip Bill. Because the pile is more hay, sawdust and wood 
shavings than manure it more than likely will need added nitrogen. The 
last time I tested was three years ago. I will make it a point to check 
it again before spreading it on the garden. Also, I don't generally add 
it directly to the garden but first re-compost it behind the garden for 
a month or so while I prepare the beds.