Manure creates nutrient-rich, moisture-retaining soil for your plants.
The most common sources of manure are cows, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, and poultry.
(Other animal waste is generally not recommended as manure or fertilizer today.)
See our chart below for the best type of manure for your garden—and the best time to apply.

| Type of Garden | Best Type of Manure | Best Time to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Flower | cow, horse | early spring |
| Vegetable | chicken, cow, horse | fall, spring |
| Potato or root crop | chicken, cow, horse | fall, spring |
|
Acid-loving plants (blueberries, azaleas, mountain laurel, rhododendrons) |
cow, horse | early fall or not at all |



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Comments
By nesh
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Hi ! I am a blueberry grower and got some well aged sheep manure ( mixed with straw bedding). When is the best time of year and how to apply it to my bluberry field.Most of the bushes are 6 years old but also have some just planted. Thanks !
By Danielle Benz
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I was wondering about Rabbit manure... People have told me that it is great, and doesn't have to be 'aged'... Is this true and how is it best used?
By Stacie Meadows
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Hi Danielle.
I have one rabbit named Buggs. He has helped my gardining for years.Buggs lives in a 5x5 wire cage.
I have pine straw under his cage. When it is time for cleaning under the cage,my son will put all the waste in a bucket and I will share it with all my plants. So it is aged and mixed with a compost of sorts.
If your manure is hot, mix it 4to 1. (4 equal parts dirt, 1 equal part manure) Watch your plants for a week. If they wilt, mix in more dirt. The key is watching your plants.
I find with any manure it is wise to use to little in the beginning. It is easier to add more than to take away.
By Jerry L Barnett
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Rabbit manure is great. I always spread it on in the late fall cause it is very rich (hot) let it set all winter so all the goodies drain out from the rain & snow. Dig in very well come earlier spring.
By Stephanie Schneider
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I use it all the time....I have rabbits & it doesn't burn like other manure. It's fine just the way it is.
By Almanac Staff
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It's hard to say if this is true or not because adding any manure directly to your garden without aging can be problematic. All manures differ, so it's hard to give exact advice on how to best use it.
It is recommended though that rabbit manure be composted with plant material waste before being added to the soil. Composting the manure helps make the most use out of its nutritional potential.
I hope this helps!
By dumdora
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How long does chicken manure need to 'age' before it can be used in the garden?
By Catherine Boeckmann
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This question is answered a couple times below.
By Eric Cocran
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Dear Almanac,
I have heard that earthworm casts is good fertilizer. Can you give me more specifics on how to use it?
By Almanac Staff
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One way you can use earthworm casts is to top dress your soil with a 1/2-inch to 1-inch layer of earthworm casts. For potted plants, use about 1/3 casts to 2/3 potting soil.
You can also just place earthworm casts alongside your plants. This is helpful if your plants are in rows.
I hope this helps!
By aschenbrodel
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Can you toss pine shavings in the garden along with the chicken manure?
By Almanac Staff
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Sure, you can! Just don't put hot manure in your garden. Make sure it is aged, otherwise it will burn your plants. Another thing to remember is that chicken manure is very high in Nitrogen, so you may need to amend it accordingly with carbon supplements. Depending on the makeup, the shavings may take a while to decompose. Good luck!
By kabn5958
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I use the Black Cow and Black Hen. Are they
sufficient enough to throw around flowers and small tomatoes and peppers? I am 50 miles from Columbia SC.
By Almanac Staff
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Yes, they will be sufficient, but note in the chart above that chicken manure is not recommended as a 'best manure' for flowers. Since you live in the South, remember that peppers are very heat sensitive, so water them adequately. Happy gardening!
By Nancy Croley
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you can collect a catapillar and send it to your local Agriculture inspector or County Extension Office to get an ID and find out what to do about them.
By Sam Troyer
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i have catipilars on my mandavillas and i can't get rid of them. HELP
By Lettie
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I squirt them w/windex; I guess the amonia in it kills them, does not hurt the plant; but its not a FOREVER FIX. I also use a mild, watered down joy liquid, its really the safest! GOOD LUCK!
By Garden Gal
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"Safer" has a spray that is organic that works. It has BT (bacillus thuringiensis). I am not sure I can post a link so just do a search on Safer Brand Caterpillar spray.
I have used it and it does work well :)
By unknown
- reply
spray soapy water on them.
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