How to Get a Healthy Flower Bed Mix With Manure

Animal manure provides organic matter that improves soil aeration and adds nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to the ground. However, the level of nourishment varies with the type of manure. Poultry droppings, for instance, provide 20 pounds of nitrogen per yard, while cow manure has 8 pounds of nitrogen per yard. The University of Missouri Extension Service recommends against using fresh manure. Instead, feed the garden well-rotted, aged manure or store-bought manure, which is processed to eliminate pathogens and weed seeds.

Rototiller
Pickax
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Break up the flowerbed site 6 to 9 inches deep with a rototiller or pickax and shovel. Remove any debris you encounter, such as plant parts and rocks, which interfere with root development.
- 2
  Spread up to 3 inches of well-rotted, aged manure over the turned flowerbed. When using store-bought manure, broadcast no more than a 2-inch layer of the organic matter over the surface. Cover the area with 2 inches of well-rotted poultry manure, or 3/4 inch of processed poultry manure.
- 3
  Incorporate the manure uniformly into the ground with a shovel or rototiller. The blend is uniform when the top 6 to 9 inches of soil display the same color throughout. Rake the bed to a smooth surface, and plant your flowers.

Worms in My Flower Bed

How to Compost With a Garbage Disposal

Green & Organic