I've really gotten into gardening this year and have been busy sprucing up my front and back garden. I've run out of the compost I made last year, and my borders definitely need some extra care, especially with my roses. A lady on Facebook has offered any interested gardeners the chance to collect the horse manure from her yard, which sounds perfect for what I need. However, I'm concerned about how to collect it without making our family car smell terrible. Should I let others with trailers handle it, or are there ways to do it with my own supplies? I have some plastic containers that might work, but I want to keep this a secret from my husband, who's a city boy. Any advice?
3 Answers
Definitely use a plastic box lined with a bin liner. Just make sure to shovel the manure into the box carefully to avoid spills. While it doesn't smell awful when fresh, letting it sit for a while before using it can help. Just be cautious with the amount you scoop up at once to keep your back safe!
You might want to haul it in something like an Ikea bag; they’re durable and handle weight well. If it's well-rotted manure, the smell shouldn't be too bad—it’s more of a grassy aroma that goes away quickly once you air out the car. Hiring a small van could be an option if you're collecting a lot, but it really depends on your needs and budget.
Make sure you're getting well-rotted manure; the fresh stuff can burn your plants because it's too rich in nitrogen. I usually store mine for about 6-12 months before using it in the garden. If you have room, you can add it to your compost heap to let it break down properly.
Absolutely right! The rotting process makes all the difference in how it works in the garden later.
Exactly! Lining the box helps a lot with cleanup too. I've found that letting it sit for a few months really helps with the smell.