I'm planning for my garden and have a bed that I won't be using for winter crops. I'm trying to decide between using chicken manure from my hens, which is free and rich in nitrogen, or going for a store-bought cover crop mixture. Since I won't be planting in that bed for a few months, will it be okay to use chicken manure, and can I still plant in the spring? What do you think would be the best option and why? I'm located in Zone 9B.
2 Answers
I’d recommend using chicken manure because it’s packed with nutrients and it doesn’t cost you anything. Just make sure to let it break down a bit before you plant in spring, and you should be good to go! Plus, free nitrogen is always a win!
If you want to leave the bed unattended, chicken manure is your best bet. It's less work and will still enrich the soil for spring planting. Also, you could consider planting a cover crop after the fall harvest and then top it off with chicken manure in winter for the best of both worlds!
Totally agree! Cover crops can help with soil health too, and the manure will do wonders afterwards.
That sounds like a solid plan! Just make sure not to overdo it with the manure, or you might end up with too much nitrogen.