Hey everyone! I'm trying to breathe new life into my grandfather's old garden, which used to produce lots of beautiful crops. Unfortunately, over the years, the soil has really deteriorated, and now it's not growing well at all. I'm considering using manure to revive it, but I'm unsure about the amount I should apply. I calculated that I would need about 6 cubic yards of manure to cover the area with an inch of depth (the garden is just under 2,000 square feet). Is that enough to revitalize the soil if I rototill it in? Would I need to use more or less than an inch? Should I be applying this multiple times? I appreciate any tips you have!
3 Answers
Hmm, it really depends on what kind of garden you're working with. If you have a vegetable garden, I’d suggest steering clear of straight manure and going for specific amendments that are better suited for veggies. In my smaller setup, I only add amendments to the spots where I’m planting seeds rather than covering the entire garden with a thick layer. So maybe focus on 6 inches around where you're planting rather than a full inch across the whole thing!
For a garden that size, about 100 pounds of chicken manure could work, especially if that's what you usually apply per acre. But since you're reviving an older garden, you might want to double that amount to ensure the soil gets a good boost! Just keep in mind that the soil could use some extra nutrients after being drained for so long.
To get the most accurate measurement for how much soil to add, remember to calculate cubic yards using the formula: Length x Width x Depth, then divide by 27. I'd advise tilling the soil down about 6-8 inches, adding 4-6 inches of aged organic compost or manure, and then thoroughly mixing it in before planting. Also, consider adding a cover crop in between planting seasons for maximum soil health. Just keep layering organic matter as it decays and build your soil back up over time!