Soil & beds
Use composted manure carefully
Choose a known, properly composted product.
When to do it
During bed preparation when nutrients are needed, following the product’s food-crop directions.
What you need
- Well-composted manure from a known source
- Gloves and measuring container
How to do it
- Choose a known, properly composted product. Merely old manure is not proof that pathogens, weed seeds or herbicide residues are absent.
- Read the application rate and food-crop restrictions; avoid fresh manure around edible plants and never use dog or cat waste.
- Spread the measured amount over the intended soil area, keeping it away from stems and edible parts. Follow incorporation instructions.
- Water if directed and record the date. Count its nutrient contribution before adding other fertiliser.
What success looks like
- The amount and source are known and plants are not buried.
Watch out for
- Using manure as the entire growing medium.
- Assuming organic means unlimited or immediately safe.
Related help
Prepare soil for planting
Find out what your bed needs before adding anything.
Decide whether to feed and apply fertiliser
Check moisture, drainage, roots, light and recent feeding before blaming pale or slow growth on nutrients.
Sources and review
Checked 24 September 2026. Source-checked editorial guidance; not field-tested or independently reviewed by a horticulturist.