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Buffalo, New York

I expanded my patch from the old 370 sq. ft. to about 1030 sq. ft.

As of now, the expansion is all till up sod. The soil around here is nice and i plan on getting a soil test done.

I posted a want ad on craigslist for horse manure and got emailed by a farm. They said scoop it myself is free or $5.00 loaded into my pickup truck per load.

I will find out tomorrow morning if this is aged or new manure. I know older is better but anything is better then nothing, correct?

What other ?'s should i ask them before i bring any home?

also, How many yards should i need for my 1000 sq. ft. patch?

11/3/2008 1:04:56 PM

6-10 yards should do it . If your soil is bad then do 10 or 9.If it's good do 6 or 7. If you don't know than do 8 yard.

11/3/2008 1:12:10 PM

Buffalo, New York

8 trips to the farm? WOW!!!!

11/3/2008 1:16:09 PM

Lexington, Ky

By all means, pay the $5 load fee! Truck beds will hold nearly 3 cubic yards (Chevy 1500, F150). Not sure about the smaller trucks.

11/3/2008 2:45:40 PM

Buffalo, New York

smaller trucks hold about 1 yard......as does mine.

11/4/2008 10:08:48 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

My f 150 will hold 2 yards comfortably 2.5 if no one rides with me. But it is a 6 ft bed

11/4/2008 10:19:34 AM

Buffalo, New York

well i picked up 1 pickup truck load today for $5.00
i am not very familiar with manure/compost but they said it has been sitting for some time.

It seems that it was pretty dry. i smelled it and couldnt smell much manure smell. Should it smell very bad?

it was not very dark and seems to have many tiny wood chips in it.

Maybe this is normal, and i am sure the chips will break down over the winter.

Any advice on what to look for is greatly appreciated.

This is a horse farm i am getting this from and for $5.00 a load, it aint a bad deal.

I spread the load on about 1/6 of my patch area about 4 inches thick and tilled it in and it is amazing how much it does not look like much of sa difference.

Should i just lay in on and leave it or should i till it in with the sod i rototilled up?

I plan on getting another load tomorrow and another on Friday.

11/5/2008 12:59:24 AM

Adams County

Jeremy, if you cant smell it it is older, that does not mean it is old enough. so dont over do it. the wood chips is saw dust used in the stable floor, make clean up easier.
if you have the room stock pile 5 or 6 loads for next year and turn the pile over a few time during the year,and your ready to go come fall prep.

11/5/2008 10:09:48 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Jeremy, take a 1 gallon bucket, take samples from several areas in the back of yer truck to fill the bucket.Mix well. Then take 1 cup to your local county extension agent, and pay the $5 and have an analysis done. Then....you will know what you are adding to yer patch!!!!! The poo aint goin nowhere, and you need to know what you are puttin in yer patch!!!! Peace, Wayne

11/6/2008 12:48:00 AM

Buffalo, New York

the farmer told me today while i was picking up 3rd load that it has been sitting for 2 years.

i plan on getting 3 more loads next week.

my neighbor also came over and said it is good stuff.

11/7/2008 12:54:04 PM

sevierville, Tn

I'd till it it now if you can. Helps it break down. Worms will be happy too.

11/8/2008 7:04:50 PM