Manure

[little lettuce]

Can anyone tell me how long I need to leave fresh manure before I can add it to the soil for my courgettes?.

[little lettuce]

[OllieC]

I put piles of fresh stuff a couple of feet away from my squash and courgettes, their roots get as close as they want to...

[little lettuce]

Thanks for the info, I am growing my courgettes in a large pot so will this still be ok, also should I use manure on tomatoes and cucumbers. Many thanks

[OllieC]

I wouldn't use fresh stuff on toms, but I do use it on my cukes as with courgettes & squash... I don't think I'd risk it if they were in a pot - the roots need room to grow the other way if it's too "hot", although you could add small amounts as the season progresses & it will keep them fed.

[manicscousers]

hiya, little lettuce, welcome to the site, ;D
fresh manure can burn roots so may be a little too fresh  :)
we put it in during spring...means it breaks down before the plants go in,
can you store it somewhere to rot down a bit ?

[little lettuce]

Many thanks for your advice .

[Lost-The-Plot]

Hi L'il Letty! I've just thought - Might be worth asking mom about this. I'm sure she once told me that she'd kept some in a water butt and used it as liquid feed - but maybe she was just having me on. Has anyone else heard of this?  ;)

[OllieC]

Yes, I've heard of people using sheep dung in this way...

[Kea]

Yes you should leave it for a minimum of a year.
http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2007/sep/manureguid