It’s a common misconception that all flowers, vegetables and garden plants LOVE manure, but that simply isn’t the case. Not only can manure ‘burn’ plants, but it can also cause harm to humans if said plants are consumed.
In this guide, we outline the type of vegetables and flowers that do not like manure and what actually causes the inflictive damage to the plants.
Manure is organic matter that is used as a fertilizer in gardening and agriculture, with the majority of manure consisting of animal faeces and bedding straw. Most manure can be used on certain vegetables and flowers, but not all of them. The most common types of organic manure are:
Manure is available in a range of varieties, but they are typically grouped into three main types. Each type has its own benefits, but the main objective is to provide extra nutrients to the soil. To learn more about the different kinds of manure, head over to our extensive manure guide.
Using too much manure can damage any plant (even ones that thrive off it) – this is called manure/fertiliser burn. Simply put, manure burn is an issue that results in the burning or scorching of a plant (flower and vegetable) foliage. Manure burn is the result of over-fertilising plants or applying fertiliser to wet or damp plants.
Do Cucumbers Like Horse Manure? Uncovering the Pros and Cons
Horse manure has long been used by gardeners as an organic fertilizer, prized for its abundant supply of nutrients that boost plant growth. But when it comes to growing cucumbers, does horse manure make a good fertilizing choice? While unconventional, using horse manure on cucumbers offers some potential benefits. However, there are also downsides to consider before working it into your vegetable beds. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of using horse manure as a fertilizer for cucumbers.
The Nutritional Composition of Horse Manure
To understand if horse manure is suitable for cucumbers, we first need to examine its nutritional makeup. Here’s a quick rundown of the key nutrients found in horse manure:
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Nitrogen – Horse manure contains nitrogen levels 2-3 times higher than cow manure Nitrogen stimulates leafy growth and gives plants their vibrant green color.
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Phosphorus – Important for root development and promoting flowering/fruiting.
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Potassium – Supports overall plant vigor and resilience against disease.
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Organic Matter – Improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
With its rich nitrogen content, horse manure can provide cucumbers with the nutrient boost they need for lush foliage growth. The organic matter also enhances moisture retention in the soil, which cucumbers require. So in terms of nutritional benefits, horse manure checks off many boxes. But how does it fare regarding potential drawbacks?
The Downsides of Using Horse Manure on Cucumbers
While horse manure offers useful nutrients for cucumbers, there are some risks to consider:
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May contain weed seeds – Horses pass undigested weed seeds in their manure, which can then sprout unwanted plants in your garden.
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High ammonia content – Fresh horse manure has abundant ammonia which can burn tender cucumber roots.
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Risk of pathogens – Raw horse manure may harbor bacteria like E. coli which can contaminate plants.
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Nutrient imbalances – Too much nitrogen from the manure can inhibit fruiting and flavor.
So how can these pitfalls be avoided? Proper preparation and application of the horse manure is key.
Best Practices for Using Horse Manure on Cucumbers
Here are some tips to safely and effectively use horse manure as a fertilizer source for cucumbers:
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Compost the manure first – Composting for 2-3 months kills pathogens and weed seeds. Turn the pile weekly.
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Apply in moderation – Mix manure with equal parts soil to dilute nutrient levels. Follow label rates.
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Side dress during growth – Lightly mix 1″ of composted manure into topsoil around plants every 2-3 weeks.
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Test soil first – Check nutrient levels and adjust manure amounts accordingly.
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Mix with straw – Adding carbon-rich straw balances nutrients and improves soil structure.
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Water thoroughly – Water beds well after each manure application to avoid burning plants.
The Verdict: Can Horse Manure Benefit Cucumbers?
When used properly, horse manure can be a cost-effective organic fertilizer for cucumbers, providing nitrogen for vigorous growth. However, precautions are needed during preparation and application to reduce health risks and prevent impaired fruiting. Well-aged composted manure, applied moderately with routine soil testing, makes horse manure a viable eco-friendly option for the cucumber patch. Be sure to water thoroughly after each application to avoid burning tender roots. While unconventional, with care horse manure can be a nutritional boost for lush, productive cucumber plants.
What should you not use manure on?
Animal manure generally speaking is beneficial for growing healthy plants. In fact, it is considered to be one of the best organic fertilisers that you can use in the UK. Manure can be added to your topsoil to give your plants the nutrients needed to grow, however not all plants will benefit from that added layer of manure.
Unsure when to apply manure in your garden? Check out our definitive manure application guide for further reading.
What vegetables don’t like manure?
Whilst some vegetables thrive off the extra nutrients and minerals, some don’t bode well to it. Manure burn can cause infant roots to die off before having the chance to sprout into their final form – both root and surface vegetables.
- Beetroot
- Potato
- Carrot
- Parsnip
- Radish
- Leafy greens (lettuce)
- Marrows (cucumber)
- Herbs
- Fruits (tomatoes and peppers)
Vegans looking to eat vegetables that have been grown in manure should be aware of the risks that come with eating these foods.
Dos and Don’ts for Horse Manure in the Garden and the Compost Pile
FAQ
What is the best fertilizer for cucumbers?
However, as soon as the first flowers start to appear the cucumber plant requires a higher level of potassium to encourage further flowering and subsequent fruiting. A high potassium fertiliser, such as tomato feed or a balanced fertiliser mix including potassium can be used as per the instructions.
What vegetables grow best in horse manure?
Sweetcorn, squash and courgettes will grow well in manure.
Do cucumbers like manure?
Yes, cucumbers generally like manure, especially well-rotted or composted manure. It provides essential nutrients and improves soil structure, which are beneficial for cucumber growth.
What is the trick to growing cucumbers?
A tropical vegetable, cucumbers thrive when the weather is hot and water is plentiful. Growing cucumbers is for warmer weather: Plants are so frost-tender that they shouldn’t be set into the garden until soil temperatures are reliably in the 70-degree range (no less than 2 weeks after the last frost date).
Do vegetables eat horse manure?
Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do not like horse manure. Fresh manure’s high nitrogen can burn plant stems and roots, especially in tender plants such as lettuce and radishes. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots are particularly sensitive. They may suffer from nutrient imbalances, affecting their growth.
Is horse manure good for plants?
horse manure is a valuable fertilizer that can be used to improve the soil and the health of plants. However, not all plants do well in horse manure. Some plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, are sensitive to the high nitrogen content of horse manure and can develop nutrient burn if they are not properly diluted.
What plants do not like horse manure?
Certain plants do not fare well with horse manure due to its high nitrogen content and the presence of weed seeds. Acid-loving plants also struggle with the more alkaline conditions horse manure can create. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do not like horse manure.
Can you use horse manure on raised beds?
Raised beds allow you to control the soil composition, so you can avoid using horse manure in areas where it could damage your plants. Horse manure can be a great fertilizer for many plants, but it is important to avoid using it on plants that are sensitive to its high salt and nitrogen content.
Is horse manure bad for tomato plants?
Horse manure is high in nitrogen, which can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit development. Tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines are among the plants that struggle with horse manure. These plants need a balanced nutrient profile, and the high nitrogen content can disrupt their growth cycles.
Can you use horse manure on strawberries?
For fruit-bearing plants, such as strawberries and blueberries, horse manure can be problematic. These plants tend to be shallow-rooted and may get damaged from the high ammonia and nitrogen levels in fresh manure. Flowering plants like roses also don’t thrive with horse manure.