The Benefits of Using New Plant Life Composted Manure in Your Garden

New Plant Life Composted Manure is an excellent organic soil amendment that can provide a variety of benefits when used in home gardens. As the name suggests, this product is made from composted animal manures sourced from dairy farms. The manure undergoes a composting process that breaks down the raw manure into a stabilized form that is safe and easy to handle. The finished composted manure contains nutrients and organic matter that are released slowly into the soil, providing long-term improvements.

Why Use Composted Manure?

There are several key reasons why gardeners may want to consider using New Plant Life Composted Manure

• Suppplies nutrients The composting process does not destroy nutrients like nitrogen phosphorus and potassium that are present in raw manures. The composted manure will slowly release these macro-nutrients into the soil as it continues to break down after application. This provides a steady nutrient source for plants.

• Increases organic matter Organic matter is crucial for building healthy, fertile soil Composted manure is an excellent source of organic materials like humus that will improve soil structure and water retention

• Promotes microbial activity: The diverse organic compounds in composted manure feed soil microbes and enhance populations of beneficial bacteria and fungi. These microbes are essential for decomposing organic matter and releasing nutrients.

• Improves drainage and aeration: Adding composted manure can lighten heavy clay soils and increase pore space. This allows for better drainage and air circulation in the soil.

• pH buffering: Composted manure has pH buffering capacities which help prevent rapid pH swings in soil. This provides a more stable environment for plant roots.

How to Use in Different Garden Applications

New Plant Life Composted Manure has many uses throughout the garden. Here are some tips on getting the most out of this compost in different situations:

New Lawns

When establishing a new lawn, incorporate 2-4 inches of composted manure into the top 4-6 inches of native soil before laying sod or seed. This will provide nutrients for the developing grass plants and improve the soil structure. For best results, apply 1/2 – 1 cubic yard of compost per 1000 square feet.

Existing Lawns

For established lawns, apply a thin layer of 1/4 – 1/2 inch of composted manure over the grass in early spring or fall. Use a rate of 1-2 cubic yards per 1000 square feet. The compost can be raked into the lawn lightly or watered in by rain or irrigation. Do not exceed 1/2 inch depth.

Annual Gardens

Incorporate 2-3 inches of composted manure into annual garden beds before planting. Mix thoroughly into the top 6-8 inches of soil at a rate of 1-2 cubic yards per 100 square feet. The compost will feed plants throughout the growing season as it continues decomposing.

Perennial & Flower Beds

When preparing new perennial and flower beds, work 1-2 inches of composted manure into the top 4-6 inches of soil at a rate of 1-2 cubic yards per 100 square feet. Existing beds will also benefit from a yearly topdressing of 1/2 – 1 inch applied in early spring.

Trees & Shrubs

Adding compost when planting trees and shrubs is ideal. Mix 1 part compost with 3 parts backfill soil and place this amended soil in the planting hole. Or simply topdress around the base of established trees and shrubs yearly to build healthy soil biology. Apply 1-2 inches evenly from the trunk to the dripline.

Raised Beds

Fill raised garden beds with a blended mix of 1 part compost to 2 parts soil or use compost as 25% of the total fill volume. For example, if your raised bed holds 1 cubic yard of soil, add 1/4 cubic yard of compost. Mix thoroughly before planting.

What to Look for in Quality Composted Manure

Not all composted animal manures are created equal when it comes to quality and benefits. Here are a few factors to look for when choosing a composted manure product:

• Dark brown to black color – Indicates a high level of organic matter decomposition. Avoid composts with green, hay-like materials.

• Fine, crumbly texture – A stable, mature compost should have a soil-like texture without large pieces of undecomposed materials.

• Earthy, mild odor – Composted manure should have a pleasant, earthy smell without strong ammonia odors which indicate immaturity.

• Moist but not soggy – Compost is ideally 40-60% moisture content to support microbial life but not be waterlogged.

• Weed seed/pathogen free – Quality composting eliminates weed seeds and harmful pathogens. Reputable compost producers test for these.

When in doubt, ask the compost producer for testing data and details on their composting methods. Look for composts made through a lengthy, monitored composting process for a quality finished product.

Where to Buy New Plant Life Composted Manure

New Plant Life Composted Manure can be purchased at garden centers, landscape supply stores, nurseries, and online retailers such as Walmart. It is sold in bulk by the cubic yard or cubic foot or in bags ranging from 1 pound up to 40 pounds. When buying in bulk, a 1/2 to 1 cubic yard is a reasonable quantity for many homeowners to start with and will allow you to amend garden beds, lawns, tree holes and more. Bagged product is more convenient for small spaces.

Make sure to check the manufacturer’s label for application rates as these can vary slightly between products. Always follow the recommended rates even when using a quality compost like New Plant Life. Applying too much composted manure at once can potentially burn plants if nutrient levels are too high.

With proper application, New Plant Life Composted Manure is sure to give your soil and plants a healthy boost of organic matter and essential nutrients. Don’t miss out on the benefits composted manure can offer any garden space. Give your plants the nutrient fuel they need to thrive by adding some New Plant Life Composted Manure to your gardening toolbox this season!