Re: RC: more on manure

[Pam Johnson <pamjohnj@earthlink.net>]

Linda,

I have one horse and compost my manure very easily and it composts to 
approx. 1/4 of original bulk. I simply dug some small pits about 2' 
deep and 6' across and as I clean my paddock, I fill one pit at a 
time. ( I have six pits, you'd need 4 times that so maybe you'd be 
better off starting out with larger ones)  Once filled, I wet down 
the manure and then cover it with a tarp, which is also good fly 
control because they can't use the manure to lay their eggs if it's 
covered. It decomposes and composts and is wonderful for the garden 
in a fairly short time though the longer left the better. Once we get 
a frost and the flies are gone, I remove the tarps and cover the 
mounds with leaves or discarded hay so the rain and snow can work 
into the piles all winter. My neighbors line-up in the spring, 
begging for whatever they can have for their gardens, the pits get 
emptied, and  we start all over again. Works for me and couldn't be 
easier.

Pam in MA


>Linda Dewees quiltrider@hotmail.com
>I like Duncan's trash barrel on the trailer idea.  Now I'd like
>to know Duncan's technique on composting manure!  I have 4 horses
>and a big garden too, but there's too much manure! Does
>anyone have any good tips on processing this compost in the
>easiest most efficient way?  Something I can incorporate into my
>daily routine.  Right now I have Bandini mountain and I am only
>one small woman with a wheel barrow and a tiller.  I'd like to
>spend more time riding and less with the mountain!
>
>Thanks
>Linda  (whose desert garden thrives on horse manure)
>
>
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