Topic: How much bio matter do you use?

[Digeroo]

I am interested to know how much manure, compost etc etc folks think they need to use.

[powerspade]

I get through the year with about 4 ton but always on the look out for more

[BoardStupid]

However much I use, it's never enough  ;)

[antipodes]

4 Ton !!!!! :o :o :o
I got a cubic metre this year and thought that was heaven sent!  I also use a bit of home made compost, maybe about 20kg?

[manicscousers]

can't give specific weighte but here goes
well rotted horse when we can get it, trying to move away because of amino stuff
a full bin of home made compost , last years that has a squash in at the mo
leaves from last year
shredded paper
grass cuttings
spent mushroom compost,just started getting this, 12 bags so far  ;D
spent compost fromour parsnip and carrot beds 
I may be back ;D

[Digeroo]

How much is 4 ton?   Is this all for one allotment?  I think if it more in wheelbarrow loads pr bagfuls.

I have had manure 15 wheelbarrows, recycling compost 10 bags recycled compost (two Large bins about half full) plus green manure.  Also about 10 bags of lawn clippings (not my llawn).

[Amazingrotavator(Derby)]

I took delivery of 90 bags of mushroom compost today. loads to dig in and plenty to mulch. Only £70.

[powerspade]

I get at least 4 ton by collecting leaves from the local woodland (start in October finish collecting in March) which is about 120 yds away, kitchen waste (my own and also the neighbours), horse manure (about 10 yds from allotment), shredded paper, cardboard boxes from local shops, I also collect all the grass clippings after the council have mowed the playing field. I am at it all the year round. The compost heap is the engine that drives a allotment and it continuously needs fuel. by the way the 4 ton is at my plot I usually have about another ton in my garden at home. You can never have too much of a good thing.

[earlypea]

I took delivery of 90 bags of mushroom compost today. loads to dig in and plenty to mulch. Only £70.

Where from?  If you don't mind me asking  :)

I'm amazed by these quantities.  Having done a lot of reading over the winter it seems to me you're all using the recommended amount for acres of organic farming.  Is there something more intensive about an allotment that it requires so much more?

[manicscousers]

I forgot about the cardboard, all cereal, t bag etc boxes get torn up, oh, and t bags  ;D
we're trying not to put mushroom compost on the spud beds, apparently,it's a bit limey for them  ;D

[slyfox-mal]

i have just worked out how much i produce per year  my compost area is 19 ft x7 ft x 4 ft deep and my wormeries are 12 by 7 by three this works out at 784 cubic feet of organic matter when full or  divided by 27  give you 29 cubic yards  so i guess i do 29 cubic yard per yaer  give or take a couple of yards

[Amazingrotavator(Derby)]

I took delivery of 90 bags of mushroom compost today. loads to dig in and plenty to mulch. Only £70.

Where from?  If you don't mind me asking  :)

I'm amazed by these quantities.  Having done a lot of reading over the winter it seems to me you're all using the recommended amount for acres of organic farming.  Is there something more intensive about an allotment that it requires so much more?

Derbyshire mushroom company based in Ashbourne.

[GrannieAnnie]

We were having a truck load of fine bark mulch delivered but I gave up on that after a couple years and now just mulch with pine needles from our yard and shredded branches from our trees and shredded tall ornamental grasses. 

We compost all Fall leaves and some weeds and garbage.  Cardboard and newspaper I use for lasagna gardening and mulch over it with pine needles and dried weeds. As someone said, there isn't enough compost so sometimes I get bags of manure or horse manure from a friend but that's a lot of lifting and brings in strange weeds.