Manure

[tim]

Ground badly needs Manure.

Can I put it on now before Winter Brassica?

[tim]

[kt.]

Never done it this late myself.  This article says brassicas will fail if the soil is too acidic.  Check out the how to prepare soil section of this article
???
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/growfruitandveg_growingbrassicas2.shtml

This one gives a similar angle but offers better prospects:
http://www.allotment.org.uk/vegetable/brassicas/index.php

[manicscousers]

we've just emptied our compost bed onto the winter brassica bed, the ground under is hard so they should be ok, don't know about manure, though  ???

[Deb P]

I put manure on this years brassica beds quite late this year (early March) due to me missing the first part of the year in hospital! I was worried about how they would do, but the crops are FAB and some of the manure is still quite lumpy even now. I would water well and bung it on, worth a try?

[Need a Leek]

Well worth it Tim if you are planning to grow some caulis' as they take nutrients out of the ground like someone  using their energy whilst sucking  a golf ball through a hose pipe ;D...IMHO Brassicas manage pretty well on a fairly new manured site...not ideal but if you need too then do it, we all live and learn...We did not get our muck until Feb/March this year " from the local council" and our Brassicas are looking as good as you like... :)

Cheers
Tony

[calendula]

if the manure was getting to be well rotted it could be ok - why not try a quick green manure instead (obviously not from the brassica family)

[tonybloke]

use it as a surface mulch, leaving 4-6" clear around each plant, cover the manure with straw or similar to conserve moisture (and any ammonia) rgds, Tony ;)

[Barnowl]

Surely you could add a bit of lime if it's too acidic?

[tim]

Ooh, not according tothe book!!

As it happens, we are a steady 6.5 all over, so I'm not too worried about that.

Thanks for good advice - I shall be piling it on. The ground is so brick like it needs a lift.