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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: mrf94 on March 30, 2008, 21:05:27

Title: Questions
Post by: mrf94 on March 30, 2008, 21:05:27
If as i read on here that fresh manure burns plants how come the docks and dandilions etc i seem to have stacked my first lot of fresh manure on grew inside the stack to a hight of about a foot and the number of new white ? stems /roots i discovered when moving my manure wasnt burnt are they imune or what?.

2nd question

If using the black buckets that we all collect from flower sales do we need to drill the drain holes in the bottom, or can we drill them say half an inch up from the base to form a reservoir


mrf
Title: Re: Questions
Post by: Jeannine on March 30, 2008, 21:12:49
I guess the same reason why all the weeds grew beautifully  through the waterlogged soil when all my veggies died in last years flood. XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Questions
Post by: goodlife on March 30, 2008, 21:19:48
You will be lucky to docks and dandilion with weedkillers never mind manure...they'll be laughing... ;D
I think it is because these plants can survive long time even without leaves as all its reserves are in roots and they can readily reproduce even from the tiniest piece of the root.
As for buckets...yes you can drill the holes bit higher..but then you have to fill the bottom bit up till the hole with crockery or stone etc. to prevent the compost/ soil sitting in stagnant water( would turn compost sour)...could damage the roots of the plants..
Title: Re: Questions
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 30, 2008, 21:20:54
Weeds are a lot tougher than veg. That's why we can't just leave the veg to swamp everything else while we sit back and daydream.
Title: Re: Questions
Post by: saddad on March 31, 2008, 07:40:57
The reservoir is a sensible idea if you are only at the plot a couple of times a week... if we get a summer! I'd use pea shingle at the bottom. Plants are a lot tougher than they get credit. Manure would still burn the new roots of dock/dandelion seedlings!
:)
Title: Re: Questions
Post by: Eristic on April 01, 2008, 02:56:51
QuoteIf as i read on here that fresh manure burns plants how come the docks and dandilions etc i seem to have stacked my first lot of fresh manure on grew inside the stack to a hight of about a foot and the number of new white ? stems /roots i discovered when moving my manure wasnt burnt

My point exactly. Horse manure hasn't got what it takes to burn the plants. I drop plenty on the grass path when I unload and all I get is patches of lush green grass.

My onions don't like it though, they can't seem to get up and out of it quick enough.