New here, fertilizer question

[lincoln8]

I will have a large amount of properly composted cow manure. I will be growing a wide variety of vegges on about a 1/2 acre. If my garden is filled with this manure, will I need to supplement it with another fertilizer or is just the manure good? Going to till in about two inches of the compost and also add some when planting. going through my books, they all recommend adding various amounts of fertilizer per crop, but do I need it with already having plenty of manure? Thanks

 

[Wombat]

Hi, it all depends on the veggies you're thinking about growing. I use a combination of well composted cow and chicken manure plus blood meal and work it into the soil about 2-3 weeks before planting any crops, watering it in well. Cow manure is great fertilizer but it's fairly low in nutrients so that's why I use it in conjunction with the other 2 mentioned above. I also mix it with straw and add it as a mulch after planting, hope it goes well for you.

 

[rockhound]

Mix it, let it sit, do a soil test.

 

[Crabbergirl]

I only add manure and compost to my garden, but then it has been going for about 12 years in the same spot. I agree with hound, you may want to test after letting it sit. Then you can see exactly if you are lacking in anything. Your original soil will play a large factor in the final result

 

[Crabbergirl]

Oh...I almost forgot!
Welcome to gardenforums.com

 

[rockhound]

Yes, welcome. Please come back and discuss your garden with us. We want to know how it all works out.

 

[lincoln8]

great, will do. Came into a lot of land and am opening a roadside stand.

 

[Dale]

That is awesome about the beginning of a road side stand. Best of luck to you....I do agree to not guess about the soil. The soil test is the best way to get the optimum vegetables out of all your hard work.

 

[Crabbergirl]

Lincoln,
Keep us posted on your progress. that is awesome!