Seaweed & Manure as fertiliser

[Builder]

Just getting ready to prepare my raised beds for planting vegetables at a later stage. Is it possible to use fresh horse manure or how old has it to be. I can also get seaweed from the shore but don't know if I can use it at this stage, will it break down in the soil in time so that I can plant my seeds at a later stage.

 

[Shane007]

It's best to let it break down for about 6 months first. If you put it on fresh, it can burn the roots.
Haven't a clue about seaweed!

 

[horusd]

Better to let manure rot undercover (old plastic /carpet etc) to avoid leeching of nutrients. Fresh manure can be used on established plants. I have seen gardens with cabbage/sprouts/caulies with fresh manure without any problems.You can use fresh manure mixed with water to make a nutrient "drink" for plots. Use when plants are well-established and avoid leaves.

Also you can spread fresh manure & seaweed after the growing season, lightly fork it in and break it up. It should rot over winter.

 

[joanmul]

seaweed fertiliser

My father used to collect seaweed from Dun Laoghaire harbour. He brought it home and put it in a trench he dug in the garden, covered it and left it there for six months. I think he usually collected the seaweed in September as it's at its most nutrient dense in the Autumn. He learnt that from his stint as a teacher in one of the Aran Islands as he stayed in Connemara.

 

[Thirsty]

I've used seaweed in the past, but I'm pretty sure I just spread it on the surface of the flower beds & left it rot in naturally.