How to Compost Cow Manure in a Garden
- 1). Use organic manure produced specifically for garden fertilization. Some farms and companies will treat the manure to remove harmful pathogens that can cause damage to the soil or water table, which keeps manure safe for use in gardens.
- 2). Use a shovel or manure spreader to add the manure to the top layer of the garden soil. Remove mulch first if necessary. Place the manure directly on the soil.
- 3). Add a layer of manure that is 1 to 3 inches thick on top of the soil of your garden. This will help deepen the soil layer and add nutrients to the soil.
- 4). Use the tiller to till the manure into the soil and aerate the soil. Aerated soil makes it easier for the cow manure to penetrate deeper and add nutrients to the ground. Use the shovel to turn the earth over and mix the manure into the soil.
- 5). Cover the layer of manure and soil with fresh mulch to help keep the smell down and stop the manure from being washed away when the garden is watered.
- 6). Add a fresh layer of manure in the fall when plants become dormant and again in the spring to help keep the soil healthy and filled with nutrients.
