By Tim Read Gardening Services
It might not be glamorous, but compost and animal manure are the real magic behind healthy plants, strong roots, and thriving gardens. And here’s the dirty truth: not all poo is equal.
As a gardener in the Limousin region, I’ve worked with all sorts of organic matter — from chicken droppings to cow pats — and each has its own benefits (and quirks). So here’s your down-to-earth guide to using animal manure in the garden.
🐎 Horse Manure – Great for Roses & Borders
Horse manure is rich in nutrients and breaks down fairly quickly. It can be used semi-rotted for conditioning the soil, especially in borders, but ideally you want it well-composted to avoid burning plants.
Best for: Roses, flower beds, trees
Watch out: It can contain weed seeds if not hot-composted
🐄 Cow Manure – The Veg Patch Favourite
Cow manure is lower in nitrogen than horse or chicken manure, which makes it perfect for veg plots where you don’t want to overdo it.
Best for: Root crops, leafy greens, general soil improvement
Watch out: It’s heavy and can compact soil if used in thick layers
🐔 Chicken Manure – A Little Goes a Long Way
This stuff is potent! Chicken poo is packed with nitrogen and needs to be well rotted (6–12 months) before going near your plants. Used properly, it gives leafy crops a great boost. One of the best animal manures!
Best for: Spinach, kale, lettuce, and composting
Watch out: It can easily burn plants if used too fresh
🐑 Sheep Manure – The Border Booster
Sheep droppings break down more slowly but are a fantastic long-term soil conditioner. Great for flower beds and borders, especially when mixed with compost or leaf mould.
Best for: Perennials, shrubs, beds
Watch out: Might need mixing with other compost to balance nutrients
🦆 Duck Manure – Use Sparingly
High in nutrients like chicken, but much wetter. It can go anaerobic quickly, so it’s better added in small amounts to a compost heap rather than directly onto soil.
Best for: Composting, mixing with straw or dry matter
Watch out: Avoid direct application unless extremely well rotted
💡 Top Tips for Using Animal Manure in the Garden
- Always compost fresh manure unless you’re digging it in well ahead of planting season
- Balance your mix with dry material like straw, leaves, or woodchip
- Use gloves and wash hands – safety first!
- Avoid manure from animals on worming meds – it can kill beneficial soil life
Need Some Help with Soil Prep?
If you’ve got heavy clay, tired beds, or want to set up a productive veg garden – manure is your friend. And I can help:
✔️ Advice on compost or organic matter
✔️ Preparing beds, digging in, or layering mulch
✔️ Advice on improving poor soil naturally
📍 Based between Royère-de-Vassivière and Vallière
📩 Get in touch for bookings or questions!