Is Horse Manure Good for Gardens?

If you’re new to the world of gardening or simply unsure, horse manure is almost like the secret ingredient for many gardens across the UK. You’ll often hear of gardeners up and down the country going weak at the knees at the very sight of well-rotted horse manure and muck, but why is that? Organic horse manure acts as a brilliant natural fertiliser, soil conditioner and source of nitrogen, which are all essential for growing plants and keeping your garden in the best condition possible.

In this how-to gardener’s guide, we outline why horse manure is good for gardens, how to use organic horse dung in and around the garden and whether there’s such a thing as too much well-rotted horse manure!

Is horse manure good for gardening

For those who are looking for a quick and easy answer, then yes, horse manure is fantastic for gardens! Its organic and nutrient-rich matter gives a variety of plants that extra bit of goodness to ensure they grow and flourish even in areas where the topsoil isn’t great. If your garden is lacking in nitrogen, then don’t worry – horse manure is also nitrogen-rich which is why it’s invaluable across your garden.

Is horse manure good for flowers?

Applying well-rotted horse manure to your beloved flowers can potentially be the best thing you could do for them! Mixing horse dung into the soil will help encourage flower root growth and health because the manure is packed full of nutrients – the main nutrient released is nitrogen which is needed for flowers to grow. Horse FYM (farmyard slurry) also contributes to an improved soil structure, resulting in better infiltration and retention of water.

If you’re looking to grow flowers in your garden, then why not see our guide on horse manure and roses?

Is horse manure good for vegetables?

Whilst some vegetables thrive off the extra nutrients and minerals, some root and surface-level veggies don’t bode well to it. Composted manure burn can cause infant roots to die off before having the chance to sprout into their final form, which will lead to a disappointing crop.

See our guide to what vegetables do and don’t like manure as well as finding out what manure/fertiliser burn is.

Is horse manure good for grass and lawns?

Composted horse manure is neither good or bad for established lawns and grass as the nitrogen from the manure evaporates when exposed to air. If you’re looking to grow a new area of lawn or grass, then you should mix the manure or organic matter into the topsoil beforehand in order to keep the nitrogen.

How to use well-rotted horse dung in your garden

There isn’t a one-rule-fits-all method to using horse manure in your garden, as each plant has its own bespoke needs – there are guidelines and advice you can follow. You should look for the specifications of the manure like the age of the manure and the composting time it has gone through as fresh manure may sound like the best option to many gardeners and landscapers, but in reality, it isn’t – plants are at risk from E.coli, salmonella and other harmful bacteria when fresh manure is applied. (Let the manure dry and age in order to achieve the best results for your garden).

In short, you can use well-rotted horse manure for a variety of projects in your garden, but you need to be careful before doing so!

Can you put too much organic horse manure in your garden?

With all the benefits it presents gardeners, there is indeed a line where too much horse manure is too much – it can potentially kill plants within your garden.

There are a number of reasons as to why your plants can suffer from too much manure being applied; exceedingly high levels of nitrogen and salt, herbicides and bacteria such as E.coli can all be reasons as to why you shouldn’t put too much horse manure on your plants.

Where can I buy organic horse manure?

Based in Hambledon, Hampshire, we supply organic, well-rotted horse manure for all those who are within Hampshire and further surrounding towns and cities. Alsoils+ have been servicing domestic and trade customers for over 35 years with the highest quality horse manure, leaving you safe in the knowledge that we can deliver for your needs.

Our well-rotted horse FYM is both high-quality and affordable for all purposes. With its highly versatile and low maintenance nature, they are the ideal solution for a variety of gardening and landscaping needs.