That’s a great question. My biggest worry is the spray some stables use to kill flies. It gets into the straw and then into the manure. Once there, plants no longer grow on that spot. I ask at the stables when I pick up manure.
I've been hoping that you would write up these instructions! One question: do you not have to water the bed all winter? Does condensation keep it moist?
Addendum to my last comment: we live near several horse farms in Plymouth, some of which offer free manure. When I started a conventional garden I hauled in lots of it. Later a gardener friend cautioned me that the manure was likely to be contaminated with horse meds. Is some horse manure more organic and how would one find out? I didn't do my due diligence so now am wondering.
Wow! Fascinating and inspiring. Thanks to Louellen Stedman for letting me know about your Substack
Thanks for reading Susan!
That’s a great question. My biggest worry is the spray some stables use to kill flies. It gets into the straw and then into the manure. Once there, plants no longer grow on that spot. I ask at the stables when I pick up manure.
I've been hoping that you would write up these instructions! One question: do you not have to water the bed all winter? Does condensation keep it moist?
Right. No need to water. The moisture recycles in the closed box.
Addendum to my last comment: we live near several horse farms in Plymouth, some of which offer free manure. When I started a conventional garden I hauled in lots of it. Later a gardener friend cautioned me that the manure was likely to be contaminated with horse meds. Is some horse manure more organic and how would one find out? I didn't do my due diligence so now am wondering.
I am inspired and cannot wait to do this. Just loved learning how Parisians cultivated so much through winter.
Love this!!!
This is EPIC, Kate.