Question

barryla61 · February 7, 2012

I have a pile of 1 year old sawdust and horse manure.
Should I cover it with a tarp and let it "cook" a little more before putting on my garden?

Qweniden · February 7, 2012

Is it broken down into soil? That should be your guide. It should look like dirt and not sawdust and horse manure.

barryla61 · February 7, 2012

It is broken down to the point it looks like dark brownish black dirt

kath · February 7, 2012

Then it sounds like it's good to go! Another test would be that if it's damp and has enough air yet isn't still warm in the center, then it's finished cooking and ready to be used.

barryla61 · February 8, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by kath

Then it sounds like it's good to go! Another test would be that if it's damp and has enough air yet isn't still warm in the center, then it's finished cooking and ready to be used.

Some steam will come out when you dig deep in the pile

February 7, 2012	#1
barryla61 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bedford, VA Posts: 257	Question I have a pile of 1 year old sawdust and horse manure. Should I cover it with a tarp and let it "cook" a little more before putting on my garden?

February 7, 2012	#2
Qweniden Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 267	Is it broken down into soil? That should be your guide. It should look like dirt and not sawdust and horse manure.

February 7, 2012	#4
kath Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: zone 6b, PA Posts: 5,664	Then it sounds like it's good to go! Another test would be that if it's damp and has enough air yet isn't still warm in the center, then it's finished cooking and ready to be used.