Different animal manures have different qualities. Horse and sheep manure tend to be hot and dry. Cow manure is cooler and wetter and pig is cold and frankly sloppy! Poultry is very hot and will burn plants if put too close to them. A lot of people know this.
The first thing you will need for any compost heap of any size is something to keep it in. While it is possible to get reasonably good compost just by popping everything into a rough heap in the corner of the garden, this isn't the most efficient method. Besides, it doesn't look very good. A better option is to create some kind of structure to keep the compost contained. This will also allow warmth to generate within the heap as the compost breaks down, creating favourable conditions for beneficial microorganisms.Using a garden compost bin means you get to improve your garden for free whilst also reducing your household waste. It really is a win-win situation.Composting is one of the simplest ways to cut down on the amount of waste generated by your household (or organisation - workplaces, churches and clubs often throw compostable waste into rubbish destined for the landfill). What's more, it has some added benefits - you're left with magnificent organic fertiliser for your garden (or even houseplants).On the more personal side, garden composting creates usable material from your organic kitchen scraps and garden waste. So, you do not have to start using a garden composter for totally altruistic reasons. Instead use one because you get to create soil enriching plant food. Over time plants use up the nutrients in your garden soil and the action of weather will degrade its structure. If you garden continually on a plot without putting anything back eventually the soil will become useless and unable to support healthy plant life. This is particularly true because gardeners tend to be relatively tidy, removing debris which would otherwise go some way to replenishing the nutrients and structure of your soil.Ideally, you will need more than one bin or stack in your compost heap. Three is ideal, but two is adequate. These work on the same principle as in-trays on an office desk - in, processing and out (or in and out). Compost heaps can be constructed in many ways. Black plastic bags are basic but not very pleasant. Large bottomless plastic bins with lids (the size of rubbish bins or larger) work well, especially if made of darker material that absorbs sunlight to get the compost good and hot. A do-it-yourself type can easily construct a container using wooden stakes and either corrugated iron sheets (old roofing iron works) or wire netting around the outside. My compost heaps are made of pea straw bales pushed into a rectangle - these can be kept at one layer high or increased. Straw bales work just as well. The advantage of these is that the construction material eventually breaks down as well, adding to the compost heap even further.
Although cow manure might be the most perfect for your garden it tends to be much less available than horse manure the addition of which seems to keep my roses perfectly happy!
Author: Sarah Cowell
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