First Time Gardener

[GalaxyQueen]

Hello, I am setting my first large garden but I am trying to figure out how to incorporate chicken poop and straw. We have kind of been using the chicken run as a compost area as most of the time our chickens are in our yard. We started with grass/dirt then over time of the chickens scratching and pooping we started layering with straw (also to help with mud control) so its layers of dirt, poop and straw. Can I use this directly or I do I need to actually set up a proper compost area to let it sit in for awhile before I can mix it into the dirt of the garden? I need some tips on how to add this mix to the dirt that will be in garden area. Thank you!!

 

[Cecisflock]

Hello, I am setting my first large garden but I am trying to figure out how to incorporate chicken poop and straw. We have kind of been using the chicken run as a compost area as most of the time our chickens are in our yard. We started with grass/dirt then over time of the chickens scratching and pooping we started layering with straw (also to help with mud control) so its layers of dirt, poop and straw. Can I use this directly or I do I need to actually set up a proper compost area to let it sit in for awhile before I can mix it into the dirt of the garden? I need some tips on how to add this mix to the dirt that will be in garden area. Thank you!!

You would need to set up an actual compost area. Rake up that poo, make a pile, drench it with the hose, and let that baby sit

 

[GalaxyQueen]

You would need to set up an actual compost area. Rake up that poo, make a pile, drench it with the hose, and let that baby sit

Thank you I think I was just worried about doing that because its a big run haha

 

[Cecisflock]

Thank you I think I was just worried about doing that because its a big run haha

i feel that pain!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not sure where you are located which could have an affect, but a pretty typical way to manage this is to empty the coop or the run onto your garden in the fall and till it in. By the time spring planting time comes around that stuff has broken down, essentially composted in place and you are good to go.

It's too late this year if you are north of the equator but if you are south of the equator it might be a good time.

 

[Nigel27]

Using the spent bedding as mulch works great, just don’t let it touch the plants. If you don’t mix it in and only have a layer of it over the garden and push it aside where you plant. It will be great for weed control and cuts down on watering.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Using the spent bedding as mulch works great, just don’t let it touch the plants.

I killed a couple of tomato plants doing that. Either I got it too close or the rain spread too much fresh stuff where it didn't need to go. If you try using it fresh in the garden be careful.

Chicken manure is known as a hot manure and can burn or even kill plants if it is directly applied. So be careful.

 

[GalaxyQueen]

I live in Washington state but I didnt really plan on planting until fall/winter crops need to go in but this is still up in the air right now as my garden area is not ready at all.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Make a compost pile of it. Like someone else said you can also till it in in the fall. Putting fresh manure on the garden can burn plants and can be a health risk since bacteria from the manure can splash onto the vegetables.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I normally let the chicken poop and bedding sit in the compost bin made out of pallets for a year before I use it in my garden.