Making and Using Horse Manure Compost for Garden Success

Horse manure provides nutrients and supercharges compost piles. Here's how to use it as fertilizer and in compost.

Is Horse Manure Good Fertilizer?

Readily available rurally or via suppliers—suitable, inexpensive fertilizer. Gives new plants jump-start with essential nutrients. Adequate organic matter, various application methods. Slightly higher nutritional value than cow/steer manure.

How Do I Use Horse Manure as Fertilizer?

Fresh manure burns roots—don't use. Well-aged or winter-dried manure works safely. May contain more weed seeds—composting heat kills most seeds and harmful bacteria. Composted horse manure usable year-round: toss over garden, work into soil.

Horse Manure Compost

Same as traditional composting—no special tools. Small amounts easily composted with shovel/pitchfork. Free-standing pile works. Additional organics create more nutrition but aren't required. Keep moist, turn daily for optimal results. Frequent turning speeds process. Tarp covers retain heat while keeping moist.

No set composting time—typically 2-3 months if done right. Ready when it looks like soil and loses "manure" smell.

Composted horse manure improves soil aeration/drainage → healthier plants.