Don’s Expert Answers: Composted horse manure

Question From:
in Mount Martha , Melbourne Victoria

Nature of problem:
Composted horse manure

Type of Plant (if known):
Veggie garden

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:

How often do you water the plant:

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:

How long since you planted it:

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Raised wooden planter box

What other treatments have you given the plant:

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
Hi. A friend used horse manure from a racecourse in my new veggie garden boxes which has composted down over time with saw dust and a bit of hay. I haven’t planted anything yet. He also lined the box with regular weed mat. My questions are:

1. Is it a problem using manure from a racehorse (possible hormones/antibiotics etc) or would they have degraded already? Should I take it all out and start again using something else?
2. Should I take it all out and swap the weed mat for food grade plastic?

Thanks, Jodie.

Answer:
Jody, I like your friend, he got it all right. Dig in some Dynamic Lifter 1-2 weeks before you plant. Don