Preparing for Winter

I don't do much in the garden during winter. So as the crops end, I will start to clear my raised beds, pots etc. What I need to know is what I can do to best prepare the soil/compost for spring.

I read lots about manure. I have stables near mine. Can I just add the manure/straw manure removed from their stables and add it to my raised beds for over winter? I know I must not do this if carrots are to be planted.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

I would fork the beds over, then spread WELL ROTTED ( not fresh) manure on top. Don`t bother trying to dig it in, the worms will do a better job of it.lol

 

Ok. What constitutes well rotted manure?

 

Manure that has stood for at least a year. It will be dark brown and not smell. If getting it from a stables they will probably have a large pile of the stuff. If you have to bag it yourself then go the back of the pile furthest away from the stables.

 

Ok. Stable has 'rotting manure' yay . Is there anything I can do now to reduce the population of slugs and snails next year? Anything I can put in/on the soil?

 

I'm always a little wary of horse manure. Horses do not fully digest their food and their manure can retain viable seeds, even when supposedly well rotted. I prefer cow manure and am fortunate in having an endless supply of it right next door to my plot. The farmer obliges by dumping a load of last year's muck in the corner of the plot each autumn.

 

I too have an almost endless supply of cow manure; have used I for years and years. It's wonderful stuff. Purests will say that horse manure is warmer and better for that reason. I think what is meant by this is that the soil warms up more quickly with horse manure. Maybe it's to do with the density of cow manure and the way it holds moisture.

Well rotted is best but I use it as it comes and with care you can use it fresh. As has been said mulching is the easiest as the worms do the work but of course you can dig it in. I always use liberally in planting holes if well rotted. If using it fresh be careful not to place it too close to stems and roots of plants as it can burn.