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San Diego

I got a truck-load of composted manure recently and dumped it in the area where I plan to grow my pumpkin. I did not pay too much attention to plain compost until someone I know recommended that I get a truck-load of that as well. As far as nutrients go, is there a major advantage to compost that manure doesn't have? I have a feeling this might be a stupid question...but I am asking anyway.
Thanks.

3/15/2015 4:12:47 PM

Torrance, Ca.

In growing these monsters, there's never a dumb question.

Good luck this year and I'm sure someone will chime in about your topic.

3/15/2015 4:19:13 PM

San Diego

Answers! I only have so much time!

Will I be making a mistake if I leave out the plain compost this year? I loaded some in last year when I failed but it wasn't very much.

3/16/2015 10:31:55 PM

Eugene,OR

Manure can be like high octane fuel. Composted green material is lower octane. I used to use a lot of composted manure & I split a lot of pumpkins.

3/16/2015 11:44:28 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

A lot depends on what was used to make the compost. I got some last fall from the city of Cedar Rapids. They use a lot of leaves and wood in their compost, and it is fairly high in calcium. My calcium levels were just marginal so I hope it helps me.

3/17/2015 8:25:02 AM

Bethlehem CT

I am not a world class grower by any means, so I will gladly put any composted manure or composted leaves on my soil to boost it's fertility and improve it's structure.
Lately manure has become a hot topic among giant pumpkin growers. With the elite growers advising against it's use. This analogy may help explain. A world class athlete is very, very concerned about what they eat and how it affects their performance. Every calorie is monitored and many junk foods are eliminated. The same is true with world class giant pumpkin growers, they want to know where every nutrient is coming from and be aware of each and every little thing they put into their soil. Lately world class growers have been shying away from the composted manure and favoring composted yard wastes from municipalities. Some of the reasons for this are; They believe manures carrry more disease organisms, manures can contain higher levels of salts, also they feel manure contains more weed seeds and lastly it is hard to know what you are getting in each load unless each load has been specifically tested.
I have been in this hobby long enough to see opinions switch on certain topics, manure is one of them. Maybe if I stick around long enough I will see manure swing back into fashion. In the meantime I will utilize whatever composts and ammendments that I have access to in my area.
Sorry for the longwinded response, but I feel that it was necessary to explain and give a little background on the topic and this may explain the initial reluctance to get an answer to your question.

3/17/2015 10:02:23 AM

San Diego

That answers it. I Think I will go get that load.
Thanks.

3/17/2015 11:05:58 AM