If you like to garden or farm, you know that manure is one of the best natural fertilizers you can use. Garden and crop fields do better with manure because it is full of nutrients plants need. But where can you buy and find good manure near you? This guide will help you find good manure and use it successfully in your yard or farm.
Why Use Manure as a Fertilizer?
Manure provides an all-natural fertilizing option that avoids harsh chemicals. Animal waste contains nitrogen phosphorus, and potassium the primary nutrients plants need. Manure also improves soil texture, increases water retention, and adds organic matter. Using manure fertilizer leads to healthier plants that yield more abundantly.
Cow, horse, chicken, and sheep manures tend to be the most commonly available. Each type contains a different balance of nutrients based on the animal’s diet. For instance, chicken manure has extra nitrogen while horse manure provides more phosphorus. Determine which manure fits your soil needs best.
Finding Sources of Manure Near You
You have several options when seeking manure fertilizer close by:
Local Farms
Contact farms, stables, and livestock owners in your county or region. Many will give or sell manure since they need to dispose of it regularly. Be sure to call ahead and clarify their manure policies. Offer to haul it yourself if possible, which saves the farmer effort.
When chicken farms lay eggs, they often have a lot of manure to use. Dairy farms with cow herds also generate substantial manure. Other great places to find them are horse stables, cattle ranches, and sheep farms.
Feed and Farm Supply Stores
Retailers catering to the agriculture industry frequently stock bagged manure products. Brands like Black Kow, Whitney Farms, and Coast of Maine offer cow, chicken, or steer manure composts. Ask a sales associate for recommendations.
Many farm stores also link up with local farmers so the staff may know who has manure available. They may even deliver bulk loads for commercial farms and nurseries.
Landscaping and Garden Supply Centers
Home improvement warehouses and garden shops sell manure fertilizer to homeowners. Look for bagged products near the soils and composts. Popular national chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware carry various manure compost blends.
Some landscape companies offer delivery or spreading services too. They buy a lot of manure and either sell it repackaged or use it right away.
Municipal Composting Facilities
Find out if your city or county has a composting site by calling them. These places pick up yard waste from locals and then make batches of compost. Some people mix animal waste, like cow, horse, chicken, or zoo waste, with their own.
The resulting fertilizer is often available free or cheaply to the public. Call ahead to ask if they prepare manure composts. Be prepared to transport it yourself from the facility.
Buying Bagged Manure vs Bulk Loads
Once you locate a source, decide whether to purchase bagged manure or bulk loads. Bagged manure from stores offers convenience but is more expensive per volume. Bulk manure directly from a farm is affordable but requires you to handle transport and spreading.
Bagged Manure Fertilizer
- Pros: Easy to find, pre-portioned, usable anytime
- Cons: More costly, limited nutrients per bag
Best For: Home gardens, raised beds, planter boxes, spot fertilizing
Bulk/Loose Manure
- Pros: Very cost effective, obtains large amounts at once
- Cons: Must transport and spread yourself; may be messier
Best For: Large gardens, commercial farms, full field application
No matter your choice, only use aged, composted manure rather than fresh. Composting stabilizes nutrients and reduces odor and mess.
Using Manure Effectively in Your Garden
To gain the most benefits from manure fertilizer:
- Do a soil test to see which nutrients your garden needs most
- Select the right type of manure to match your soil’s needs
- Apply manure compost before planting each season
- Mix thoroughly into soil rather than leaving manure chunks
- Add extra nitrogen fertilizer when using high-carbon manures like sawdust horse bedding
- Use proper safety gear like gloves and dust masks to avoid bacteria
- Wash produce thoroughly that contacted untreated manure
With the right manure and application techniques, you’ll enjoy productive gardens and fields. Always practice safety when handling animal waste.
Where to Find Manure for Sale Near Me
Here are some specific places to locate manure fertilizer in the Los Angeles, CA area:
- Green Acres Farm, Santa Clarita – Cow and horse manure
- Gills Onions, Oxnard – Bulk chicken litter available
- Tapia Brothers Ranch, San Fernando Valley – Cow manure compost
- Hansen Dam Equestrian Center, Lake View Terrace – Horse manure when cleaned stalls
- Pierce College Farm, Woodland Hills – Composted cattle and horse manure
Local garden centers:
- Green Thumb Nursery, multiple locations – Organic fertilizers including cow manure
- H&H Nursery, Culver City – Bulk and bagged chicken manure
- Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery, West LA – Steer manure sold bagged
Big box stores:
- Lowe’s, multiple locations – Nature’s Care cow manure, Black Kow composted blends
- Home Depot, multiple locations – Various bagged manure and composts
Check municipal composting facilities in LA County as well. Call your city recycling center to ask about availability. With numerous farms plus gardening demand, the Los Angeles area offers various places to buy quality manure.
Key Takeaways on Where to Source Manure
- Check with stables, ranches, farms for bulk manure
- Visit feed/farm stores for bagged manure products
- Shop garden centers for composts with manure
- Call your city about municipal compost availability
- Transport and spread bulk manure properly
- Use aged, composted manure to avoid burning plants
- Match manure nutrients to your garden’s soil needs
With so many fertilizer options, you can find an ideal manure to nourish your yard, garden or farm. Locate a good organic source near you and enjoy the benefits of manure without the hassle. Your plants will thank you!
Boost Your Plants with Chicken Manure
If you’re looking for even more nitrogen than steer manure provides, consider high-nitrogen chicken manure. This organic fertilizer is an excellent option for leafy vegetables, shrubs and flowers. As with cow manure, fresh chicken manure can be too potent, risking damage to young plants. Again, only properly aged chicken manure should be applied.
The Power of Cow and Steer Manure
Cow and steer manure is a fantastic organic fertilizer, rich in essential nutrients, thanks to the natural diets of cattle. Typically, cow manure has about 3% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus and 1% potassium, the perfect balance for thriving plants. When you add cow manure compost into your planting bed it can lead to lush foliage and robust growth.
But remember that fresh cow manure often has a lot of ammonia in it, which is bad for plants. It’s vital to use aged cow manure compost for your garden. This ensures that the ammonia is broken down, making the manure safe for your plants.
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FAQ
How to get manure for free?
Start by reaching out to local farms and stables. Many livestock owners have excess manure and are happy to give it away. Most of the time, they pile manure with straw and hay for bedding. This lets the manure break down and become more useful for gardening.
Can I just put manure on top of soil?
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Penn State Extensionhttps://extension.psu.eduWise Use of Manure in Home Vegetable GardensJun 28, 2024 — The manure may be spread atop the soil or incorporated into the garden soil. Pig, dog, cat, and human waste should never be used in a vegetable gard…
What is the best time to apply manure?
Apply composted manure at least 60 days before harvesting any garden vegetables that will be eaten without cooking. Putting down manure in the fall is the best way to make sure that pathogens are broken down before planting the garden in the spring. 2. Never apply manure after the garden is planted.
What is the difference between compost and manure?
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Source:Primarily made from plant matter (leaves, grass clippings, garden waste) and kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels).
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Composition:A diverse mix of broken-down organic matter, resulting in a more balanced nutrient profile compared to manure.
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Nutrient Content:Provides a balanced range of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) but in a slower, more gradual release.
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Benefits:Improves soil structure, water retention, and fertility. Also supports beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
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Considerations:Can take time to fully break down and release nutrients. May not be as high in specific nutrients as manure.
Where can I get manure for my Garden?
Even if you don’t have any animals, there are plenty of ways to find manure to add to your soil. So, where can you get manure for your garden? People who keep chickens, cows, horses, goats, or rabbits in your area are a good source. You can also get manure delivered from garden or landscaping centers.
Where can I buy cow manure?
Cow manure is commonly used by professional and home gardeners to improve soil condition and promote long term fertility. You can buy cow manure from ASQ Garden & Landscape. Please note that free pickup is available at ASQ Garden & Landscape in Castlemaine, Eaglehawk, or Maryborough. Remember to bring a copy of your order confirmation when you collect.
Where can I buy chicken manure?
You can buy chicken manure at Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot. There are also many online stores where you can purchase it to help your plants grow better.
Why should I buy a packed manure product?
Buying a packed manure product from Ace ensures that the necessary aging has already occurred, so you can spread the fertilizer with confidence. Many of our animal manures also come mixed with organic plant compost to ensure the mineral concentration is kept at safe levels.
Where can I find compost & manure soil amendments?
Find Compost and manure soil amendments at Lowe’s today. Shop soil amendments and a variety of lawn & garden products online at Lowes.com.
Where can I buy high-grade manure?
Get your garden into shape with high-grade manure from Ace. Choose your preferred brand of chicken, steer or cow manure from our selection above as well as any other gardening essentials you need for healthy landscaping and garden growth. Shop manure available now at your local Ace Hardware store.