mule manure

[beckyb]

We keep mules and donkeys and would like to use the manure in our garden. However we have been told that it is not particularly good for this purpose. Somthing about too much fiber...whatever... Does anyone know anything about this? Many thanks from a novice gardener. :roll:

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

Too much fiber :lol: :lol:

Oops! I mean, Yeah! Mule manure has too much fiber. You should load it up and bring it to my house for proper composting. :D :D

Or you could mix it with live oak leaves and let it sit for at least six months until it smells wonderful. Then deliver it to me!! Or keep it for yourself 8)

[Uvalde Gardener]

Mule manure has to be good stuff. In fact, The Natural Gardener keeps two mules on-site! The Natural Gardener is the best Austin-area organic gardening store. I haven't ever asked them, but I've always assumed that they have the mules specifically for the manure production (they have chickens too).

The "too much fiber" can't be true, it goes against everything I've ever read about composting. I don't have any facts to back up my argument, just general info and assumptions.

[khwoz]

Dchall was joking! Any manure is good to use in your compost. Some concern about human or dog/cat manure. Make sure you compost the manure first; it is not good to use straight into the garden.

[Mr. Clean]

I wouldn't use mule manure. It would be just too stubborn to work with :wink:

[gnalekim]

I wouldn't hesitate to use any manure in a compost pile. On the other hand I wouldn't suggest using any manure strait up on the soil. If you apply manure uncomposted your going to tie up nitrogen and other food elements that bacteria and fungi need to decompose the manure, depriving your crop of those vital ingredients till the decomposition process is complete. You're also going to plant a nice crop of weeds(proper hot composting kills a lot of weed seeds). There are studies that suggest composting manures increases their benefits by up to 400%. Compost it and reap the rewards.