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Chicken Manire Compost #926612

Asked March 23, 2026, 6:08 PM EDT

Hello, I have been taking chicken manure from my neighbor and letting it age out in a shady corner of my yard. If it has been aged for at least a year, is it then safe to apply directly to plants?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Hello and thank you for your question. If the manure has sat for at least a year then yes, it should be safe for using as compost without the risk of burning your plants. If you're still unsure, as long as there is no ammonia smell and it is crumbly in texture, you're good to go.
Answered by a Master Gardener with the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied March 24, 2026, 7:01 PM EDT

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