Can I apply composted manure to flower garden in Fall?
Is it ok to apply composted manure to my flower garden in the Fall, or another fertilizer? My garden is a mix of native perennials and drift roses.
Montgomery County Maryland
2 Responses
Hi- yes, it's fine to apply composted manure in the fall. Pull back any mulch prior to applying so that the compost is in contact with the soil, then rake the mulch back in place. A 1-inch layer of compost should be sufficient. Consider testing your soil this fall if this area has never been tested. You will get baseline information on soil pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/soil-testing
Also, check the nutrient requirements for your perennials as some natives prefer less-fertile soil.
Jon
Great, thank you!