choader

Is "deodorized composted steer manure" (from Home Depot) the same thing as compost? Can it be used the same way? Like in the 10% kind of range for a soil mix?

Thanks.

Choader

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organic

Not quite the same - should have a much higher nutrient content than what we traditionally think of as compost. Usually the term "composted manure" means that it has sat around long enough to break down to a fairly stable form (i.e. it doesn't heat up on its own accord in a pile). Old timers call it "well rotted manure".

this is in contrast to compost, which is generally composed of one or more high N sources (like manure) mixed with one or more high carbon sources (sawdust, straw, leaves), brought to a controlled temperature, and allowed to break down. It's more balanced than composted manure by itself, and provides more in the way of soil improving ability and possibly more diversity of beneficial soil microorganisms, but has a lower nutrient value.

It's OK to use 10%, but watch your nute levels for the other things you add.

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choader

I appreciate the answer. Mrs Choader asked for compost at Home Depot and this is what they gave her. And I didn't pay enough attention.

Is it still ok to use it at 10% to germ seeds? It is what I used in the mix for my 16oz red cups. I also added 1tbl each of bone meal and blood meal (that's the total for 10 16oz red cups).

Is this still ok? I hope so.

Choader

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organic

Um...it might not cause any problems, but that's overdoing it for seedlings.

Seedlings don't need any fertilizer until the cotyledons dry up - it's usually best to germinate in straight potting soil and start ferting once you transplant into the larger containers.

The composted manure might help out a little, as it has been shown that the addition of compost to a germinating medium enhances germination rate. Worm castings, which share some similarities, are known to have wonderfully beneficial effects during the germinating and seedling growth process.

Your seedlings will probably be all right, seeing as how blood & bone meal take some time to start breaking down and becoming plant available, but keep a careful eye on them.

O

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