How to make muck heap break down faster?

upferret

Hi, I have a horse and the muck heap at our place is growing quickly! A few gardeners come for muck but it doesnt put a dent in it! Is there any way of making it rot down quicker? It is mixed with straw. every year the owners have to pay to get it moved.
Thanks

Missy79

Have you thought of putting the word round on freecycle and any local allotments that you have it going spare? I think more people would take it away if they knew you needed to get rid and it was free. A bigger steady supply of gardners would help keep the heap more manageable.
I think you'll struggle to speed up rotting down unless you can control temperature etc especially in winter, try covering with old carpet and keeping moist to help. Plus you'd just be left with well rotted manure . Could you offer to deliver to gardeners locally? Prob still cheaper than paying for it to be removed. You could try any farm shops who *might* sell it on in bags.

Acerfan

Alternatively, bag it up (cheap rubble sacks from 99p store) & put by the side of the road - like people do with fruit & veg, with a big sign. How many people can refuse a freebie? I know I'd have some. You could also leave an honesty box & maybe make some money!!

Boudica

Try going on some of the gardening websites and telling the gardeners on there. Also Freecycle as someone else suggested. Also, try any local gardening clubs and also professional gardeners. You could make some cash if you are prepared to deliver.

As an allotment gardener I know how difficult it is to find a supply of horse manure. Once the word is out, you'll have custom for life.

Lord_Gardener

A sniff of well rotted manure and you'll be swamped by gardeners!!

LJM

omg perfect strawberries if i lived near you id be there like a shot i agree bag it up,right time of year for it

MrsTinks

I'd agree with a sign out front saying Free Horse Manure! and if you really want then put it in bags by the side of the road...
When I had an allotment that was like gold dust! And when I get an allotment again I'll be speaking very nicely with owner of the horses a stones throw from my house

upferret

Thing is if we put bags of it outside the yard, kids would probably cause trouble with it! We do take a trailer load to two allotments a few times a weeks but its still growing fast! I have posted it on freecycle before and also on gardening boards but people always live too far away. Thanks ofor the help. Maybe I will suggest a "free horse manure" sign