Sheep manure is one of the most highly valued organic fertilisers due to its balanced combination of organic matter and nutrients. In addition to supplying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it improves soil structure, increases water retention and supports beneficial microbial activity. Its benefits go beyond feeding plants, helping build a healthy, fertile soil over the long term.

However, it should not be used fresh. Fresh manure contains viable weed seeds and high levels of ammoniacal nitrogen, which can damage plant roots. For this reason, it should be composted before being applied to the garden.

How should it be prepared?

• Form it into a pile and cover it to protect it from excessive rainfall.
• Keep it moist, but not waterlogged.
• Allow it to mature for 6 to 12 months before using it.
• If it does not contain straw, you can mix it with leaves, pruning waste or other dry plant material.
• Once it becomes dark, uniform in appearance and has an earthy smell, it is ready to use.

How should it be applied?

• Incorporate it into the soil before sowing or planting.
• Mix it into the soil rather than leaving it on the surface.
• Apply moderate amounts regularly instead of large quantities all at once.

Healthy soil is not built in a single season. Just like grazing, the benefits of organic manure are cumulative and become increasingly evident when it is used consistently over many years.