Did you know that different animal manures benefit parts of plants? Well, it’s true. Different animals digest food differently and the result is manure rich in specific nutrients, which affect specific parts of our veges, fruit, herbs and other plants.

What poo is best for the job?

• Pig manure is rish is potash, which is best for tubers and roots, such as leeks, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, yams, beetroot and underground fungi, like truffles.
• Horse manure is fibre-rich, but nutrient-low. It’s best used for warming mulch and composting at ground level. It retains and produces a lot of heat, so is good for raising seedlings, holding water and binding soil.
• Cow manure, once matured, benefits the whole plant by enriching the composting process, stimulating strong plant growth.
• Rabbit and guinea pig manure is rish in nitrogen, which helps leaf growth.
• Sheep and goat manure (matured) is high in potash and potassium, which increase the aroma fruits and flowers, and reinforces stalks, stems and roots.
• Poultry (bird) manure is rich in urea, nitrogen and phosphate. Phosphate enhances fruit formation and ripening. Phosphate is strongest in ducks, pigeons and sea birds. Make sure your poultry manure is matured or it will burn your plants if fresh.

So the next time you’re sitting around talking sh1t, at least it will be an intelligent conversation.