Vegetables that don’t Like Manure
You may be wondering if it’s OK to use manure fertilizer on your vegetable garden. The answer depends on the type of vegetable — some tolerate it just fine, while others don’t appreciate the extra nitrogen.
Vegetables that Thrive on Manure
•Tomatoes: Tomatoes love the extra nitrogen in manure.
•Peppers: Manure is particularly good for peppers, as it gives them a little extra kick to help them grow up strong.
•Cucumbers: Cucumbers love the nutrient-density and moisture retention manure provides.
•Squash: Just like cucumbers and peppers, squash is a fan of manure, too.
•Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing, so the extra cocktail of nutrients from manure gives them what they need to thrive.
Vegetables That Don’t Like Manure
•Leafy Greens: Leafy greens are particularly sensitive to the extra nitrogen in manure. Too much can inhibit their growth.
•Root Vegetables: Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and radishes don’t fare well with too much manure.
•Onions: Onions will do better with a more balanced fertilizer, such as compost.
Tips on Fertilizing Your Vegetable Garden
•Be aware of what type of vegetables you have and their sensitivity to manure.
•Don’t use more than a few inches of manure when topdressing.
•Keep manure away from the base of plants.
•Don’t use manure that’s less than six months old, as it may contain weed seeds and other contaminants.
•Mix manure into the soil to help it break down slowly and avoid burning the roots of your plants.
Using manure in your vegetable garden can be a great way to provide your plants with extra nutrition, but it’s important to be aware of which vegetables don’t like it. By following the tips listed above, you can make sure your garden is healthy and thriving without over-fertilizing your vegetables.
