Compost & manure - what where?

[Pol]

I have just read the thread about making compost and picked up a few well needed tips, thanks.
Now, my next problem as a complete novice is what do I put where?
By that I mean, I am growing in outside beds and a poly tunnel and my question is when do I add compost/manure to the beds inside and out and what should I add - particularly in the polytunnel? My composting efforts have not produced much yet so I will have to import. Is it ok to put horse manure straight on the beds in the poly tunnel or should I buy bags of (relatively expensive) compost from garden centres? And as the beds in the tunnel start to clear and I want to plant more to go on into the later year should I dig some compost or manure in before I replant? Sorry if this is a confusing question but I am confused - I really need an idiots guide! I have tried reading books but you guys seem to make more sense.
Thanks for any simple advice you can offer!
Pol

[Jenny Green]

A couple of questions, Pol. What kind of soil do you have, and how well rotted is the manure?
I wouldn't bother putting garden centre compost on your soil. Peat doesn't integrate very well with the soil and the nutrients are just added chemicals, so you might as well use Growmore or something to get the same effect.

[Johnboy]

Jenny Green I am shocked to the core!!!
Sincerely, JB.

[Jenny Green]

You must lead a sheltered life Johnboy.
I'm not advocating putting Growmore on your soil, I was trying to say that Growmore would give the same effect as using garden centre compost, maybe not clearly enough.
Just because I'm organic I don't expect everyone else to be.

[Allan]

Don't waste the old GC compost. it is valuable as a soil improver Even lifeless grit has a place to aerate and improve the soil.
There is nothing wrong with growmore for the job that it was made for,I used it for many years, but don't expect it to last for the life of the crop or change the nature of the soil.
I use blood fish and bone as it's not all that expensive when bought in bulk, lasts rather longer and as a sop to the organic customers.
Allan

[Jenny Green]

Allan, Pol wasn't asking about using old garden centre compost, but rather buying in compost to use as there wouldn't be enough home made stuff.

[Pol]

Hi
The soil outside is a reasonable clay for about 12 inches, then underneath it is heavy clay.
In the tunnel the soil is much finer and quite sandy.
I am trying to grow organically so please relate any advice to suitable ideas, thanks.
I don't know how rotted the manure is, I have just seen it for sale down the road and thought it would be a good idea!
Pol

[Jenny Green]

Okay Pol, first of all, try to avoid paying for manure. Phone up some riding stables in the area and see if they give it away. The manure won't be strictly organic but it doesn't bother me.
If your outdoor soil is heavy clay you'll be safe to put even pretty fresh manure on it in the late autumn and it'll gradually get incorporated over the winter. You could dig up the ground in clumps and let the frost break it down if you're into that kind of thing, but I haven't found it necessary if you're growing on beds.
In the polytunnel you'd be best off using well rotted manure because the elements won't be breaking it down for you. Well rotted manure has the consistency of chocolate cake and doesn't smell.
I've got a 3 year old wanting a bedtime story so may add more later!

[Jenny Green]

Okay, 2 Charlie & Lola's and 1 Lazy Ladybird later, I can add, yes, it's a good idea to add some compost or manure to the beds in the polytunnel before growing your next crop on them.