I use Black Kow composted cow manure to improve garden soil organically. Our shrubs and flowers are healthy and beautiful. Here is why it works for me.
First off, this article is not sponsored in any way by Black Kow. I’m sharing my experience using their cow manure compost because our garden soil has greatly improved. Since this works for me, I hope it can work for you — and your gardens!.
FTC Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I explain more here.
Black Kow manure is an excellent organic soil amendment for gardens and flower beds It boosts soil health by adding beneficial microbes, organic matter, and nutrients But when is the best time to apply Black Kow to get the most benefits? This article will go over timing and tips for using Black Kow manure in your garden.
What is Black Kow Manure?
Black Kow is a composted manure product made from cow manure. It contains 1% nitrogen 0.5% phosphate and 0.5% potash along with many micronutrients. The manure is composted using a specialized process that kills weed seeds and pathogens. This makes it a safe organic fertilizer.
Unlike raw manure, Black Kow is friable and easy to spread. It has an earthy aroma and dark brown to black color. Black Kow improves soil structure, drainage, and moisture retention. The organic matter also feeds beneficial soil microbes. These microbes break down nutrients for better plant uptake.
When to Apply Black Kow Manure
Black Kow manure can be applied at several times during the growing season:
Before Planting
Black Kow is an excellent soil amendment to add before planting a new garden or flower bed. Spread 1-2 inches over the soil and mix it in. This pre-plant application will provide nutrients for the whole season. It also lightens heavy clay soils for better root growth.
For existing gardens, apply Black Kow a few weeks before planting annual flowers and vegetables. Mix thoroughly into the top 6 inches of soil. This gives the manure time to break down and release nutrients. It also avoids burning young seedlings with fresh organic matter.
At Planting
After mixing Black Kow into the soil, it’s safe to plant immediately. The composting process helps prevent seedling burn. If sowing small seeds, rake the soil to create a fine texture. For transplants, dig holes and mix a bit of Black Kow into each planting hole before setting the plant. This gives them an extra nutrient boost.
During the Growing Season
Side dressings of Black Kow during the growing season provide added nutrients. Sprinkle it around the bases of plants and lightly mix into the top inch of soil. This feeds plant roots and replenishes nutrients used up by growing plants.
Apply side dressings every 4-6 weeks for heavy feeding vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, and corn. Flower beds and light feeders like beans and peas usually only need one mid-season application.
Before Winter
Apply 1-2 inches of Black Kow over garden beds in fall after harvesting crops. This replenishes organic matter before the soil lies dormant over winter. The manure decomposes slowly over winter. Then it releases an extra dose of nutrients in spring as plants start growing again.
How Much Black Kow Manure to Use
Recommended application rates for Black Kow depend on the type of planting:
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For new gardens, apply 2-3 cubic feet per 100 square feet and mix into the top 6 inches. This equals about 1-2 inches spread over the soil.
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For existing beds, use 1-2 cubic feet per 100 square feet before planting. Mix into the top 3-4 inches.
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For side dressings during the season, apply 0.5-1 inch around plants and lightly mix into soil.
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For covering beds over winter, spread 1-2 inches over the entire bed.
When in doubt, start with less. It’s easier to add more manure than remove excess. Too much can potentially burn plants. Monitor your garden soil and plants to see if more applications are needed.
Tips for Applying Black Kow Manure
Here are some tips for making the most of Black Kow fertilizer:
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Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling dry manure products. Avoid breathing in dust.
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Dampen dry Black Kow before spreading to keep dust down. Or apply right before a rain.
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Thoroughly mix Black Kow into soil, don’t leave clumps. Blend it into the top several inches for even distribution.
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Reapply Black Kow every 1-2 years to maintain optimal soil organic matter levels.
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Use higher rates for poor, sandy soils. Use less for very fertile or clay soils.
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Combine with compost or peat moss for light, fluffy texture in clay soils.
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Don’t overdo nitrogen fertilizers when also using manure, which contains nitrogen.
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Keep Black Kow away from direct contact with plant stems, leaves, and roots to prevent burning.
The Benefits of Using Black Kow Manure
Amending your garden soil with Black Kow organic manure provides a wide range of benefits:
- Releases a slow, steady supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for plant growth
- Increases microbial life and activity in the soil
- Improves soil structure, porosity, and nutrient retention
- Boosts water infiltration and retention in sandy soils
- Lightens and improves drainage in heavy clay soils
- Supplies a wide range of micronutrients
- Adds stable organic matter that persists longer than compost
- Can adjust pH toward neutral over time
- Odorless and easy to handle compared to raw manure
- Premium composting kills pathogens and weed seeds
By improving overall soil health and fertility, Black Kow enables plants to thrive with less need for chemical fertilizers. It’s an ideal organic soil conditioner for any garden. Follow the timing and tips above to keep your soil enriched with Black Kow’s nutritional benefits all season long.
Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
If you’re purchasing the 50-pound bags of Black Kow, you’ll find it’s easiest to use a wheelbarrow. Put the bag into the wheelbarrow, slice open the bag and simply slide the packaging away. It will be much easier to work with the mulch. (A garden cart — which essentially serves as a smaller wheelbarrow — works too. ).
Mix in some Holly Tone if needed
We mixed Espoma Holly Tone slow-release organic fertilizer into the composted manure while it was in the wheelbarrow. Doing so made it possible for us to fertilize our acid-loving plants at the same time as we spread the manure. (The majority of our plants were acid-loving, while our soil was not.)
Black Kow Compost vs Earthgro Compost UPDATE
FAQ
When to apply Black Kow manure to plants?
What is the best time to apply manure?
Can I use Black Kow as top soil?
Does cow manure go on top of soil?
Does black Kow have cow manure?
Black Kow has 10 times more nutrients than typical garden soil, and 4 to 6 times more cow manure than other brands. By mixing Black Kow cow manure with your native soil before planting, you will provide moisture holding capacity to sandy soils.
When should I add black Kow manure?
Plan to add Black Kow manure at least two weeks before planting. This allows enough time for it to decompose and integrate with existing soil structure without burning tender plant roots. The recommended application rate is one inch of black kow manure over each square foot of garden bed.
How do you use black cow manure?
Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to use black cow manure effectively: Prepare the soil: Before applying black cow manure, it is essential to prepare the soil. This may include removing any weeds, loosening the soil with a rake or garden fork, and ensuring that the area is free from debris.
How much black Kow manure do I Need?
This allows enough time for it to decompose and integrate with existing soil structure without burning tender plant roots. The recommended application rate is one inch of black kow manure over each square foot of garden bed. Measure your garden area to calculate the quantity needed accurately.