What Plants Don’t Like Horse Manure? (Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes)

What Plants Don’t Like Horse Manure?

Horse manure is a valuable fertilizer, but it’s not all good. Some plants can be damaged or killed by the high levels of nitrogen and potassium found in horse manure. In this article, we’ll discuss which plants are most sensitive to horse manure, and how to use manure safely on your garden.

We’ll also provide tips on how to compost horse manure so that it’s less likely to harm your plants. So if you’re thinking about using horse manure on your garden, read on to learn more!

Plant Reason Alternative
Azaleas The high nitrogen content of horse manure can burn the roots of azaleas. Use a composted manure or a fertilizer specifically formulated for azaleas.
Camellias The high acidity of horse manure can damage the leaves of camellias. Use a composted manure or a fertilizer specifically formulated for camellias.
Holly The high salt content of horse manure can damage the leaves of holly. Use a composted manure or a fertilizer specifically formulated for holly.

Horse manure is a natural fertilizer that is high in nutrients. However, not all plants benefit from horse manure. Some plants, such as acid-loving plants, perennials, vegetables, and flowers, are particularly sensitive to the high salt content and high nitrogen content of horse manure.

Types of Plants That Don’t Like Horse Manure

  • Acid-loving plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries, prefer a soil pH of 5.5 or lower. Horse manure has a high pH, which can damage the roots of acid-loving plants.
  • Perennials, such as peonies, hostas, and daylilies, are also sensitive to the high salt content of horse manure. Salt can damage the roots of perennials, causing them to wilt and die.
  • Vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, can be damaged by the high nitrogen content of horse manure. Too much nitrogen can cause vegetables to grow too quickly and become stunted.
  • Flowers, such as roses, lilies, and dahlias, can be damaged by the high salt content and high nitrogen content of horse manure. Salt can damage the roots of flowers, causing them to wilt and die. Nitrogen can cause flowers to grow too quickly and become stunted.

Why Horse Manure Is Bad for These Plants

The high salt content of horse manure can damage the roots of plants by causing them to become waterlogged. Salt can also leach into the soil, making it difficult for plants to absorb water and nutrients. The high nitrogen content of horse manure can also damage plants by causing them to grow too quickly and become stunted. Nitrogen can also promote the growth of weeds and other unwanted plants.

Horse manure is a valuable fertilizer, but it is important to use it correctly. If you have acid-loving plants, perennials, vegetables, or flowers, you should avoid using horse manure on them. Instead, use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for these types of plants.

Here are some tips for using horse manure safely:

  • Test the pH of your soil before applying horse manure. If your soil is already alkaline, you should not apply horse manure.
  • Compost horse manure before applying it to your garden. This will help to reduce the salt content and nitrogen content.
  • Apply horse manure in the fall or winter. This will give the manure time to decompose before the growing season begins.
  • Water your plants regularly after applying horse manure. This will help to leach the salt out of the soil.

By following these tips, you can use horse manure safely and benefit from its many nutrients.

What Plants Don’T Like Horse Manure?

Horse manure is a popular organic fertilizer, but it is not suitable for all plants. Some plants are sensitive to the high salt and nitrogen content of horse manure, and can be damaged by its use.

The following plants are particularly sensitive to horse manure:

  • Acid-loving plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries
  • Vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant
  • Herbs, such as basil, mint, and rosemary
  • Flowers, such as roses, lilies, and peonies

If you are unsure whether a particular plant is sensitive to horse manure, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it.

How to Avoid Using Horse Manure on These Plants

There are a few ways to avoid using horse manure on plants that are sensitive to it.

  • Use composted manure instead. Composting helps to break down the salts and nitrogen in horse manure, making it less harsh on plants.
  • Use other fertilizers. There are many other fertilizers available that are suitable for sensitive plants. These include organic fertilizers, such as blood meal, bone meal, and compost, as well as synthetic fertilizers.
  • Plant in raised beds. Raised beds allow you to control the soil composition, so you can avoid using horse manure in areas where it could damage your plants.

Horse manure can be a great fertilizer for many plants, but it is important to avoid using it on plants that are sensitive to its high salt and nitrogen content. By following these tips, you can ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need without damaging them.

What plants don’t like horse manure?

  • Azaleas
  • Camellias
  • Gardenias
  • Hollyhocks
  • Hydrangeas
  • Rhododendrons
  • Roses
  • Viburnums

Why don’t these plants like horse manure?

Horse manure is high in nitrogen, which can be harmful to these plants. Nitrogen can cause the leaves of these plants to turn yellow and eventually die. It can also make the plants more susceptible to pests and diseases.

What can I do if I have horse manure and I want to use it on my garden?

If you have horse manure and you want to use it on your garden, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage to your plants.

  • Compost the manure before using it. This will help to break down the nitrogen and make it less harmful to your plants.
  • Dilute the manure with water. This will also help to reduce the amount of nitrogen in the manure.
  • Apply the manure to the soil around the plants, not directly to the plants themselves. This will help to prevent the manure from coming into direct contact with the leaves of the plants.

What other plants can I use horse manure on?

Horse manure is a good fertilizer for many types of plants, including:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruit trees
  • Herbs
  • Perennials
  • Annuals

Just be sure to compost the manure or dilute it with water before using it on these plants.

How much horse manure should I use?

The amount of horse manure you use will depend on the type of plant you are fertilizing and the condition of your soil. As a general rule, you should use about 1 pound of horse manure per 10 square feet of soil.

How often should I use horse manure?

You should only use horse manure on your plants once or twice a year. Applying too much manure can damage your plants.

What if I accidentally use too much horse manure on my plants?

If you accidentally use too much horse manure on your plants, you can flush the manure away with water. You can also try to dilute the manure with water.

horse manure is a valuable fertilizer that can be used to improve the soil and the health of plants. However, not all plants do well in horse manure. Some plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, are sensitive to the high nitrogen content of horse manure and can develop nutrient burn if they are not properly diluted. Other plants, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries, prefer acidic soil and can be damaged by the alkaline content of horse manure. By understanding the needs of your plants, you can use horse manure to create a healthy and productive garden.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.