Can I use horse manure mixed with wood shavings in the garden?
Using this fresh may rob the soil of nitrogen, as the microorganisms breaking down the wood uses it up. One solution would be to add 30-50% more nitrogen to the garden. Or you can first compost the manure and wood mixture, adding more nitrogen there as well to aid proper break down. Beware any fresh manure products for weed seeds. Horse manure is usually pretty safe, if they have fed on weed-free straw or grass. Any manure from animals feeding on hay with weed seeds will add these seeds to your garden, unless it has been composted properly and at high temperatures.
