woodchips on the borders

[rachell24]

Do you think I could just put the woodchips( I dont mean the easibed stuff-but the stuf like bark that is outside in the run)straight ontop of the borders when I come to have a clear out, or will the chicken poo in it be too strong for the plants? I do pick it up daily, but there is bound to be some in there I havnt managed to get.


Rachel

[Citrine]

For the first year, chicken poo is way too strong (so my mum told me!!!). You need to compost it down first.

However, I've dug mine into the veg patch, especially over winter, as there was nothing in it.

Not much help I know, but im sure others will have suggestions!

[wendy]

I have put my wood chip straight onto the garden this time.
Everything seems to be coming up OK.
I have read chicken poop is too strong and will make the plants bolt. But the plants I have are all mature shrubs so I am hoping that is not the case with them. As you can see I am not exactly the best gardener in the world LOL
Wendy

[Mo]

When I was reading up about fruit it said blackcurrants were gross feeders and one of the only things that would tolerate fresh hen manure.
OTOH, my reasoning may be wrong here, but if hen manure is too strong because it gives too much nitrogen, this may offset the nitrogen taken when the chips rot down. (Am I right that a mulch ties up nitrogen at first, then releases it?)

[wendy]

That sounds very technical Mo.
I hope you are right.
Wendy