Do I need cow manure and chemical fertilizers to grow plants well?

A:

The answer is "maybe." Here are some factors to consider:

  • Is the cow manure is well aged (composted) or is it new? It's important that it be aged for it to work with your plants, as explained in this article: Turn manure into compost for your garden
  • When properly used, manure eliminates the need to apply chemical fertilizer, since they both supply, the three major nutrients needed by plants: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Here is another article specifically devoted to fertilizers: Fertilizing Your Garden

Finally, you might find the information in this OSU publication helpful: Growing Your Own (EM9027). It covers everything you need to know about vegetable gardening in the PNW. Good luck!

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