any down side to composted horse manure?

I have a co-worker who has what she describes as "piles of black dirt", which is composted horse manure, some of it more than 3 years old. She said I can have as much as I want.

I know enough to know I only want the oldest, but I am asking for any advice or warnings of what to look for, or look our for, or be mindful of?

Thanks.

i really like horse manure but seeds are common with this product. I also like it when the horse manure is mixed with sawdust. Mushroom compost. I use lots of this cause it is readily available here in Montana.

Thanks. One of these days I am taking a vacation in Montana, every picture I have seen is beautiful.

Sounds like I will be doing a lot of weeding in my raised beds the first year.

Can I assume that as long as I get all the weeds out before they go to seed, then weeds will only be an issue the first year?


Thanks for replying!

Haleysaunt...that's somewhat correct. Seeds that germinate right away can be nipped in the bud by not allowing them to go to seed. Unfortunately, not all seeds in the manure will germinate right away. Generally, what happens is they germinate as they get near the surface, see the light, feel the love, etc..

I'd take the stuff in a heartbeat.

I weed my soils with horse manure for about a month (May-June) and then they are done. Maybe next year a few.
Just a shot of my home valley to encourage you visitors.

Lovely.

Thanks for the picture Soferdig, what a view!! Maybe in a few more years I can take my dream vacation and vist Montana and Minnesota.

Thanks for the additional info Donn.