Alternative to chicken manure pellets

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by AnniD, May 2, 2025.

  1. AnniD

    AnniD Super Gardener

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    I have just removed wallflowers from a bed prior to replanting with mostly perennials. Apart from being dry as a bone (which I can deal with), the soil is very poor and I want to add some goodness.
    I have a large tub of chicken manure pellets but we have foxes in the area and I have a feeling this will attract them ?
    I also have Growmore but I don't know if this will be less attractive to them.

    Does anyone have any other suggestions, my compost bins are still in the process of "fermenting" at the moment and the soil really could do with some help straight away.
    Many thanks for any help :smile:
     
  2. JennyJB

    JennyJB Total Gardener

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    I don't think Growmore would attract foxes. As I recall it doesn't have much smell at all.
     
  3. AnniD

    AnniD Super Gardener

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    Thanks @JennyJB , that gives me hope !
     
  4. Plantminded

    Plantminded Total Gardener

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    I think I'd add more organic matter than a synthetic fertiliser @AnniD. Many perennials do better in a low nutrient soil. Too much nitrogen can encourage lax leafy growth at the expense of flowers and attract slugs :sad:. If your compost isn't ready yet, the Soil Conditioner or Farmyard Manure that GC's stock might be better for your perennials and will help to retain moisture. I don't think that either of these will attract foxes, they prefer blood, fish and bone, as do labradors :biggrin:.
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2025
  5. AnniD

    AnniD Super Gardener

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    Thanks for that @Plantminded :smile:.
    I do have 3/4 of a bag of manure that I've discovered by the compost bins, so that will do for starters.
     
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    • infradig

      infradig Total Gardener

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      Most garden centres will have bagged green waste compost labelled ' soil conditioner'. It can also be most likely sourced via your local civic amenity depot (Tip ! ).
      Larger amounts can be sourced here :
      Green products from Veolia
      It does not have a fertiliser content but will assist soil organisms in feeding your plants.
       
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      • AnniD

        AnniD Super Gardener

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      • Butterfly6

        Butterfly6 Total Gardener

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        Agree with the comments re adding compost/conditioner rather than fertiliser but wanted to add that the foxes here never seemed interested when we used chicken pellets or fish, blood & bone
         
      • AnniD

        AnniD Super Gardener

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        Thanks @Butterfly6 and thanks again to everyone for your responses :smile:.
         
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        • infradig

          infradig Total Gardener

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          There seems to be so many giving them better tucker, neighbour buys chicken drumsticks !!
           
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