Willow Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 Just in case anyone isn't aware... There is a problem with some horse manure containing a new herbicide and it subsequently damaging plants grown in matured land See http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/29/food.agriculture See http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/garden.asp?id=2480 for the official government comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 this is a very widespread problem this year, even affecting store bought bags of manure courgettes and other squashes grown in contaminated manure show no ill effects but the fruit contains 'untested levels' of the pesticide. Tomatoes, beans etc show very obvious signs. Therefore....if you are growing squashes in manure please consider planting some quick growing french beans alongside them. If the beans are deformed DON'T EAT THE SQUASH!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 31, 2008 Share Posted July 31, 2008 I think I had a very dodgy bag of compost - everything I planted in it failed My tomato seedlings actually turned blue and curled up! Not much chance of eating anything at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted July 31, 2008 Share Posted July 31, 2008 and the really bad news is that if it was this vile pesticide it renders the ground useless for years sorry snowy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 31, 2008 Share Posted July 31, 2008 Some friends of mine have just planted their first proper vegetable garden - all organic seeds - this year, and built it up with lots of manure in preparation. They've suffered from this, most of the crops have failed, and as Tara says, it may take over a year before the ground is clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
