Q: I have a pet rabbit, so I have plenty of rabbit manure I could use in my gardens. I would like to know if I can use it directly or if I need to compost it first.

A: Rabbit manure contains more nitrogen than most animal manures so you are right to be cautious about using it. That said, if you use it sparingly, it shouldn’t be a problem. I’d dig a 2″ deep trench 4″ from the base of a plant and drop in a quarter cup of pellets. Cover the pellets with soil. They will release nutrients for a month without burning the roots. Large tomato plants could use a half cup of “bunny power” every month.