Question
I have some cow manure that is not overly aged (a couple weeks to a month).  Can I work it into the soil of my rose garden?  I am in Western NY, don't get much wind, and the roses (climbing) are in a sunny area.  They have not done well from the get go.  I purchased all 4 plants at Lowes and they are Jackson & Perkins roses.  Last year I made the mistake of planting daisies in this garden and they took over probably not allowing the roses to get as much air flow and light as they needed.  Daisies are being removed so I won't have this problem again.

Any advice?  Thanks very much.

Answer
Whether you're using Cow, Rabbit, Chicken or Horse Manure, ALL animal manure MUST be seasoned before you use it.  Minimum time: 6 months or longer.  Otherwise you risk burning the roots of any plant it comes in contact with, and sometimes planting weed seeds with the Manure that never would have grown there without the help of the Manure.

People commonly spread a layer of fresh Manure during the Fall, then turn it over sin Spring, incorporating it into the top six inches of soil, a month before spring planting.

Your best plan of action is to 'hot compost' this Manure first.  This sends the temperature of the Manure up to 150 degrees F or higher, killing all disease-causing bacteria.  Texas's Arlingon Organic Garden Club (http://www.aogc.org/manure.htm) has an informative page on seasoning Manure.  They point out: 'The manure value can change depending on the quality of the feed ration. For instance, dairy cow manure will have a higher fertilizer value than the field cow.'  Best of all, they have specific advice about Cow Manure and Roses: 'Roses love rabbit manure, cow manure and alfalfa. Mix rabbit manure or cow manure, a little alfalfa meal, and lava sand into the soil when you transplant a rose bush.  Next, top dress over the plant's root system with lava sand, rabbit manure or cow manure.  With each watering you will feed the plant.'

In addition to dressing your Roses with Cow Manure, consider brewing Manure Tea this Rose season.  Soak Manure for a full month in a container of water, then dilute until it looks like weak tea.  Note the Arlington Organic Gardeners, 'Manure is alive with good microbes, bacteria, enzymes, fungi, and trace minerals.'

Finally, Vicki, bear in mind that Roses often take 3 seasons before they really settle into their home.  This Manure is a secret ingredient that will most definitely build them up -- but you may not notice the results for a while.  Be patient and keep caring for them -- including spraying BEFORE SYMPTOMS APPEAR for Blackspot and Mildew.  These Roses have lots of potential.  Like that old gardener's saying, Good things come to those who wait!

Thanks for writing.  Keep me posted on your progress.  And of course, if you have any questions, I'm here.