Question
QUESTION: Tom,  Someone mentioned to me that putting milorganite in a hole and sticking a new plant in with a little new top soil around it was a great way to get flowers going.  Is this true?  Or do you have a better suggestion?  I think I need some new soil in my beds, but Ive heard some things and combinations I don't know which to use.  Thanks Liza

ANSWER: Hi Liza,
Milorganite is just treated sewage sludge (I'm including a link from Cornell University).  I think composted manure is more effective and safer.  You can till up the desired growing areas, spread the manure on top and then till it in.  Continue to side dress plants with more composted manure to build up the soil.  I don't like the idea of milorganite until the jury comes back in.  It is not certain what effect pharmaceuticals and heavy metals might have however, it is a promising form of fertilizer.  I'd rather stick with the composted manure right now.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/milorganite.pdf

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QUESTION: Tom, thank you so much you have been a huge help!!
I have one more question after I amend the soil with compost and manure(I am assuming composted manure is the same as compost and manure).  and plant my seeds should I put some pine nugget stuff or mulch on top?  Oh, and if my dirt looks soggy what should I do?  Is that just from overwatering or do I need to add something sand like for drainage?  You like how I said I had one more quetion?  Sorry, questions just keeping popping in my head.

Thanks again
Liza

Answer
Hi Liza,
Thanx for your question.  By all means, please ask all the questions you want.  That's what we're here for.  Composted manure is cow or horse manure that has been allowed to sit out in the elements and cure.  This causes the manure to lose its offensive odors and some of the harmful microbes as it begins to decompose.  One should still handle composted manure with gloves and be sure and wash your hands thoroughly after using.  Compost by itself is usually just leaves, discarded fruit, vegetable and grain scraps, grass clippings, small twigs and other vegetative matter that is allowed to decompose.  It makes a nutritious amendment to soils and helps improve the tilth of composition of the soil.  You may use a light mulch over the seed bed but I would keep it light such as a slight layer of straw, pine needles or something loose like that.  If the soil is soggy and stays soggy for long periods it is not draining well and I would resist planting anything but plants that like wet feet which most do not.  Otherwise, you have just watered too much.  If the soil remains soggy for more than a day or too, I would look into a better draining area.  I hope this helps.
Tom