Question
Hello, we live in Southeastern Ontario, Canada in a rural area.  We have 2 long gardens up our path that I planted perennials last spring.  I used triple mix with the soil (already a few plants in these gardens from previous owner) and did use fertilizer throughout the growing season.

Now that it's spring and the plants are just starting to show, I'd like to amend the soil to get the plants more established.  Should I work triple mix again into the soil or should I use sheep or cow manure (bags)?  I heard that you really should mix bags of manure with soil, is that true or could I use it as is?

Also, we have 5 ducks as outdoor pets.  Would their manure be too "hot" to put on a garden?  We just bought a composter but haven't set it up yet.

Thanks for any help,
Paula

Answer
Hi Paula, If perennials are performing well, then there is no need to do anything other than site preparation when you plant something new and continue with your fertilizer program.  Bagged manure has very little nutritional value for your plants.  It's mainly texture to help root and microbe development.
If the bed is hard-packed, then tilling and incorporating organic matter into your existing soil would be prudent.  I don't know what is in "triple mix", but I'd look for a blend of your soil, bark fines, possibly some composted leaves and manure, with a little sand.
Don't use fresh manure of any kind in your garden.  Jim