A couple of weeks ago I borrowed a chain harrow from a friend. I placed and spread out small piles of compost with my front end loader about 30 to 40 feet apart. I then placed a pallet on the chain harrow to give it some weight and dragged it over the small piles a few times. After a few rains it looks pretty good out there on the pasture. A chain harrow is very useful for pasture management and arena maintenance and is much cheaper than a spreader. It also spread out any horse droppings and leveled several mole hills in the pasture. Just a possible option for now. I definitely plan to purchase a chain harrow.

 

Now is a perfect time to spread compost and ensure that you have space in your compost bins for the coming rainy season. The ground is firm this time of year and prevents much compaction from equipment traffic. We've had some nice rains and the grass is growing preparing itself for winter. That way the nutrients from the compost will be helping the grass and not going into surface water. Generally, about a 1/2 inch spreading depth is what you're looking for. You should be able to see the grass leaves so they can get sunlight.

 

I'm sorry to say that Hertz Equipment Rental in Lake Stevens was not getting enough activity on its manure spreader so they sold it.

 

Sincerely,

 

Alan Shank
Certified Farm Planner
425-335-5634 Ext 120