I'm interested in applying bags of composted manure to my beds to improve my soil's condition. When is the best time for application (Fall or Spring)? I've heard that Fall is the best time because this will give the soil ample time to condition itself just in time for the new spring growth. But my concern is that since composted manure is an 'organic fertilizer', applying it in the fall might initiate new growth even before the frost sets in - and that this might jeopardize the overall health of my plants by exposing the new, young growth to the cold winter weather. Is this something that should worry me, or am I just being overly analytical here? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much,
Bobby

Autumn is a good time for putting on rougher compost. Think about fallen leaves, for example. They need all the winter (and a bit longer) to become leaf mould. Meantime, the worm population is up and operating in the top four to six inches over the cooler part of the year. Unless the ground was frozen solid, I suspect this would be true of northern areas, too.

Personally, I wouldn't fork it into the soil until spring, or during mild conditions over the late winter. Mostly I'd want that darker layer there to catch and hold the warmth to reduce frost damage, or blot up excessive rainfall.

In spring, I'd wait until the soil had warmed through before I put it on. I'd stir it through the soil, provided it was fairly ancient compost, because there would be enough warmth to come to continue the process of breaking down the compost into smaller elements for plant use. Or else I'd use it as a 'dressing' and mulch, particularly around the plants I know need lots of food and water.