If you use fresh manure, there is a small risk that disease pathogens may contaminate the vegetables.
Here are some precautions that should be taken if manure will be used in gardening:
1. Apply fresh manure at least 60 days before harvesting any crop which will be eaten raw. Better yet,
apply the manure in the fall to allow breakdown of the pathogens before spring planting.
2. Never apply fresh manure after the garden is planted. To be safe, avoid applying fresh manure at any
time. Find a source of well-composted manure such as commercial bagged manure. Alternatively, layer
the fresh manure into your compost and use only mature, finished compost in the garden.
3. Thoroughly wash raw vegetables before eating. Careful washing, and or peeling will remove most
pathogens. Thorough cooking is even more effective.
4. Never use cat, dog, or pig manure in gardens or compost piles. Some of the parasites found in these
manures develop resistant life stages and may survive composting
