Is Well Rotted Manure Really Worth the Wait for Garden Beds?

[murepes]

Hello everyone.

I have been composting manure from my small backyard chicken coop for nearly eight months now and I am wondering if it is actually ready to use. Well rotted manure is supposed to be the gold standard for improving soil structure and feeding plants naturally, but how do you know when it is truly ready?

Mine no longer smells bad and looks dark and crumbly. Does it genuinely make a noticeable difference compared to store bought fertilizer?

How long do you typically wait before applying it to vegetable beds?

[murepes]

Hello everyone.

I have been composting manure from my small backyard chicken coop for nearly eight months now and I am wondering if it is actually ready to use. Well rotted manure is supposed to be the gold standard for improving soil structure and feeding plants naturally, but how do you know when it is truly ready?

Mine no longer smells bad and looks dark and crumbly. Does it genuinely make a noticeable difference compared to store bought fertilizer?

How long do you typically wait before applying it to vegetable beds?

thanks in advance for any help