How to transport bags of manure?

[Oblique]

Any tips for transporting bags of composted manure from Bunnings in the car boot? I guess this is a pretty common thing for gardeners to do - but the breathing holes in the bags means that sometimes material leaks out, and the boot is also used for school bags and other shopping sometimes.

Or should I just not worry about it?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Oblique,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Having helped load bagged goods into many people's boots over the years, the most common and simplest solution is to line your boot with a tarp. This will create a physical barrier that can be lifted out and shaken off if anything does happen to spill.

Let me know what you think, and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[mich1972]

@JacobZ  Absolutely !!! I was going to say the same thing

[Oblique]

Thanks for this - I am looking into a boot liner option which is durable but still removable.

From the boots you have loaded over the years, I'm curious - do most people just chuck it in the boot without too many precautions?

The bags often have warning message all over them - but in the real world most people seem to just pick them up with bare hands and load into the car

[Walter]

To be honest, I pick them up bare handed when I'm putting them on the trolley to take them to the checkout. I see all people doing the same.

In the car boot, I have a tarp and I'm often carrying 3 or 4 bags of mulch, fertiliser, or potting mix without thinking.

You raise a good point, but I use my tumbleweed mulcher without thinking when I tip out some garden compost into the wheel barrow.

Makes you wonder a bit doesn't it?🙄

[JacobZ]

Hi @Oblique,

Like most things, there is a spectrum. Some people are very cautious, with a tarp laid out ready to go, others have a box that they'd like them placed in, while others couldn't care less. Owners of nicer brand-new cars tend to care more, which certainly makes sense to me. As I own a beat-up old work ute, it makes me worry less about things.

I suppose it depends on how you feel about the contents of the bags. I am not exactly squeamish, so I don't really worry about picking them up with bare hands, but you could be very different to me. It is definitely worth washing your hands afterwards, though.

There's no right way and there's no wrong way, it all depends on you.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Oblique 

I throw the bags in the boot, maybe with a picnic blanket down first if it looks like it mght be messy Figure if its going into the garden and I will be the one doing it, then my concern level is low.

Dave

[Oblique]

This is generally what we have been doing - I have had more concerns re: general mess - however from my basic research (I am new to this) the bags that say "Manure" in large letter sold at gardening and hardware stores are generally not raw manure but have been composted which changes the nature of the product to be more like normal soil. is this right?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Oblique,

Yes, you're correct in your understanding. When you see manure in our stores, it's composted manure, not raw manure. 

The composting process breaks down the organic material in the manure, which makes it safer and more stable to use in your garden. Composted manure is typically richer in nutrients, and it helps improve soil structure, adding organic matter and enhancing water retention and drainage.

Raw manure, on the other hand, can be quite harsh if used directly on plants. It contains high levels of nitrogen and other compounds that can burn plants or disrupt the soil’s balance. It's also more prone to harbouring pathogens. 

Composted manure is a safer, more balanced option and is much better for improving soil quality over time.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob