A while back, I attended Shepherds Harvest Sheep and Wool festival. While there, saw sheep, goats, llamas and rabbits. Not to mention the horse show across the street. There was one booth actually had a sign "free llama droppings, bring your own bucket." Of course, that brought forth a conversation about what animal produces the best soil amendment.

Understandably, the llama folks were saying their amendments were the best. The shepherds, of course, said they had the best stuff! And I didn't get a chance to talk to the horse people, but I have first- hand knowledge of the benefits of 3-year-old mare barn scrapings.

Manure is a REALLY good thing to use in your garden. It adds organic matter, nutrients and if you know a rancher or horse owner – it's readily available. Plus, if you get it mixed in with a little straw bedding, all the better.

I found a couple of websites that compared the various types available and their nutrient value. From what I deduced, the rabbits win. Their pellets are higher in nitrogen and contain a large amount of

phosphorus. It's perfect for your garden. The problem with rabbit doo is the quantity. Unless you're a rabbit breeder, there usually isn't enough to spread around and make much affect.

Important to point out is that you should NEVER use manure 'straight from the source.' Let it sit on the ground for 2-3 years. If you put it directly in your garden it will burn the plants you were trying to help.

Another tip, NEVER use cat, dog or human manure no matter how long it sits -- too many pathogens and nasty junk in that stuff.

What doo do you do? Do you mix the doo in or use it as mulch?