Where to Buy Chicken Manure Near Me: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Quality Organic Fertilizer

Are you scratching your head wondering where to get your hands on some quality chicken manure for your garden? Trust me I’ve been there! After years of gardening and experimenting with different fertilizers I’ve discovered that chicken manure is basically garden gold – but finding it isn’t always straightforward.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about where to buy chicken manure near you, what to look for, and how different retailers stack up. Let’s dig in!

Why Chicken Manure is Your Garden’s Best Friend

Before we dive into where to buy it let’s quickly talk about why chicken manure is so amazing for your garden

• Rich in nitrogen – perfect for leafy vegetables and promoting vigorous plant growth
• Improves soil structure and increases aeration
• Water-retaining properties that help your plants through dry spells
• All-natural organic nutrients that release slowly, unlike synthetic fertilizers

As an organic gardener myself, I’ve seen dramatic improvements in my vegetable yields after adding chicken manure to my beds There’s something almost magical about how it transforms poor soil into a fertile growing medium.

Major Retailers That Carry Chicken Manure

Finding chicken manure is easier than you might think! Here are the major home improvement and garden centers where you can buy chicken manure:

1. Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware carries several manure options, including chicken manure products. Their selection includes:

• Redi-Gro Chicken Manure (1 cu ft / 28.3 L)
• Greensmix Chicken Manure (1 cu ft / 36 lb)
• Coop Poop Organic Granules Plant Food (25 lb)

What I love about Ace is that they often have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the right product for your specific gardening needs. Their website also allows you to check if these products are in stock at your local store.

2. Home Depot

Home Depot has previously carried:

• Mountain Magic 1 cu. ft. Chicken Manure Soil Amendment (MMMCM1CF)

This product was well-rated (4.3 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews), although according to the website information, this specific product may no longer be available at all locations. Home Depot may carry alternative chicken manure products, so it’s worth checking your local store.

3. Lowe’s

Lowe’s offers:

• Gardeners Chicken Manure (1 cu ft Organic Compost and Manure)

This product is particularly popular, with over 1,000 purchases reported in a recent week according to their website. What makes this product appealing is that it’s an all-purpose soil amendment perfect for raised beds, containers, flower beds, vegetable gardens, and landscapes.

What to Look for When Buying Chicken Manure

Not all chicken manure products are created equal! Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

1. Composted vs. Fresh

Always buy composted chicken manure! Fresh chicken manure is too “hot” (high in nitrogen and ammonia) and can burn your plants. The products sold at major retailers are properly aged and safe to use.

For example, the Gardeners Chicken Manure sold at Lowe’s is a “compost and manure blend” which means it’s been properly processed to be safe for immediate use.

2. Organic Certification

If organic gardening is important to you, look for products labeled as organic. Many options, like the Coop Poop Organic Granules at Ace Hardware, are certified organic.

3. Form Factor

Chicken manure comes in different forms:

• Loose compost (like the 1 cu ft bags at Ace and Lowe’s)
• Granulated (like Coop Poop, which is easier to spread but typically more processed)
• Pelletized (compressed for easier application)

I personally prefer loose compost for my vegetable garden beds and granulated formulations for top-dressing around established plants. It’s worth experimenting to see what works best in your garden!

4. Size and Coverage

Consider how much area you need to cover. Most 1 cubic foot bags will cover approximately 12 square feet at a depth of 2 inches, which is perfect for intensive gardening in raised beds. For larger areas, you might want to buy in bulk.

Price Comparison: Getting the Best Deal

Let’s talk money! Prices vary between retailers and regions, but here’s a general guide:

• Bagged chicken manure (1 cu ft): Generally ranges from $4-8 per bag
• Granulated formulations: Usually more expensive per volume, but more concentrated

The best value is often found during spring and fall sales at major garden centers. I’ve found that buying multiple bags during these sales can save me quite a bit over the gardening season.

Beyond Big Box Stores: Alternative Sources

While major retailers are convenient, there are other places to find chicken manure:

Local Farms and Feed Stores

If you’re lucky enough to live near farms, especially those with poultry, you might be able to get chicken manure directly from the source. Just remember that farm-fresh manure needs to be composted before use!

Garden Centers and Nurseries

Independent garden centers often carry specialty soil amendments including chicken manure, sometimes from local sources. These can be higher quality than big box store options, although typically at a premium price.

Online Options

If you can’t find what you need locally, online retailers like Amazon carry various chicken manure products, though shipping costs can make this expensive for such a heavy product.

How to Use Chicken Manure in Your Garden

Now that you know where to buy it, here’s a quick guide on how to use it effectively:

Application Rates

For most garden applications:

• New beds: Mix 1-2 inches into the top 6 inches of soil
• Established beds: Apply ½-1 inch as a top dressing around plants
• Container gardens: Mix about 1 part manure to 4 parts potting soil

Timing

The best times to apply chicken manure are:

• Fall: Apply to garden beds after harvest for winter breakdown
• Early spring: 2-4 weeks before planting to allow integration with soil
• Mid-season: Light applications around heavy feeders like tomatoes and corn

I’ve had the best results applying chicken manure in fall, letting it work its magic all winter, then planting directly in spring without additional fertilizer.

Common Questions About Buying Chicken Manure

Is there a smell?

Most commercially sold chicken manure has been composted enough that the smell is minimal. Products like the Mountain Magic Chicken Manure (formerly at Home Depot) were noted in reviews for not having a strong odor. If smell is a concern, look for “well-composted” on the label.

How long does it last?

A 1 cubic foot bag typically covers about 12 square feet at the recommended depth. How long the nutrients last in your soil depends on your soil type, rainfall, and what you’re growing. Generally, one application provides benefits for 3-6 months.

Can I use it for indoor plants?

Yes, but it’s best to use it sparingly and in a well-composted form. The Gardeners Chicken Manure from Lowe’s mentions it works well for containers, which would include indoor plants. Mix it with your potting soil at about a 1:10 ratio.

My Personal Experience

I’ve been using chicken manure in my gardens for over 10 years, and I’ve tried products from all three major retailers mentioned. Honestly, they all work great, but I’ve found the Gardeners brand from Lowe’s to be my favorite for vegetable gardens because it seems to have a nice balance of nutrients and isn’t too “hot.”

For my flower beds, I prefer the granulated products like Coop Poop because they’re easier to work around established perennials without disturbing roots.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Purchase Decision

When deciding where to buy chicken manure near you, consider:

1. Convenience – Which store is closest to you?
2. Price – Compare costs including any member discounts (like Ace Rewards)
3. Specific needs – Do you need organic certification? Granular vs. loose?
4. Availability – Call ahead to check stock, especially during peak gardening seasons

I usually check my local Ace Hardware first since it’s closest to me, but I’ve made special trips to Lowe’s when I need a larger quantity for a new garden bed project.

Remember that healthy soil makes healthy plants, and chicken manure is one of the best ways to build that foundation. Whether you choose to pick up a bag from Ace Hardware, Home Depot, or Lowe’s, your garden will thank you with abundant growth and harvest!

Have you tried using chicken manure in your garden? What’s been your experience with different brands? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Happy gardening!

Resources

For more information on soil amendments and organic gardening practices, check out your local extension office or the organic gardening section at any of these retailers. They often have additional resources and sometimes even free soil testing to help you determine exactly what your garden needs.