Sheep manure is one of the most popular natural soil improvers used in home gardens across Western Australia because it suits our sandy soils and dry climate very well.
 
What is Sheep Manure?
Sheep manure is the droppings produced by sheep, usually collected from farms, feedlots, shearing sheds, or sheep yards. It is commonly:
Aged or composted before sale
Blended with straw, sawdust, or organic matter
Sold in bags or bulk loads
 
Good quality sheep manure is usually:
Dark brown
Crumbly
Earthy smelling
Not excessively wet or fresh
 
Why Sheep Manure Works Well in Perth
Much of Perth’s soil is:
Sandy
Low in nutrients
Poor at holding water
 
Sheep manure helps by:
Improving water retention
Adding organic matter
Feeding soil microbes
Slowly releasing nutrients
Improving root growth
 
This makes it especially useful in Perth gardens where plants often struggle in hot, dry summers.
Nutrients in Sheep Manure
 
Sheep manure is considered a “cooler” manure compared with chicken manure, meaning it is less likely to burn plants when properly composted.
 
It typically contains:
Nitrogen (leaf growth)
Phosphorus (root and flower development)
Potassium (plant strength and disease resistance)
Organic carbon and trace minerals
 
The potassium content is particularly helpful for:
Flowering plants
Fruiting plants
General plant resilience
 
Best Uses for Sheep Manure Vegetable Gardens
Excellent for:
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Spinach
Beans
Pumpkin
Zucchini
Corn
 
Apply before planting to enrich the soil.
Fruit Trees
Great around:
Citrus
Mango
Avocado
Stone fruit
Olive trees
 
It improves soil biology and moisture retention around root zones.
Flowers & Ornamentals
Useful for:
Roses
Native shrubs
Flower beds
Hedging plants
 
The slow-release nutrients encourage steady growth.
 
Lawns
Can help sandy lawns improve colour and density when lightly top-dressed.
 
Is Sheep Manure Safe?
Generally Yes — If Properly Composted
Well-composted sheep manure is considered safe for gardens.
 
Proper composting:
Reduces harmful bacteria
Breaks down weed seeds
Lowers ammonia levels
Makes nutrients more available
 
Avoid Fresh Raw Manure
Fresh manure may:
Burn roots
Smell strongly
Introduce weeds
Contain pathogens
 
If using fresh manure:
Let it age several months first
Or apply well before planting edible crops
 
How Much to Apply
Garden Beds
A common guide:
Spread 2–5 cm thick over soil
Dig into top 10–20 cm of soil
 
For Perth sandy soils, regular smaller applications work better than one heavy application.
Around Trees
Apply:
2–5 cm layer under mulch
Keep away from the trunk
Water well afterward.
Potted Plants
 
Use sparingly:
Mix with premium potting mix
Too much can make pots heavy and poorly drained
 
When to Apply
Best times in Perth:
Autumn
Early spring
 
This allows nutrients to develop before peak growing seasons.
Avoid applying heavily during:
Extreme summer heat
Waterlogged winter conditions
 
Can Sheep Manure Burn Plants?
Less likely than chicken manure, but:
Fresh manure can still burn roots
Overapplication may cause excessive leafy growth
Too much nitrogen can reduce flowering or fruiting
 
Moderation works best.
Sheep Manure vs Other Manures
Type
Strength
Best For
Sheep
Balanced, slow release
General gardens
Chicken
Very strong
Heavy feeders
Cow
Mild
Soil conditioning
Horse
Fibrous
Compost building
 
Sheep manure is often considered one of the best “all-round” manures for home gardeners.
 
Tips for Perth Gardens
Because Perth soils are sandy:
Combine sheep manure with compost and mulch
Water deeply after application
Reapply organic matter regularly
Use mulch on top to reduce evaporation
 
A layered approach works very well:
Sheep manure
Compost
Mulch
 
This can dramatically improve soil over time.