Those of a sensitive disposition should turn away now! In this blog post we will be talking about alpaca poo and the many benefits that you can get from it in your garden.
One of the great things about farming alpacas is that, as well as them being the most adorable and intelligent animals, they provide so much that is eco-friendly. They produce the most wonderful fleece which we turn into yarn for talented local craftspeople to make into a range of products for us to sell (see our Alpaca Yarn & Knitwear section).
The low grade alpaca fleece (which is unable to be processed into yarn) can be used as a natural slug repellent to protect bedding plants from slugs and snails. The fleece is lanolin free but still waterproof and maintains a dry environment, irritating the ‘foot’ of slugs making an uncomfortable environment for them to get across (see our raw alpaca fibre for slug and snail repellent and our Luxury Wild Bird Nesters which are also made from alpaca fleece).
Our alpaca herd also produce, on a daily basis and in copious amounts, alpaca manure or alpaca gold as it is known to gardeners worldwide.
ALPACA GOLD
Known as ‘alpaca gold’, alpaca poo is produced in pellet form but is different from other livestock such as horses. This is because it can be used without having to be aged or composted as it doesn’t burn the plants. Alpacas have three stomachs which effectively digests their food and also leaves more nutrients in the manure. Alpaca gold is a rich soil conditioner which helps water retention and does not contain weed seeds to contaminate the soil. It can help promote vigorous plant growth and is also said to deter cats and other pests from the garden.
Alpaca gold breaks down quickly. You can sprinkle it around your plants and water it in, or let the rain do the job for you. You can also push alpaca gold pellets in to gardens tubs and containers.
ALPACA MANURE TEA
To give your seedlings or small plants a boost you can also make ‘alpaca manure tea’. This is a natural and eco-friendly liquid fertiliser and can be made by steeping alpaca poo pellets for a month in a water filled container, such as a large plastic milk container, giving it a shake now and then. You can also use alpaca manure tea around the base of young trees too.
ALPACA POO FOR SALE – NORTH SOMERSET
If you live locally to us in North Somerset you can buy and collect alpaca gold direct from us (or we can deliver within a 10 mile radius for a small charge). For further information on alpaca gold, please telephone Charlotte on 0800 020 9117.