Comparison: Best Cow Manure Blend (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever stood in the garden center staring at bags of cow manure blends, wondering which one actually delivers, you’re not alone. Not all manure is created equal—some boost growth like magic, while others fall flat. We’ve dug into the dirt (literally) to compare the top contenders, testing for nutrient content, ease of use, and real garden results. Whether you’re growing tomatoes or tending a lush lawn, we’ll help you pick the best blend that works as hard as you do—without the guesswork.
- Best for organic soil boost: Espoma Organic Cow Manure Compost Blend – 1 Cubic Foot Bag. Soil Amendment & Fertilizer for use When Planting Vegetables
- Best for moisture master: Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil
- Best for odor-free peat blend: Michigan Peat Baccto Wholly Cow Horticultural Compost and Manure for Soil Amendment
- Best for premium organic boost: Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost
- Best for garden starter blend: Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil
- Best for two-pack power: Black Cow Premium Manure for Gardens
- Best for classic black kow: Black Kow Composted Cow Manure 35 lb Bag
- Best for eco-friendly organic: Home & Country USA Organic Composted Cow Manure – 10 lb Pail for Gardening & Soil Enrichment
- Best for ready-use magic: Michigan Peat Compost and Manure Blend
- Best for certified organic boost: Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost
Product Comparison: Best Cow Manure Blend
Espoma Organic Cow Manure Compost Blend – 1 Cubic Foot Bag. Soil Amendment & Fertilizer for use When Planting Vegetables, Flowers, Trees & Shrubs.
- CONTAINS – Dehydrated cow manure with aged forest produts that help improve poor soil conditions and promote better plant growth
- ALL NATURAL- Organic blend for everything you grow – from vegetables & flowers to trees & shrubs
- FEEDS: Provides all three major plant nutrients; 0.5-0.5-0.5 fertilizer analysis
- IMPROVES – the soil’s moisture holding capacity and aeration
- MADE IN THE USA: Product of the Espoma Company. The leader in natural organics since 1929
Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil, Flowers, Potted Plants, Raised Beds, and Compost Tea, (8 qt)
- Provide moisture-holding capacity to sandy soils. Black Kow cow manure holds water and nutrients in the soil around the roots. The roots can use the water and nutrients when needed instead of letting the nutrients leach through the soil
- Provide aeration and moisture-holding capacity to hard, clay-type soils. Black Kow cow manure helps break up those soils so that water and nutrients are available to the plant when needed.
- Give your plant’s roots the optimum environment in which to get started. Black Kow cow manure contains millions of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria convert nitrogen and other nutrients into an easily available form for the plant. It is organic and contains nutrients that are released slowly without burning tender roots. These nutrients and moisture are held in the soil around the roots until the plant needs them
Michigan Peat Baccto Wholly Cow Horticultural Compost and Manure for Soil Amendment, Lawn Care, Vegetable Garden Beds, and More, 40 Quart Bag
- Natural & Organic Blend: 40-quart bag is made from a mixture of natural peat and composted animal manure, providing a high-nutrient boost for your plants
- Odor-Free Formula: Enjoy a pleasant gardening experience with this odor-free compost, perfect for top-dressing lawns and planting beds without unpleasant smells
- Rich in Nutrients: Packed with essential nutrients, this compost is ideal for a variety of plantings, from vegetables to flowers, supporting healthy growth
- Improves Moisture Retention: Features a natural water-holding capacity, reducing the need for frequent watering and promoting strong root health for all types of plants
- Uniform Consistency: Screened for a uniform texture, ensuring even distribution and effectiveness when used in your garden or lawn
Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost, Additive-Free Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens, Flowers, Lawns & Indoor Plants – 10 Quart
- NUTRIENT-RICH GROWTH: Premium cow manure compost packed with nitrogen, calcium, and iron. This organic compost fertilizer enriches soil, boosts microbial life, and supports bigger vegetables, greener lawns, and thriving flowers.
- PURE COMPOSTED COW MANURE: Made only from thoroughly composted cow manure, carefully aerated and tested for safety. No additives, just pure organic manure for plants. Finely sifted texture makes it ideal compost soil for indoor and outdoor gardening.
- NO ODOR, NO BURNS: Brut is odor-free and safe for all plants. Gentle on roots, eliminating the risk of plant burn. A trusted compost for plants, seedlings, houseplants, and delicate blooms indoors or outdoors.
- VERSATILE SOIL AMENDMENT: Perfect for potted plants, shrubs, and vegetable gardens. Use as a top dressing, mix into compost soil for outdoor plants, or enrich organic soil for garden beds. Works as garden compost and manure fertilizer for plant growth.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Our Cow Compost is OMRI listed, representing true organic excellence and bringing the power of nature’s nutrients directly to your plants’ roots. Eco sustainable resorce for your gardening enjoyment!
Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil, Flowers, Potted Plants, Raised Beds, and Compost Tea, 4 Pounds
- If you’re struggling to start your garden and grow your own vegetables and flowers, this bag of composted cow manure has your back
- Made of composted cow manure: organic and has nutrients that are gradually released, ensuring it doesn’t burn tender roots
- You can also add this compost to flower and vegetable garden beds to improve growth and enjoy strong, healthy plants
- Rest easy knowing that your blooming garden is taken care of, with the cow manure fertilizer providing moisture-holding properties on sandy soil
- This composted cow manure will break up the soil to ensure that water and nutrients are available to the plant when needed
Black Cow Premium Manure for Gardens, Flowers, Trees, Natural Soil Amendment, 1 Cubic Foot (28L), 2-Pack
- IDEAL ENVIRONMENT: Provides the structure, moisture, and nutrition that seedlings, flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs crave for vigorous growth
- TWO PACK: Covers 2 cubic feet total
- NATURALLY OCCURING: Microbes convert nutrients into plant-ready forms, establishing a thriving soil ecosystem.
- SLOW-RELKEASE: Packed with organic nutrients this manure releases food gradually—never burning tender roots.
Home & Country USA Organic Composted Cow Manure – 10 lb Pail for Gardening & Soil Enrichment
- Organic and Natural: 100% organic composted cow manure, free from chemicals and additives.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with essential nutrients to support robust plant growth.
- Soil Enrichment: Improves soil structure and fertility, enhancing water retention and aeration.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for all types of plants, including vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and lawns.
- Eco-Friendly: Sourced from sustainable farms in the USA, promoting environmental health.
Michigan Peat Compost and Manure Blend, Garden Magic Mix with Odor-Free Blend, 40 Lbs – Outdoor Lawn and Gardening Mixture with Nutrients and Minerals for Soil Potting and Planting
- Organic Compost Blend: Enhance the nutrient content and soil quality of lawns and raised garden beds with this organic blend, promoting healthy plant growth and soil vitality
- Ready-to-Use Mixture: Pre-prepared with odorless organic reed sedge peat and composted animal manure, this blend is ready to use immediately for all your gardening needs
- Essential Nutrients for Plant Growth: Packed with vital nutrients, this blend supports the healthy growth of flowers, vegetables, and grass, ensuring strong, vibrant plants
- Versatile for Gardening: Perfect for improving potting soil in planters or raised beds, making it an ideal choice for gardeners enhancing their container gardening projects
- Convenient 40-Pound Bag: Each 40-pound bag covers approximately 0.75 cubic feet, providing ample material for small-scale gardening and soil enrichment tasks
Brut Cow Compost – Nutrient-Rich Composted Cow Manure Organic Soil Amendment – 100% Pure Compost, Additive-Free Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens, Flowers, Lawns & Indoor Plants – 30 Quart
- NUTRIENT-RICH GROWTH: Premium cow manure compost packed with nitrogen, calcium, and iron. This organic compost fertilizer enriches soil, boosts microbial life, and supports bigger vegetables, greener lawns, and thriving flowers.
- PURE COMPOSTED COW MANURE: Made only from thoroughly composted cow manure, carefully aerated and tested for safety. No additives, just pure organic manure for plants. Finely sifted texture makes it ideal compost soil for indoor and outdoor gardening.
- NO ODOR, NO BURNS: Brut is odor-free and safe for all plants. Gentle on roots, eliminating the risk of plant burn. A trusted compost for plants, seedlings, houseplants, and delicate blooms indoors or outdoors.
- VERSATILE SOIL AMENDMENT: Perfect for potted plants, shrubs, and vegetable gardens. Use as a top dressing, mix into compost soil for outdoor plants, or enrich organic soil for garden beds. Works as garden compost and manure fertilizer for plant growth.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Our Cow Compost is OMRI listed, representing true organic excellence and bringing the power of nature’s nutrients directly to your plants’ roots. Eco sustainable resorce for your gardening enjoyment!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key factors should I look at when choosing a cow‑manure soil amendment?
Check the nutrient analysis (N‑P‑K ratios) to match your plants’ needs, and verify whether the product is fully composted to avoid root burn. Look for added benefits such as moisture‑holding capacity, aeration improvement, or beneficial microbes. Also consider the bag size, price per cubic foot, and any organic certifications that matter to you.
How does Espoma Organic Cow Manure Compost Blend compare to Black Kow’s composted cow manure?
Espoma offers a 0.5‑0.5‑0.5 balanced N‑P‑K analysis and includes aged forest products for added soil structure, while Black Kow emphasizes moisture retention and a high population of beneficial bacteria but does not list a specific N‑P‑K ratio. Both are fully composted and odor‑free, but Espoma’s blend is marketed as an all‑natural, all‑purpose amendment, whereas Black Kow highlights its performance on sandy and heavy clay soils.
Is there a noticeable price or value difference between the 1‑cubic‑foot Espoma bag and the larger 2‑cubic‑foot Black Cow pack?
Espoma’s 1‑cubic‑foot bag is convenient for small gardens and indoor containers, but you pay a higher price per unit volume. The Black Cow 2‑cubic‑foot pack delivers more material at a lower cost per cubic foot, making it a better value for larger beds or multiple projects, provided you have storage space.
Which product is best for improving soil structure in heavy clay or very sandy soils?
Both Black Kow and Espoma specifically mention improving aeration and moisture retention in challenging soils. Black Kow’s description stresses breaking up hard clay and holding water in sand, while Espoma adds forest products that help loosen compacted soil. Either will work, but Black Kow may have a slight edge for extreme sand or clay conditions.
Do any of these blends have an odor‑free formulation, and why does that matter?
Espoma, Brut, Michigan Peat Baccto, and several Black Kow products all market an odor‑free or low‑odor formula, which is important for indoor gardening, raised beds near living spaces, or when you simply prefer a pleasant gardening experience. Odor‑free blends also indicate thorough composting, reducing the risk of ammonia burns on delicate seedlings.
What certifications should I look for to ensure a product is truly organic?
The OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listing, as seen on Brut Cow Compost, is a reliable indicator of compliance with organic standards. Espoma’s long‑standing reputation for natural organics also suggests a high level of organic integrity, though it may not carry the OMRI label. Verify the packaging for any USDA Organic seal if that certification is important to you.
How do the nutrient‑rich blends like Brut Cow Compost differ from general garden mixes such as Michigan Peat Baccto?
Brut focuses on a high concentration of nitrogen, calcium, and iron from pure composted cow manure, making it ideal for rapid vegetative growth and boosting microbial activity. Michigan Peat Baccto combines peat with composted manure, offering a balanced nutrient profile and excellent water‑holding capacity, but with slightly lower nitrogen levels. Choose Brut for a nutrient boost, or Michigan Peat Baccto for a more all‑round soil conditioner.