Curt Arens SAVE FROM SALT: Evergreen trees around the farm, such as this Colorado blue spruce, can be harmed from splashing of salt-based deicers commonly used on driveways, around farm sheds and on sidewalks to melt snow and ice for winter safety. Farm and Garden: Here are some things to consider on your farmstead during the winter. Sarah Browning | Dec 17, 2020 Editor's note: In our new column, Farm and Garden, we ask the experts questions related to gardening, lawns, trees, and farmstead orchards and landscapes. Here are their answers. Is it OK to apply livestock manure on your garden during the winter to boost fertility? Manure is a great soil amendment, providing both organic matter and nutrients to the soil. But when fresh or raw manure is used in the vegetable garden, food safety issues are a serious concern. Common human pathogens found in manure include bacteria (E. coli, salmonella, shigella), viruses (norovirus, hepatitis A) and parasites (cyclospora, cryptosporidium).