Cottonwood Farm is offering free composted horse manure to anyone who wants to benefit his garden.

Owner Ken Justice said he collects manure from the 15 horses on the property and composts it in three 18-cubic yard bins along with old hay, wood shavings and small wood chips. Air is then forced in through the bottom of the bins to aerate the manure and help it compost and kill any weed seeds, remnants of horse medicine and other pathogens.

"People like horse manure because it's not as hot as chicken litter. It doesn't burn up a garden like chicken litter and doesn't smell as strongly either," Justice said. "When you put it in a garden and work it in, it helps hold moisture and provide additional nutrition."

Justice said people who want to pick up compost can call him at (770) 316-6400 to arrange a time. He has a front end loader to help assist in loading. The farm is located at 2120 Woodlawn Road, Covington.

For more information about Cottonwood Farm, which offers horse riding lessons and can host birthday parties, visit cottonwoodfarmllc.com.