A friend of mine lives in Medinah on Medinah Rd. & Lake. She said only a mile from hers there is a horse stable and a sign that says free fertilizer or manure. It's not that far from you.

I have another source of free compost and manure, but it's farther north from you. You might still be interested in that since it's not far from Route 53. You can just jump on the I355 all the way up. PLMK.

pitimpinai, where is the second one? I'm near Route 53.
Thanks...

There is a Dupage Forest Preserve with an equestrian center just south of Butterfield Road on Naperville Rd. They might have free stuff. Here is a link to their page. I'll keep an eye on this post as I am in Lombard and would love free or cheap compost. I have bought from Sure Green Landscape supply in the past as well as DuPage topsoil.

http://www.dupageforest.com/EDUCATION/danada.html#Model%20Farm

I get free manure from a stable on St Charles Rd & Schmale.

Hi all,
I'm in Woodstock, IL. Does anyone know where I can get some compost out here? Thanks.

There is also a stable just east of Route 14 on Dundee Road (IL-68) that has a sign out for free manure. It's a bit closer to Woodstock than Bartlett. Not sure what the name of it is (even though I drive by every day!). Might want to check it out...

I am looking for free compost in Chicago. Any tips? I am also looking for some old joists to create some raised beds with... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I don't know of free compost in Chicago, but there is free horse manure at the Chicago Police horse stable in the Southshore Cultural Center on South Shore Drive & 75th street.

Maybe if you post on Freecycle, you might get free joist for your garden beds. Why haven't I thought of that when I built my beds last spring?

If you work, and have inter-office email, ask about sending a request for grass clippings. Picking up bags from co-workers would save them the pick-up fee, and be good for your garden.

Forgive my ignorance, when you get manure from a stable, is it fully composted?