John Miller
Mushroom compost is a popular soil amendment that improves soil structure, increases nutrient availability, and supports beneficial microorganisms. It is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry, made from straw, hay, poultry or horse manure, and crop residues. Mushroom compost can be purchased in bags or bulk and is ready to use in the garden, offering an easy and budget-friendly way to improve soil health and plant growth. However, it is important to note that mushroom compost has higher salinity levels, which may negatively affect young plants and those sensitive to salt. Therefore, it should be mixed with soil or other organic materials and not used as the sole growth medium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and support beneficial microorganisms |
| Application | Mix into the soil before planting, or use as a top dressing |
| Soil conditioner | Can be used as a weed-suppressing mulch or soil conditioner |
| Mulch | Spread a 5cm deep layer over the surface of the soil |
| Soil amendment | A great soil amendment that retains water well and stops soil compaction |
| Nutrients | Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron |
| Salt content | High salt content can damage root development of young plants and germinating seeds |
| pH | Slightly alkaline, not suitable for plants that thrive in acidic soils |
| Plant suitability | Vegetables, herbs, flowers, ornamentals, and edible crops |
| Disadvantages | Not suitable for use on its own as a potting compost, or for growing seeds or cuttings |
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What You'll Learn
How much mushroom compost to use
Mushroom compost is a nutrient-rich blend of organic materials that can be used to improve soil fertility and structure. It is a slow-release organic fertilizer that enriches the soil, supplies nutrients for healthy plant growth, and increases the water-holding capacity of the soil. Mushroom compost is perfect for all planting beds and can be used as a soil amendment or a mulch.
When using mushroom compost as mulch, you should apply a layer between 1 and 3 inches thick. A 3-inch layer is recommended for optimal water retention and weed suppression. If you are using mushroom compost as a soil amendment, apply a 3-inch layer to sandy soil, and a 1- to 2-inch layer if you have clay soil.
It is important to note that mushroom compost should not be used to replace standard compost. It can hold too much water, leading to waterlogged soil, which can be problematic for plants. Additionally, mushroom compost has high soluble salt levels, which can be harmful to germinating seeds, young seedlings, and salt-sensitive plants.
To calculate the amount of mushroom compost needed for mulching or amending a specific area, first measure the length and width of the area. For areas with irregular borders, measure at the widest and longest points. Calculate the total area by multiplying the width by the length. Online calculators can then help you determine how many cubic feet of compost are required.
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When to apply it
When to apply mushroom compost depends on what you are using it for. If you are using it as a mulch or soil conditioner, it is best to apply it in spring, spreading a 5cm deep layer over the surface of the soil. If you are using it on vegetable beds, leave it for a week after application before sowing seeds.
If you are using a commercial mushroom compost, you will get the best results if you mix it into the soil in winter in preparation for spring planting.
For flower beds and vegetable gardens, spread one to three inches of mushroom compost over the surface and till it into the top six inches of soil. For container plants, blend a ratio of one part mushroom compost with three parts garden soil.
If you are using mushroom compost for establishing roadside vegetation, apply it uniformly and evenly at a one to three-inch thickness (three to nine cubic yards per 1,000 square feet) on the surface of the intended site, and then incorporate it into the existing soil below.
Mushroom compost can be used as a top dressing, which can help prevent salt build-up around the root zone and reduce the risk of adverse effects on plant growth. It can be applied as soon as the weather warms in the spring, giving it time to break down.
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How to mix it with soil
Mushroom compost is a great way to improve your soil's structure, aeration, and moisture retention. It is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry, made from straw, hay, poultry litter, and manure. The compost is high in organic matter and slightly alkaline, so it should not be used with acid-loving plants like rhododendrons or camellias.
When mixing mushroom compost with soil, it is important to ensure a uniform and even distribution. The general recommendation is to mix one part mushroom compost to three parts garden soil for outdoor plants in containers. For establishing roadside vegetation, a thinner layer of one to three inches of compost can be applied and then incorporated into the existing soil.
If you are using mushroom compost for a garden bed, spread a layer of compost about 5cm deep across the surface of the soil and leave it for a week before sowing any seeds. This method, known as the "no-dig approach," preserves the existing soil structure while allowing the compost to gradually break down and improve the soil.
For individual plants, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Add equal parts native soil and compost to the hole, packing it firmly and soaking it with water. You can also add a layer of compost on the soil surface around the plant to provide additional nutrients.
It is important to note that mushroom compost has a higher salinity content, so it should be avoided when starting seeds or cuttings. It is best to only plant mature plants into mushroom compost and to keep it away from soft fruits like blueberries and raspberries, which prefer neutral to acidic conditions.
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Plants that thrive with mushroom compost
Mushroom compost is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry. It is often used as a soil conditioner and mulch, providing nutrients for healthy plants. It is high in organic matter, enhancing the structure of the soil and improving its drainage capability. However, it is important to note that mushroom compost has raised concentrations of soluble salts and should not be used for growing seeds or cuttings. It is best suited for plants that can tolerate higher salt content and benefit from additional calcium, such as tomatoes.
Tomatoes
Mushroom compost contains more calcium than regular compost due to the addition of chalk. Tomatoes benefit from calcium-rich soil, which helps prevent blossom-end rot. However, calcium increases the soil's pH level, so it is not suitable for plants that require acidic soil, such as blueberries.
Brassicas (Cabbage Family)
Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7, making it suitable for brassicas. The higher pH also helps defend against club root.
Outdoor Plants in Containers
Mushroom compost can be used to grow outdoor plants in containers by mixing one part mushroom compost with three parts garden soil. This mixture provides the necessary nutrients and improves the structure of the soil.
Lawns
Mushroom compost can be used on lawns, especially as a top dressing for newly seeded lawns. It helps improve the soil structure and provides necessary nutrients.
Flowers and Fruit-bearing Plants
While opinions vary on using mushroom compost for fruit-bearing plants, some studies suggest that aged mushroom compost can be beneficial. The lower nitrogen levels in mushroom compost promote the production of flowers and fruits.
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Plants to avoid
Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7, and contains high levels of salt. Therefore, it is not suitable for acid-loving or 'ericaceous' plants, which thrive in acidic soil. These include blueberries, strawberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, ferns, holly, juniper, lupine, and zinnia.
The high salt content of mushroom compost can cause "leaf burn" or "leaf scorch", where foliage ends up looking burned at the edges. This is because the salt in the compost reduces water availability for the plant's tissues.
Additionally, mushroom compost is not suitable for use on its own as a potting compost or for growing seeds or cuttings. It is also recommended to avoid using mushroom compost for fruit-bearing plants and lawns, although some studies have found that aged compost can be used for fruit.
Before using mushroom compost, it is important to test the pH of your soil to ensure it matches the requirements of your plants.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom compost is a by-product of the edible mushroom industry. It is the substrate in which mushrooms are grown, usually made from wheat straw, gypsum, and chicken or horse manure.
For flower beds and vegetable gardens, spread one to four inches of mushroom compost over the surface and work it into the top six to eight inches of soil. For container plants, blend one part mushroom compost with three parts garden soil.
Apply mushroom compost in spring, giving it time to break down before planting.
Mushroom compost is a great soil amendment, improving soil structure, increasing nutrient availability, and supporting beneficial microorganisms. It is also budget-friendly and easy to apply.
Mushroom compost has higher salt levels, which may negatively affect salt-sensitive plants. Test the salt content before using and dilute with other organic materials if necessary. Avoid using mushroom compost as your only growth medium.
