John Miller
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming that can be used as a fertilizer and organic soil amendment for many plants. It is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, and hulls, as well as poultry or horse manure. While mushroom compost is a great addition to your garden, it is slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.5-7 and should be avoided when growing ericaceous (acid-loving) plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and raspberries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| pH level | 6.5-7 |
| Suitable for | Wide range of vegetables and ornamental plants |
| Not suitable for | Soft fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, and currants; acid-loving plants |
| Use | Soil conditioner, mulch, fertilizer |
| Composition | Straw, poultry or horse manure, corn cobs, hulls, gypsum, peat moss, soybean meal, and other organic items |
| Commercial blends | Wheat straw, gypsum, chicken or horse manure |
| Benefits | Enhances soil, keeps soil moist, provides nutrients for plants, increases water-holding capacity of the soil |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom compost is alkaline, not acidic
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming that can be used as a fertilizer and organic soil amendment for many plants. It is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs and hulls, and poultry or horse manure. The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower.
Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7, which is suitable for a wide range of ornamental plants and vegetables. The pH level falls right into the ideal range for most crops, which is between 6.0 and 7.0. The higher pH of mushroom compost defends against club root in brassicas (vegetables in the cabbage family) and acts against blossom-end rot in tomatoes.
However, mushroom compost should be used with caution due to its high soluble salt levels and alkalinity. These salt levels can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and cause damage to salt-sensitive plants, like azaleas and rhododendrons. It is important to avoid using mushroom compost with acid-loving plants, such as blueberries, raspberries, currants, and ericaceous plants like rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and heathers. Instead, leaf mould is preferable as a mulch and soil improver for these plants, as it is pH-neutral or acidic.
To temper the alkaline levels of mushroom compost, consider using aglime. It is also recommended to leave mushroom compost to mature before use, as this will allow excess salts and pesticides to decompose.
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Manure has a higher pH than mushroom compost
Mushroom compost, or mushroom soil, is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is often used as a fertilizer and organic soil amendment for many plants. It is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, hulls, and poultry or horse manure. The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower. One of the most popular commercial blends of mushroom substrate is a mix of wheat straw, gypsum, and chicken or horse manure.
Mushroom compost is high in organic matter, which enhances all soils, from heavy clay to light, free-draining sand. It improves the structure and aeration of the soil, creating greater moisture-retaining and drainage capabilities. It also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, which decreases the need for watering.
Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7, which is suitable for a wide range of ornamental plants and vegetables. It is good for brassicas (vegetables in the cabbage family) as the higher pH defends against club root, and tomatoes, as the higher calcium levels act against blossom end rot. However, mushroom compost is not suitable for all plants. It should be avoided for soft fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, and currants, which need neutral to acidic conditions. It is also not suitable for growing seeds or cuttings due to its raised concentrations of soluble salts.
Manure, on the other hand, has a higher pH (above 7.0) and makes the soil more alkaline. Manure, regardless of the type (cow, horse, or poultry), only contains animal dung and straw or sawdust from the animal's bedding or litter areas. Fresh manure is very high in nitrogen and needs to mature before being used, otherwise, it will burn the plants.
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Mushroom compost is a great soil conditioner
Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7, which is suitable for a wide range of ornamental plants and vegetables. The higher pH of mushroom compost defends against club root in brassicas (vegetables in the cabbage family) and helps prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes due to its higher calcium content.
However, mushroom compost should be used with caution as it has high soluble salt levels, which can kill germinating seeds, harm young seedlings, and damage salt-sensitive plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. It is also not suitable for growing seeds or cuttings or for use on soft fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and currants, which prefer neutral to acidic conditions.
To use mushroom compost as a soil conditioner, spread a 5cm deep layer over the surface of the soil in spring. If spreading it on vegetable beds, leave for a week after application before sowing seeds. It is recommended to buy spent mushroom compost, which is available from retailers in large bags, bulk bags, or loose loads.
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Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming
Mushroom compost, or mushroom soil, is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is created from the substrate used to grow mushrooms, which typically includes straw, hay, poultry or horse manure, and crop residues such as corn cobs and cocoa shells. The exact composition of the substrate can vary depending on the grower. After the mushrooms are harvested, the substrate is removed and processed into mushroom compost, which can then be used in gardening.
Mushroom compost is a valuable resource for gardeners as it contains a rich blend of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, trace minerals, and organic matter. It can be used as a fertilizer and soil amendment, enhancing plant growth, improving soil structure, and providing essential nutrients. Mushroom compost is particularly beneficial for vegetable crops, which require a significant amount of nutrients. It can also be used as a mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil and improve drainage.
The pH level of mushroom compost is typically between 6.5 and 7, making it slightly alkaline. This pH range is suitable for most plants, but it may not be ideal for plants that prefer acidic conditions, such as blueberries, raspberries, and currants. Mushroom compost has a lower nitrogen content compared to other types of compost as the mushrooms deplete this nutrient during their growth. However, lower nitrogen levels can promote the production of flowers and fruit.
When purchasing mushroom compost, it is important to ensure that it is of good quality. Excessive amounts of soluble salts, such as calcium and magnesium, can be harmful to some plants. Reputable suppliers will provide a detailed laboratory analysis of their product, ensuring its reliability. It is also important to properly store mushroom compost in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to maintain its quality and effectiveness.
Overall, mushroom compost is a useful and environmentally friendly product that can enhance the health and productivity of gardens by providing a range of essential nutrients and improving soil structure. By using this by-product of mushroom farming, gardeners can repurpose waste materials, reducing their environmental footprint.
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Manure is denser than mushroom compost
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming that can be used as a fertilizer and organic soil amendment for many plants. It is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs and hulls, and poultry or horse manure. The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower. One of the most popular commercial blends of mushroom substrate is a mix of wheat straw, gypsum, and chicken or horse manure.
Mushroom compost is less dense and lighter than manure. Manure, regardless of the type (cow, horse, or poultry), only contains animal dung and straw or sawdust from the animal’s bedding or litter areas. Fresh manure is very high in nitrogen and needs to mature before being used, otherwise, it will burn the plants. Manure has a higher pH (above 7.0) than mushroom compost, making the soil more alkaline.
Mushroom compost, on the other hand, has a pH of 6.5-7, which is suitable for a wide range of ornamental plants and vegetables. It is also high in organic matter, which enhances all soils, from heavy clay to light, free-draining sand. It improves the structure and aeration of the soil, creating greater moisture retention and drainage capability.
Mushroom compost is a useful soil conditioner and mulch but may contain peat. It can be bought cheaply in bulk and is excellent for vegetable gardens, as vegetables usually grow best in non-acidic soil. However, mushroom compost should be avoided for fruit crops, which prefer neutral to acidic conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushroom compost is slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.5-7.
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming that can be used as a fertilizer and organic soil amendment for many plants. It is made by mushroom growers using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, poultry or horse manure, and other additional materials.
Mushroom compost is a useful soil conditioner and mulch. It can improve soil structure, enhance water retention and drainage, and provide nutrients for plants. It is particularly beneficial for vegetable crops and alkaline-loving plants like brassicas.
Yes, mushroom compost contains high levels of salt and alkalinity, which can be harmful to germinating seeds, young seedlings, and salt-sensitive plants. It should also be avoided for acid-loving plants like blueberries, raspberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
