Emily Johnson
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming and is often used as a mulch. It is made from organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, and poultry or horse manure. Mushroom compost has a pH level of around 6.6, which is considered neutral. However, it often contains chalk, which can increase the pH level of the soil, making it more alkaline. Therefore, mushroom compost should be avoided when used with acid-loving plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons, and camellias.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| pH level | Neutral to alkaline (6.6) |
| Use as mulch | Yes, but not for acid-loving plants |
| Use as fertilizer | Yes, but a slow-release and light fertilizer |
| Use as soil conditioner | Yes |
| Use with acid-loving plants | No |
| Use with vegetables | Yes, but not soft fruit |
| Use with flowers | Yes |
| Use with seedlings | No |
| Use with seeds | No |
| Use with lawns | Yes, but not as a top dressing |
| Use with containers | Yes, but mix with soil |
| Use with clay soil | Yes |
| Use with waterlogged soil | Yes |
| Use with light, free-draining soil | Yes |
| Use with alkaline soil | No |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom compost is alkaline, not acidic
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is made from organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, and poultry or horse manure. The addition of chalk increases the pH level of the soil, making it more alkaline. Therefore, mushroom compost is alkaline in nature, not acidic.
The pH level of mushroom compost is around 6.6, which is in the neutral range. However, when mixed into the soil, it can help reduce the pH of acidic soils, making it a good soil amendment. Mushroom compost is high in organic matter, which improves the structure and aeration of the soil. It also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, which is especially beneficial during heavy rains to prevent water pooling and root rot.
While mushroom compost is a great addition to most gardens, it should be noted that it is not suitable for all plants. Acid-loving or ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and heathers, prefer acidic growing conditions and are chalk-hating. Therefore, mushroom compost should be avoided when growing these plants.
Additionally, mushroom compost has high levels of soluble salts, which can be harmful to germinating seeds, young seedlings, and salt-sensitive plants. It is important to temper the alkaline levels of mushroom compost with amendments like aglime. Furthermore, it is recommended to mix mushroom compost with garden soil rather than using it as the sole growth medium.
Overall, mushroom compost is a valuable tool for gardeners, especially when used with caution and an understanding of its alkaline nature and potential drawbacks. It can improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and provide a boost of nutrients to plants that tolerate higher salt content.
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It can be used as a mulch for some plants
Mushroom compost can be used as a mulch for some plants. It is a by-product of mushroom farming and is made from organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, and poultry or
When using mushroom compost as a mulch, it should be spread in a layer 5 cm deep on flower beds, herbaceous and shrub borders, and around young trees and shrubs. It can also be used to improve waterlogged or clay soils. Mushroom compost is a good mulch option because weed seeds find it difficult to take root in it. It can be used as a mulch and soil conditioner in spring, spread over the surface of the soil.
However, mushroom compost should not be used as a mulch for acid-loving or ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and heathers, as it has a high pH that makes it difficult for these plants to access nutrients. It is also not suitable for soft fruit crops like blueberries, raspberries, and currants, which require neutral to acidic conditions.
It is important to note that the reaction of plants to mushroom compost may depend on the quantity used. For example, tomato yield increased in one experiment with the addition of mushroom compost but decreased when the amount of compost was doubled. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a ratio of 25% spent mushroom compost to 75% soil for container plants and fine-tune from there.
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It is not suitable for acid-loving plants
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farming. It is made from organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, and poultry or horse manure. It is often touted as "black gold" for gardens due to its ability to enhance soil quality and moisture retention. Mushroom compost can be used as a mulch product, spread around the base of plants. However, it is important to note that mushroom compost is not suitable for acid-loving or ericaceous plants.
Mushroom compost has a pH level of around 6.6, which is considered neutral. When mixed into the soil, mushroom compost can help reduce the pH of acidic soils, making them more alkaline. This increase in pH can be attributed to the presence of chalk in the compost, which has a liming effect. While this can be beneficial for certain plants, it is not ideal for acid-loving species.
Acid-loving or ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and heathers, require acidic growing conditions. They thrive in soils with a pH level below 7. When exposed to the higher pH of mushroom compost, these plants may struggle to access the nutrients they need. The increased alkalinity can make it difficult for these plants to absorb specific minerals, leading to potential deficiencies and stunted growth.
Additionally, mushroom compost contains higher levels of soluble salts compared to other fertilisers. While this is not an issue for most garden soils when used in moderate quantities, it can become problematic for acid-loving plants. The combination of increased pH and salt content can be detrimental to ericaceous plants, potentially causing damage or hindering their growth.
Therefore, when using mushroom mulch, it is essential to consider the preferences of the plants in your garden. While mushroom compost can be a valuable soil amendment for some plants, it is not suitable for acid-loving species. It is crucial to research the specific needs of your plants and adjust your mulching practices accordingly to ensure their optimal health and growth.
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It is a good soil conditioner
Mushroom compost is a great soil conditioner and can be used to improve the structure and aeration of soil. It is high in organic matter, which is beneficial for all types of soil, from heavy clay to light, free-draining sand. The organic matter in mushroom compost improves the structure of the soil and increases its ability to retain water and drain. This means that it can help to prevent water pooling, which can lead to root rot and other issues with plant growth.
Mushroom compost is also a good source of nutrients for plants, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulphur. These nutrients help plants to grow strongly and produce flowers and fruit. For example, the calcium in mushroom compost can help to prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes.
However, mushroom compost is not suitable for all types of plants. It has a liming effect, which means it can reduce the pH of acid soils and make them more alkaline. This can be beneficial for alkaline-loving plants like brassicas but is not suitable for acid-loving or 'ericaceous' plants like rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and heathers.
When using mushroom compost, it is important to mix it with soil rather than using it as a sole growth medium. A good starting ratio is 25% mushroom compost to 75% soil for container plants. It is also important to avoid using fresh mushroom compost on seeds or young seedlings as it can be harmful to them due to its high salt content.
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It is high in organic matter
Mushroom compost is a great source of organic matter, which can improve the structure and aeration of soil. It can be used to enhance all types of soil, from heavy clay to light, free-draining sand. The organic matter in mushroom compost increases the soil's ability to retain moisture and improves drainage. This can help to prevent water pooling, which can lead to root rot and other issues with plant growth.
The high organic matter content in mushroom compost makes it a useful material for soil improvement and mulching. It can be worked into the soil or spread around the base of plants as mulch. When used as mulch, it can help to suppress weeds as weed seeds find it difficult to take root in mushroom compost. It can also be used as a light top-dressing for lawns, where it will slowly work its way into the soil, improving it and giving a boost to the grass.
Mushroom compost is created from organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs, and hulls, as well as poultry or horse manure. The exact recipe can vary between growers, with additional materials like gypsum, peat moss, lime, soybean meal, and other organic items sometimes being added. The compost is pasteurized to kill weed seeds and other harmful agents, and then inoculated with mushroom spawn or mycelium. After the mushrooms are harvested, the leftover compost is sold as fertiliser.
While mushroom compost is a great source of organic matter, it is important to note that it has a high pH and can make soil more alkaline. This means it should be avoided when growing acid-loving or ericaceous plants like rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, blueberries, and heathers. These plants require acidic conditions and can struggle to access nutrients in more alkaline soils. Instead, leaf mould is recommended as a mulch and soil improver for these types of plants.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushroom mulch is not acidic. Mushroom mulch is alkaline in nature due to the presence of chalk.
Mushroom mulch is a great soil conditioner and can be used to improve the structure and aeration of the soil. It also increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, reducing the need for watering.
Mushroom mulch has high levels of soluble salts, which can be harmful to some plants. It is also not suitable for acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and heathers, as these plants require acidic growing conditions.
