Spent mushroom compost is the soil-like material remaining after growing a crop of mushrooms. The compost is high in organic matter making it desirable for use as a soil amendment or soil conditioner.
Spent mushroom compost is excellent to spread on top of newly seeded lawns. Since some plants and garden vegetables are sensitive to high salt content in soils, avoid using fresh compost around those plants.
Spent compost weathered for 6 months or longer can be used in all gardens and with most plants. Obtaining mushroom compost from KK Ranch Stone & Gravel in the fall and winter, allowing it to weather, will make it ready to use in a garden the following spring.
Spring and summer are the best time to use mushroom compost as a mulch.
As a soil amendment, spent mushroom compost adds organic matter and structure to the soil. Mushroom compost improves soil structure and its ability to hold water, it also provides a few nutrients.
The Benefits of Using Mushroom Compost
- Enriches the Soil
- Keeps the Soil Moist
- Breaks Down Dense Clay
- Improves the Soil Drainage
- Provides Optimal pH Levels
- Prevents Soil Surface from Compacting
Mushroom Compost Can Help
- Growing Flowering Plants (it is beneficial for almost all of them)
- Growing Vegetables
- Growing Herbs
- Trees, including Fruit Trees (it is one of the best fertilizers for orchards)
- Shrubs
- Newly Established Lawns