The Benefits and Uses of Mushroom Compost in Gardening

Is Your Garden Ready for a Boost?

Does your vegetable garden need a little extra oomph? Is your lawn looking a bit lackluster lately? Or are you simply eager to enhance your sustainable living game? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then I highly recommend giving mushroom compost a try! But what exactly is mushroom compost? Where does it come from? How does it differ from regular compost? Let’s dive into it!

What is Mushroom Compost?

You might be surprised to learn that mushroom compost is primarily a by-product of mushroom farming and does not necessarily contain any actual mushrooms! It serves as a fantastic nutrient boost for your garden, improving water retention and helping to break up heavy clay soils. But let’s explore all the remarkable benefits of mushroom compost a bit more later on!

How is Mushroom Compost Made?

Mushroom compost is produced as a by-product of the commercial mushroom-growing industry. It typically consists of a blend of various organic materials like cottonseed hulls, peat moss, soybean meal, corn cobs, manure, hay, gypsum, and straw. The exact composition can vary based on the grower’s practices.

The mushroom farming process begins with soaking large bales of wheat straw in water. Once fully saturated, the straw is chopped into smaller pieces to facilitate composting.

Next, manure and gypsum are mixed with the straw and placed into a hot compost pile, maintaining a temperature of around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This phase, known as the “hot composting stage,” is crucial for eliminating any remaining wheat seeds, pests, or pathogens. Interestingly, during this heat stage, compost piles can reach temperatures high enough to spontaneously combust!

After a few weeks of resting, the compost undergoes pasteurization to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could affect plants or humans. If the compost is intended for commercial mushroom production, mushroom spores may be added at this stage. Overall, the process takes about three to four weeks. Once the substrate has been exhausted and is no longer suitable for mushroom cultivation, it is recycled and marketed as fertilizer, often labeled as ‘Spent Mushroom Compost’ or ‘Spent Mushroom Substrate.’ This is your mushroom compost!

What’s the Difference Between Mushroom Compost and Regular Compost?

Both mushroom-based compost and regular compost are excellent plant fertilizers and soil amendments when used correctly. To understand their differences, we first need to look at how regular compost is made. Regular composting can be done year-round using food waste from your kitchen, making it accessible even for those in small living spaces.

Brown (carbon-rich) materials like paper, leaves, and tree bark, along with green (nitrogen-rich) items such as old vegetables and fruit scraps, can all be composted. However, it’s essential to avoid adding certain items, such as dairy products and meat, which can attract pests and create odors.

In contrast, mushroom composting requires specific organic materials that may not be easily available at home. This can make the process somewhat more complex, especially in indoor settings. Moreover, it’s important to view mushroom compost more as a soil “treatment” rather than a straightforward food source for plants, as it may alter the pH levels of your soil.

So, what makes mushroom compost distinct? Let’s delve into its pros and cons!

The Pros and Cons of Mushroom Compost

PROS

Mushroom compost is excellent for gardens with plants that require substantial water, as it excels at moisture retention.
This compost is beneficial for improving drainage in heavier soils, such as clay.
Mushroom compost enriches the soil with macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients such as magnesium and iron.
It has a notably higher calcium content than regular compost, making it especially beneficial for crops such as tomatoes, which thrive in calcium-rich soils. Plants such as Hosta, Goldenrod, Salvias, Yarrow, Foxglove, Winter Jasmine, Horse Chestnut, and Boston Ivy also thrive with mushroom compost.
It is recognized as a slow-releasing compost, providing long-term nutritional benefits to your plants!

CONS

As a by-product of mushroom cultivation, the nitrogen content in mushroom compost may be lower than that of regular compost.
While it retains moisture well, this trait can also lead to over-saturation, resulting in waterlogged soil.
Mushroom compost is not suitable for plants that thrive in acidic soils with higher nitrogen content, which could lead to subpar growth. Examples of plants that may struggle with mushroom compost include Blueberry, Camellia, Magnolia, Cranberry, Fern, Lupine, and Holly.
Bulk mushroom compost can be quite expensive, typically ranging from $30 to $60 per yard.

How to Use Mushroom Compost

To maximize the benefits of mushroom compost, ensure that it has cooled down and cured; otherwise, the heat can damage plant roots or hinder seed germination.
Like all composts, applying mushroom compost in early spring or summer is ideal to provide your plants with essential nutrients when they need them most.
Spreading a layer of one to two inches of mushroom compost evenly over your garden is sufficient for it to work effectively. Avoid overapplication.
Keep in mind that if the moisture content is too low, decomposition will slow down, causing the microorganisms to become dormant. However, since mushroom compost loves moisture, be cautious not to oversaturate the soil.

Where Can I Find Mushroom Compost?

You can find mushroom compost at most big-box garden centers, as well as at local plant nurseries, greenhouses, and online suppliers. I suggest searching for “Where to buy mushroom compost in bulk near me” to locate a local supplier and avoid hefty shipping fees.

What if I told you that you could also make your own mushroom compost? It’s true! Similar to regular compost, you can create mushroom compost right at home. I love this mushroom compost recipe from InstaMushrooms because it doesn’t require any manure!

Here’s what you’ll need:

10 lbs of Corn Fodder or Ground Corn Cobs
10 lbs of Straw
2 lbs of Peat Moss
2 lbs of Greensand
3 lbs of Sand
Water

Simply mix the corn fodder, straw, and water together and let it sit for 2-3 days. If the straw dries out, rehydrate it. Next, incorporate the peat moss, greensand, sand, and additional water, if necessary. Let the mixture sit for 5-6 days to warm up.

Afterward, turn the pile every 2-3 days, adding more water as needed. Depending on the batch size, using a compost tumbler can simplify this process, but a sturdy container will also work. Continue turning the compost for about two weeks until it turns a dark brown color. Allow it to cool for another week, and voilà—homemade mushroom compost!

A Final Word on Mushroom Compost

Composting can set you on the right path in your zero-waste journey, and mushroom compost is no exception! There are numerous benefits to using mushroom compost. First and foremost, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose a by-product from the mushroom farming industry that would otherwise go to waste. Additionally, it provides a rich source of calcium and other nutrients your plants will appreciate.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the nitrogen content may be lower than that of regular compost, and its moisture-retaining qualities can lead to oversaturation if not monitored carefully. Therefore, consider mushroom compost as a specialized soil treatment rather than a daily feed for your plants.

Would you consider making or using mushroom compost? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If mushroom composting doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry—I have you covered. Check out my article on the various types of composting to find the right fit for you. Good luck!

If you found this information helpful, please consider sharing this article with others—sharing is caring!