Description
Mushroom Compost is an organic soil conditioner. Mushroom compost is typically made from the spent growing substrate left once a commercial mushroom crop has been harvested, composted and reused for garden soil improvement.
Like other composts, it adds organic matter and improves soil structure: a heavy clay soil drains and aerates better with it worked through, and a light sandy soil holds moisture for longer.
It sits alongside Clyde Pure Organic Compost in the soil range, giving a choice between two organic conditioners.
Mushroom compost is usually alkaline and can carry soluble salts, so dig it through the soil rather than planting straight into it, and keep it away from acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias and blueberries.
Technical Specifications
| Material | Mushroom compost |
|---|---|
| Type | Organic soil conditioner |
| Application | Soil improvement ahead of planting |
| Sold as | Loose, by the cubic metre in quarter-m3 steps |
| Collection | Pickup only, from Keilor East, Melbourne |
Where to Use
- Garden beds ahead of planting
- Improving soil structure in clay or sandy soils
- General organic soil conditioning
How to Apply
- Clear the bed: remove weeds and old plant material before applying.
- Spread a layer: dampen the compost and apply an even 50 to 75mm layer across the bed.
- Work it through: dig or fork the compost into the top layer of soil.
- Water in: a thorough watering helps settle the compost into the bed.
- Plant or replenish seasonally: plant into the improved bed, or reapply each season.
Important Notes
- Compost and soil can contain Legionella and other micro-organisms. Wear gloves and a P2 mask, dampen the material before handling, and wash your hands afterwards.
- Usually alkaline with some soluble salts: mix it through the soil and water in, and avoid it around acid-loving plants (azaleas, camellias, blueberries).
- Pickup only from our Keilor East yard (Melbourne). Sold loose by the cubic metre in quarter-m3 steps; part loads of a quarter, half and three-quarter cubic metre are available.
- One cubic metre treats about 13 to 20 square metres; roughly 0.5 to 0.7 tonnes per cubic metre.
- Further reading: Compost (Wikipedia).
