Author: Josephine Brown

Starting A Compost Tumbler: Proper Composting Procedures
Composting can be an effective way to make use of kitchen waste and yard scrap. If you do the proper composting procedures, it can also provide garden soil with rich nutrients for plant growth.

You can either choose to start a compost pile or make use of a compost tumbler, it all depends on which one you prefer. While most gardeners are familiar with a compost pile, most will encounter some difficulties when starting a compost tumbler for the first time.

Fall into this category?

You can read up more about a compost tumbler and how to use one in the guide below.

What is a Compost Tumbler?

A compost tumbler is a sealed container that makes composting simpler and faster. It helps to retain the heat needed for decomposition and also turns the organic materials in the box.

Most times, the containers are made from recycled plastic and adequately sealed, unlike compost bins.

There are different types of compost tumblers, and they differ from one another based on their design. The sealed drum compost tumblers consist of few parts and are a much simpler model compared to the others. Some models have rollers on them, which makes it easy to move them around the garden.

Aerated drum compost tumblers are designed to provide the compost materials with all the oxygen required to speed up the process. You can also choose the dual-bin compost tumblers. Although they are more expensive, they produce compost faster than the others.

Starting a Compost Tumbler

The first thing you want to do once you decide on a starting a compost tumbler is to choose a suitable box for your garden. There are different types and designs of compost tumbler, so you want to look out for the one that best suits your garden.
- Choose a Compost Tumbler
You can check your local garden supply shop or browse online for a compost tumbler. You want to do your research and find the best compost tumbler for your garden. Find one that suits your needs and falls within your budget.
- Pick the Right Spot
Where you place your compost tumbler also determines how well it functions. You should set your compost tumbler in an area that is covered. It is best to reduce the amount of moisture that gets into the compost tumbler from outside. Place your bins under the tree or use a cover material to protect it from the elements.
- Use the Right Type of Organic Materials
Composting requires kitchen or yard waste as raw organic materials, so you have to make sure that they are readily available for your compost tumbler.

You need to put in the right type of compostable materials into the compost tumbler, and it is the only way for microbial activity to take place. Kitchen waste such as eggshell and vegetable scraps are suitable compost materials. Still, you also need to ensure that your papers and other dense documents are of the right size before adding them to your tumblers.
- Balance the Nitrogen and Carbon Materials
You will have to balance the nitrogen and carbon materials in the compost tumbler if you want decomposition to take place. Most gardeners get it right up until this spot; they don’t know how to choose the right brown and green materials for their compost pile.

You need to take note of all that you toss into the compost tumbler. It will be wrong to throw in anything that isn’t useful in the kitchen or around the home. The materials have to be rationed if you hope to get results soon enough. Ideally, the right mix should be a mixture of 75% brown materials and 25% green materials. Examples of brown carbon-rich materials include hay, sawdust, paper, and leaves. While green, nitrogen-rich materials provide a source of protein and include vegetable clippings, grass, coffee grounds, eggshell, and other kitchen scraps.
- Remove Dirt and Debris for Your Compost Tumbler.
Just because composting looks messy doesn’t mean it is alright to throw anything into the collection. You want to avoid adding anything that can contaminate your composting efforts. Keep your compost pile free from any materials such as toxic chemicals and anything that isn’t safe for your soil and plants.
- Compost in Batches for a Better Finished Compost
A compost tumbler might work magic when it comes to preparing compost, but you should know that this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month to finish. So you want to ensure that you are patient enough and not tempted to add in new materials. Adding new elements to a compost pile that is already decaying will only increase the composting time.

If you intend to compost numerous materials, you can choose to buy a dual-bin compost tumbler or separate ones for your kitchen waste and yard scrap.
- Practice Proper Composting Process
As a gardener, you need to know the right composting methods if you want to get the best from the process. The first thing you need to know is that after adding the materials into the compost tumbler, you may need to start the microbial activity on your own. While this can take place naturally, doing it will only speed up the composting process and time.

You can do this by adding in horse or cow manure and garden soil to your compost materials.

You will also be required to turn compost tumbler as often as three times a week. Although, it is much easier to rotate a compost tumbler than a compost pile. All that is required is to hold the handle and spin the barrel continuously until you are satisfied; the materials are adequately mixed.
- Monitor the Composting Process
You will need to check up on your compost regularly. You need to keep tabs on the temperature level, moisture content, and the color and consistency of your compost materials. While this may sound difficult, all you need is a few hours a week spread between two or three days to check with your compost.

FAQ’s

How do you make a compost tumbler?

You do want to make sure that turn your compost pile. It is easy enough to do manually, but if you have the time and energy, you can make a tumbler composting machine.

I’ve had good luck with this tumbler setup. It’s not as fast as a composter, but it’s more convenient and works just fine for me.

The procedure to make a tumbler composting machine is to first build a compost bin, and then assemble the tumbler.

Start with an empty plastic trash can (the larger the better). Fill it to the brim with your garden waste. The larger the better because the waste will be less compacted. Place your garden waste in the tumbler and cover it with a lid.

If you don’t have a lid, then use a plastic bag that is big enough to cover the tumbler. Check your compost every couple of days and turn it with a large spoon. I usually wait about a week before adding new ingredients to my compost bin. If you are using a metal tumbler, you may need to add some kind of binder to keep the waste from flying out of the container.

What size of compost bin should I use?

This really depends on what type of soil you have and how much garden waste you want to add. If you live in an area with sandy soil, then it’s best to go with a small bin. You’ll be able to use your bin more often and get more compost out of it. If you live in an area where you don’t have sandy soil, then go with a large bin.

How often should I rotate my compost tumbler?

Many composting experts recommend that you turn your compost tumbler at least twice a week. It’s important to remember that the material in your compost should be damp before turning. If it is dry, you will create heat and cause decomposition to be slower. If you have lots of green waste such as grass clippings or weeds, you may need to turn your compost more often.

Should I put my compost tumbler in the sun?

This is a good idea as it will make the decomposing process go faster, just remember that it will dry it out, so you do need to keep this under consideration.

What should you not put in a compost tumbler?

It’s true that some things, like meat and dairy products, should not be put into a tumbler. But it’s not always as simple as that as it really can come down to amounts that you put.

Other things that you shouldn’t put in a tumbler include, fats, wood that has been treated with pesticides, disease or infected plants, charchoal and pet waste.

Final Note

Starting a compost tumbler is not all that difficult, especially if you know a little bit about composting. For first time gardeners, you will need to pass through the learning curve to become expert compost farmers. You can mix finished compost to your soil to improve its nutrients and enjoy its benefits.

If you have a question or would like to contribute to the topic of starting a compost tumbler, feel free to do so in the comment section. We will love to hear from you.
Josephine Brown
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
October 29, 2019
Composting Toilets 101: Do They Smell?

In the journey towards helping our planet, you have probably turned to reducing, reusing and recycling your trash. One way to do this is by composting all your kitchen organic waste. If you already do that, then you can go one step further by installing a composting toilet. You may have some questions about them and we are here to deliver! So let’s get cracking and find out all about how do compost toilets work. Do compost toilets smell?

What is a Composting Toilet

A composting toilet is a device that by using the natural decomposition and evaporation processes, recycles human waste. In this way, you can reduce your water usage, not only at home but at water treatment facilities.

Basically you will keep your waste local and at home, without polluting the groundwater. In this way, you avoid either the sewer system or a septic tank.

It can also compost toilet paper that is thrown into it, so you will not have to worry about separating your bathroom trash also.

These types of commercially available toilets have three different goals in mind: they compost the waste and toilet paper quickly and without leaving any smell behind, they have to make sure the compost that is left behind is safe to handle and they need to evaporate the liquid that is in the waste.

They have been around for many decades. They were perfected in the ‘60s by a company called Sun-Mar. They were the forerunners of this industry.

How do Composting Toilets Work?

The three tasks that the toilet needs to perform, which we mentioned before, need three separate chambers. The composting chamber, the evaporating chamber, and the finishing drawer.

The Composting Chamber: Chamber Number 1

In this chamber, the toilet needs to create an ideal environment where the waste can decompose as it would in a regular compost pile. This needs to be warm, moist, with enough organic material and enough air.

This is usually made up of a sort of drum that can be rotated in order to incorporate air into the compost. Once ready, it can be rotated into the finishing chamber.

The compost needs oxygen for the bacteria to do their job correctly and thrive. If the mix is not tumbled periodically, the process will go much slower and will generate odor.

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You want a composting chamber that does not apply direct heat. This is in order to avoid drying out the compost, which is another way of lengthening the decomposition process. Bacterias need moisture to live! You want to keep it between 40% and 60%.

Regarding warmth, the microbes themselves create enough heat to keep the compost warm enough in temperate climates. If you live in a very cold area, you may need an electric toilet that can indirectly warm up the composting chamber.

All of these precautions are to avoid the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which are the ones responsible for bad odors.

The Evaporating Chamber: Chamber Number 2

As we said, the compost must be kept moist enough but it must not be saturated. If there is an excess of liquid that cannot be absorbed by the compost, it will drain from the compost chamber into the evaporating chamber through a mesh.

The evaporating chamber is very different from the first chamber. It has a large surface area, it is well ventilated and it is in direct contact with heat.

These characteristics allow the moisture to evaporate rapidly. They usually have trays that can be removed and cleaned.

In electric models, there is a heat source places beneath the evaporating chamber. If they are not powered, the toilet needs to be connected to overflow vents. This is because passive venting is not enough to evaporate all the excess liquid and it can cause odor.

The Finishing Drawer: Chamber Number 3

This extra chamber allows compost that is finished to not be contaminated by fresh waste. It also allows the compost enough time to dry out until it is ready to be removed and used.

It has two functions: to keep the compost in an easily accessible, isolated container, while it helps to complete the composting process by drying it out a little bit more.

FAQ’s

How bad does a composting toilet smell?

The answer is that it varies, but it can smell quite bad. So bad, in fact, that many people find it hard to live with it. But the truth is, the smell of a composting toilet is much less than you might think, and if you can tolerate the odor for long enough, it won’t bother you as much as a conventional toilet.

However, the smell of a composting toilet is pretty minimal in most cases. As you can imagine, a composting toilet is fairly simple and requires very little maintenance to keep it smelling fresh. A composting toilet also allows you to have a more natural toilet system, which can be more environmentally friendly than using chemical products like bleach or ammonia to remove odors from your home.

It’s not described often as the stench of death, but it can be pretty rank. For example, it’s not uncommon for them to smell like rotten eggs. The compost itself is mostly fine, but some of it will produce smells that are off-putting to others.

Do they all smell the same?

It turns out that there’s more to the story than you might imagine. For example, you can have a composting toilet that smells like roses, or you can have one that smells like rotten eggs, depending on what kind of bacteria are present in your toilet’s waste.

Are they common?

Composting toilets are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. They use organic waste to produce soil-like material that is used to grow plants in gardens and landscapes. There are many advantages of using composting toilets, but they can also have drawbacks.

How do I stop my compost toilet from smelling?

This is the question most homeowners ask when they see the compost toilet.

Here are some ideas:
-Use mulch as a cover, and sprinkle some baking soda on top of it. This will keep the smell away.

-Add some bark chips to the base of the pit. The bark will absorb moisture and help prevent odors.

-Try a worm farm. Worms are great for adding to the compost.

– Use an odor neutralizing compound (such as Potash, or a similar compound such as Cattleman’s Compost) that will help with odor. Or

– Use a different type of toilet, such as a sand pit toilet. In any case, you will need to add more material to your compost, and the smell will likely go away.

How often do you have to empty a composting toilet?

It depends on the kind of composting toilet you use. If you’re using a composting toilet that produces its own heat, you will not need to empty it as often as if you are using one that doesn’t. A composting toilet that produces its own heat is one in which the urine and feces are heated and turned into compost in the process.

I don’t want to empty my composting toilet more than once every 2 weeks.

Do Composting Toilets Make your Bathroom Smell Bad?

This depends on which model of composting toilet you install. If you install a composting toilet with a composting unit in the basement of your house, you will not have to worry about the actual compost smelling up your bathroom.

Our first advice would be then not to get a small composting toilet. The all in one units are smelly because you have everything in the same area. They also need to be emptied out very frequently, which can be a hassle.

We also recommend you buy the compost starter that the manufacturer suggests instead of using soil from your backyard. This starter helps the decomposition to actually happen.

There is another issue. Most composting toilets need to have the chambers we described above directly below the toilet itself. This may make some people squeamish, so we recommend you consider a foam flush or micro flush toilet.

These options will also let you install the toilet not directly above the composting chamber.

All in all, composting toilets are an amazing choice for the environment, but they are a big step for most families. You will need to consider how you are going to install them and where. If you live in a house, you need to budget for it as well because they do not come cheap.

Big composting toilets are really convenient, though. You will not need to empty it for at least a year after installing it, so it will be a win-win situation for you and your family. Probably even save you money in the long run.

If you do not have space, installing a small unit also works but it is smellier and this may not be a great option if your family is squeamish.

What do you think? Have you made the decision to install one? Comment below!
Josephine Brown
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.

October 28, 2019
Mushroom Compost Vs Cow Manure: Which Is Better For Your Soil?
Adding green to your abode makes it look much more invigorating than investing too much in unnecessary decorations that may make your house look superfluous. Growing healthy plants in your garden can only be made possible with healthy soil. Natural or organic fertilization with compost or manure is seen as a viable option for over-commercialized plant food, but which one is better for your garden soil, mushroom compost vs cow manure?

What is Compost?

Compost refers to organic materials that have been decomposed to provide nutrients to the soil during the growing season and at the same time, minimize food wastage. This step, called composting, is a relatively easy process to execute, assuming that you know which among the list is recommended for the process.

Although compost equates to minimizing food waste, particular things are highly discouraged to be part of the process like animals and milk products. Animal products take time to decompose; hence, they may serve as a breeding site for microbes, which invites diseases.

Therefore, it’s better to settle for plant and fruit products – mushroom compost, for example.

Mushroom Compost

Mushroom compost makes a good conditioning product for your garden soil, as it is organic and easy to find. There is a variation in the growing process for mushrooms; therefore, their composting process may differ from one another.

You can buy mushroom spawn in the market or prepare it manually. A single bag of mushroom spawn is steam pasteurized to get rid of weeds that competes with your plants in absorbing nutrients from the soil and also to eradicate other harmful substances to your plants.

The entire duration for mushroom composting normally takes about three to four weeks, with the temperature closely monitored to complete the process. After it has been completed, the leftover compost is utilized as a soil fertilizer.

Read more about Will Mushroom Compost Burn Plants?

Advantages of Mushroom Compost

Mushroom compost is capable of providing nutrients to your plants at an affordable rate. In addition, it also allows your soil to further increase its water-holding threshold – an advantage that minimizes its watering-need demands.

Most garden plants, may it be fruits, vegetables, or flowers, are compatible with mushroom compost. To further appreciate its effects, mix it thoroughly with the soil before use.

Disadvantages of Mushroom Compost

Although mushroom compost is an ideal organic matter to use, you should be aware of where and when to use it due to its high-salt level. Salt-sensitive plants like azaleas are not compatible with mushroom compost, while seedlings may also be affected by the high amount of salt.

Learn if Mushroom Compost Is Good for a Vegetable Garden

What is Manure?

Another form of fertilizer that can be used in producing healthy plants is animal manure (usually cow, chicken, or horse manure). This organic fertilizer is also capable of giving off nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil.

The animal waste used in manure processing is a cost-effective process that doesn’t cause any pollution at all. Moreover, it’s also capable of killing weeds and pests that disrupt the growth of plants.

There are three different types of Manure: green manure, compost manure, and farmyard manure. All three come from different sources but primarily aim to provide nutrients to the soil for the plants to grow well. Among the excretion present, those from cows serve as the best ones for gardening.

Cow Manure

As mentioned, cow manure serves as the most ideal dung for gardening. Cows eat mainly grass, so it’s not unusual to see grass and grain in their manure. Cow manure isn’t difficult to find, as there are several cows in the field that excretes from time to time.

Composting manure is highly beneficial to plants, as it serves as an excellent culture bed for seeds, due to its high nutrient content. Although it’s a good fertilizer, heavy manures, like those from cows, must be combined with light materials (hays, straws) or ash/lime.

Advantages of Cow Manure

Aside from providing a rich amount of nutrients from your crops and other forms of garden plants, it also increases the soil’s water-holding capacity – that means you won’t have to keep on watering your plant from time to time.

Another advantage of using cow manure is that it improves ventilation for your plants. Composting cow manure will also promote the growth of good bacteria in the soil. Good bacteria hasten the absorption of nutrients by breaking the aforementioned down into simpler forms.

Lastly, it’s also environmentally friendly, in a way that produces a small number of greenhouse gases.

Disadvantages of Cow Manure

Manure or waste may be beneficial for the soil, but it’s also considered a breeding site for bacteria like Escherichia coli, a pathogenic type of microbe. Aside from the presence of pathogenic bacteria in fresh cow manure, it also has a high concentration of ammonia that’s harmful to your plants.

To eradicate these problems, composting in the right way cow manure will kill most of the pathogens. Follow the steps mentioned here to reduce the risk of foodborne pathogens in your vegetable gardens.

You can buy these mushroom and manure compost on Amazon:
- Espoma GM25 Organic 3-2-3 Chicken Manure- it is made in the United States and it is suitable for organic gardening.
- Michigan Peat Garden Magic Compost and Manure- a balanced blend of organic peat moss and composted animal manure, it is ideal for improving a wide range of planting soils.
- Mushroom Compost Organic Brands- this media contained wheat straw, fibrous peat, gypsum, dolomite, crushed feathers, cottonseed meal, peanut meal, and more.
Michigan Peat 5240 Garden Magic Compost and Manure

Check Price on Amazon

Mushroom Compost vs Cow Manure?

Conclusively, both products are excellent sources of nutrients for your soil. Soil applied to either of these products end up producing healthy plants. However, between both processes, going for mushroom compost is a better option due to its less tedious process.

Albeit, you can still opt for composting cow manure to completely enjoy its benefits for your plants. In the end, choosing based on availability and cost plays a major role on your part.

Read about Plants that Don’t Like Mushroom Compost

Does Garden Soil Have Manure?

Your garden soil may contain manure. However, this is not commonly found in the ground unless previously added. Many gardeners prefer using other types of fertilizers and organic matter to improve their soil quality.

How Do You Make Mushroom Compost With Soil?

You can make mushroom compost with soil by using the following ingredients:
- 35 – 40% soil
- 35 – 40% straw
- 35 – 40% animal manure (preferably horse)
- Water
Instructions:
1. Use a pitchfork or shovel to mix the straw and manure in a wheelbarrow or other large container.
2. Add a layer of soil, and mix it well.
3. Moisten the mixture but ensure it is not soggy.
4. Spread the mixture out evenly in a flat layer on the ground.
5. Keep the mixture moist as it begins to break down and decompose.
Note: The manure provides the fungi with the nutrients they need to grow. The soil provides structure to the compost and serves as a bacteria and microorganism source to help break down the organic matter.

Over time, the compost will become a rich, dark brown material. This will make it the perfect environment for growing mushrooms.

What is The pH of Mushroom Compost?

The pH of mushroom compost varies. It is influenced by the ingredients used to make it and the stage of decomposition it is in. Generally, mushroom compost tends to have a slightly acidic pH. This can range from 6.0 to 7.0. Most mushrooms prefer this range.

What Vegetables Like Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Many vegetables can benefit when growing in this. Some may even prefer it and yield better results! If you have mushroom compost, you can use it to grow:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Squash
- Cucumbers
- Beans
Mushroom compost makes a great addition to most food gardens. However, if you’re growing berries, it’s best to plant them elsewhere.

What Flowers Like Mushroom Compost?

Almost any type of flower can benefit from mushroom compost. Most types contain phosphate, potash, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Plants that enjoy these nutrients include roses, lilies, marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers.

Plants that don’t like mushroom compost prefer less acidic soil. If you have azaleas, gardenias, ferns, or zinnias, it’s best to keep your mushroom compost away.

What Do Mushrooms in Soil Mean?

If you see mushrooms popping up, it means there’s an underlying fungal network present in your soil. This network is called mycelium, and it appears when soil conditions are optimal for fungi reproduction.

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of mycelium. If your soil is moist and warm, and there is a source of organic matter for fungi to feed on, you’ll likely see them. Fungi play an essential role in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. If you have mushrooms in your garden, it can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

What Edible Mushrooms Grow on Manure?

Eating the wrong mushroom can be fatal. If you see mushrooms growing in your garden, you need to be sure they’re edible before you take a bite. Many edible mushrooms grow on manure, so you’re in luck if you want to start producing your own. You can try growing shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms on a mixture of straw and animal manure.

If you’re after more flavor and texture, you can grow morels or chanterelles. These grow in manure too. Mushrooms can grow in various environments and climates. You can use more than manure if you want to explore other growing substrates.

Conclusion

Having plants in your home provides excellent vibrancy in the surroundings than overly decorating your house with unnecessary objects. To produce healthy-looking plants, mixing your soil with mushroom compost or cow manure is one of the ideal steps to consider. Both materials enrich your plant with enough nutrients to keep your plants healthy and increase water-holding capacity.

Both mushroom compost vs cow manure has their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it’s all up to you what to choose based on the availability and budget.

FAQ’s

Where to buy mushroom compost?

If you don’t have space for composting or if your mushroom compost is not fully done, buying is a great option. So where do you buy mushroom compost? You can buy mushroom compost from all local home and garden stores.

You can as well buy mushroom compost online.

Can you put fresh cow manure in your garden?

There are lots of benefits to applying cow manure in your garden. However, putting fresh cow manure in your garden is not advisable. Now some fresh manure can have some bad bacteria (e.g. E. coli) which can cause harm to humans when you consume the resulting plant. Bacteria that can be detrimental to your plants can be introduced by applying fresh cow manure.

Also, weed seeds can be introduced to your garden because the digestive tract of a cow cannot break down seeds. Therefore, fresh cow manure can contain weed seeds capable of invading your garden.

Raw cow manure is well comprised of a high amount of ammonium, nitrogen, and salts and these can burn your plants.

This is why we recommend you hot compost your fresh cow manure before applying them in your garden. This way, harmful bacteria, and seed weeds neutralize too much nitrogen, ammonium, and salt. Therefore, your compost manure pile will produce healthy and safe plants.

We suggest you compost your fresh cow manure for a minimum of 15 days at a regular temperature of 131 Fahrenheit. Also, turn your compost constantly so all the manure attains the right temperatures.

What is the best compost for vegetable gardens? Mushroom compost or cow manure

In regards to fertilizing your vegetable table, there are usually numerous options. The best out of these numerous options are compost and manure. Nevertheless, between mushroom compost and cow manure you might be wondering which is better.

Our recommendation for the best compost for vegetable gardens is mushroom compost. Both mushrooms and cow manure are great. But cow manure is usually not recommended for edible crops such as vegetables as there is the chance of disease transmission to humans e.g. E. coli.

However, if you must use cow manure, hot compost them well. Also, apply them to your soil at least 3 or 4 months before you plant vegetable gardens.

What is mushroom compost not good for?

Mushroom compost is not good for fruit crops that need an acidic medium. This is because most finished compost is neutral. It is also not suitable for lawn top-dresser only if the soil is already acidic.

Mushroom compost is as well not suitable to be used as potting mix components.

Can too much compost hurt plants?

Even though compost is a slow-releasing nutrient, too much compost can be detrimental to your soil as well as your plants. It can suffocate and even kill your plants.

Take for example nitrogen and phosphorous. They are some of the components in compost. Nitrogen is assimilated fast and rain can easily wash them away. Also, nitrogen is easily converted to N2 and N2O gases that escape through the air.

However, phosphorous are assimilated gradually. It can’t be easily washed away by rain or converted. Therefore, excess phosphorous build up in the soil where it can reach a toxic level.

Josephine Brown
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
October 26, 2019
Is Mushroom Compost Good for a Vegetable Garden?
In my ongoing quest for that “perfect vegetable garden”, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to improve my little patch of heaven. As it turns out, all vegetable gardens benefit from lots of compost and organic matter.

Compost adds nutrient-rich humus to the garden and encourages the growth of worms, beneficial bacteria, and other organisms that maintain the well-being of your garden soil. Compost added to soil is useful in retaining a healthy moisture level and breaking down clay-like deposits that may develop over time.

That being said, I have to confess: I detest the smell of compost! I have used it before and despite my best efforts, I haven’t been able to manage the odor. Fortunately, a reader suggested that I try mushroom compost as an alternative.

But what exactly is mushroom compost? How do you use it, and more importantly, is mushroom compost good for a vegetable garden?

Is Mushroom Compost Good for a Vegetable Garden?

I’ve been using 10 Pounds Sterilized Compost Mushroom Substrate which had the highest rating on Amazon and also had the greatest number of reviews at the time. Having purchased several bags, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

Mushroom compost slowly releases nutrients into the soil and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, fungus, and other micro-organisms. It also prevents the occurrence of little nasties such as pests, weeds, or viruses.

Apart from that, mushroom compost also locks moisture into the soil, making it resistant to crusting and compaction. Rain is absorbed more readily; this, in turn, encourages worms that enrich the soil further. Water runs more freely too – no more drowned or waterlogged roots!

Ultimately, mushroom compost is perfect for nearly all flowering plants, vegetables, herbs, trees (especially fruit trees), shrubs, and even lawns. Vegetable crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts are happiest in the non-acidic environment that mushroom compost brings to the soil. Potato crops also thrive due to increased moisture.

Since mushroom compost is rich in calcium, you won’t encounter the blossom-end rot which plagues a lot of tomato growers. I planned on making some compost tea to prevent leaf mold, but according to one source, the use of mushroom compost tea is dubious at best and may even be harmful.

On a side note, I think that mushroom compost looks great with its rich, dark brown colors that speak of a healthy-looking garden.

Most importantly, mushroom compost doesn’t smell bad at all! It’s also relatively cheap compared to other traditional composts I found on the market.

What is Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost doesn’t contain mushrooms, even though its name suggests otherwise. Its actually the substrate left over after the process of producing mushrooms on an industrial scale.

You’ll find that mushroom compost “recipes” vary greatly and may include chopped straw, peat moss, poultry manure, cocoa shells, cottonseed or canola meal, gypsum, potash, lime, and urea. The mixture is left for a month to allow heat and bacteria to build up, eliminating traces of weeds or other pathogens.

The resulting mushroom substrate is first steam-sterilized then inoculated with edible commercial mushrooms. After a few rounds of harvesting, the bed is deemed “used up” for mushroom production and sold as compost.

Here’s an interesting video that demonstrates how Northway Mushrooms creates mushroom compost on an industrial level.

Potential Problems of Using Mushroom Compost

While you might find using mushroom compost to be useful, there are a few things you should know first. Some plants like fruit bushes and certain flowers like magnolia, heathers, and camellia are incompatible with the alkaline properties of mushroom compost and prefer a more acidic environment.

Fresh mushroom compost is rich in soluble salts that need to be leached out or cured before use. Excessive salt levels can harm germinating seeds and kill salt-sensitive plants such as rhododendrons, blueberries, and azaleas. Nutrient levels are low, however, relative to other forms of packaged garden manure, with most of the available nitrogen depleted by the mushrooms that previously used the compost.

Mushroom compost may contain large amounts of chalk which you should remove to prevent an accumulation of chalky deposits in the soil. Chalk deprives the soil of nutrients and may lead to a reduction in flowering or fruiting, a yellowing of foliage, and overall stunted plant development.

Also, mushroom farmers may use chemical fertilizers or employ products such as cyromazine, diflubenzuron, methoprene, Dimlin, and Diazanon to control fungus gnats and flies. They may also use chemicals such as thiabendazole, chlorothalonil, and benomyl for fungal infections. These chemicals may find their way into commercial mushroom composts; always check with your supplier!

How is Mushroom Compost Used?

You can apply the compost evenly and uniformly from one to three-inch thickness; this was tilled into the existing soil prior to seeding and planting. For established plants, it’s best to use approximately five to six inches around the base, avoiding any bark to prevent rotting.

As mentioned, fresh mushroom compost can have concentrated levels of soluble salts that can be harmful to certain plants, notably germinating seeds, seedlings, and members of the heath family. To counter this, make sure you mix it with garden soil (25-50% is recommended). You can also allow some mushroom compost to sit uncovered to “cure” over a few months before use.

I also had success in using mushroom compost as a mulch which was great in controlling weeds and helping my garden soil retain its moisture during dry periods.

FAQ’s

Can you grow vegetables in mushroom compost?

Yes, you can grow vegetables in mushroom compost. If you use a compost that has been specifically designed for vegetable gardens, you will get a good yield of healthy produce. You can grow vegetables with little to no care or maintenance. As long as you have enough water, your plants will do just fine.

It is a very simple process. You will need a small amount of mushroom compost, some well-rotted manure and some fertilizer. Why Grow Vegetables in Mushroom Compost? The answer is simple. Mushroom compost contains essential nutrients that plants need to grow properly. It is also extremely rich in nitrogen, which helps plants develop strong roots. This means that your plants will have a healthier root system, which will help them absorb more water and nutrients from the soil.

Is mushroom compost good for tomatoes?

Yes, it is. Tomatoes are a common crop in many gardens, and it is essential to have compost or mulch around the base of your plants to help protect them from slugs, snails and other pests. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the use of compost in a garden. There are times when compost will help to boost growth, and others when it is best to leave it out of the mix.

Tomatoes like a pH of between 6 and so the soil should be well-manured and have a pH of around before planting. A pH of around is too low for tomatoes, but if you have high levels of nutrients in your soil then this won’t be an issue. The main problem with using compost is that it tends to dry out the soil, and this can lead to root rot if not done properly.

Is mushroom compost better than regular compost?

Yes, it’s better! If you’re wondering why your plants are getting bigger and healthier after you add compost, that’s because compost is basically fertilizer. The nutrients in the compost are what’s providing the energy for the plant to grow.

So what makes mushroom compost so special? Well, mushrooms have a different life cycle than other plants do. They don’t produce seeds or flowers. Instead, they reproduce by sending out spores, or seeds. In nature, these spores are carried on the wind. In order for a mushroom to grow, it needs to find a host, or living organism, that will feed on the mushroom’s spores.

When you add mushroom compost to your garden, the spores will be attracted to the compost because it smells like food. Once they are near the compost, they will find their way to the surface of the compost and start growing. The mushrooms will continue to grow until they can reach the air. Then, they will release their spores into the air, and the cycle starts all over again. Mushrooms are amazing organisms that can help you with several things. They help break down organic matter and add nutrients to your soil. They also help attract beneficial insects to your garden, including ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings. They provide food for your animals, and they also keep your soil healthy and free of pests. You may be wondering what makes mushroom compost different from regular compost. There’s a couple of differences. One is that it has a higher nitrogen content than normal compost does.

It also has a higher water content. These two differences make it a much more efficient way to feed your plants. One thing that you should be aware of when you’re using mushroom compost is that the mushrooms will need to be cleaned before they’re used in the garden. Once they’ve been harvested, you’ll have to clean them. You’ll need to wash them well, because they can carry diseases that can affect your plants. However, once you’ve washed them, they’ll be safe to use.

Conclusion

I can wholeheartedly recommend mushroom compost for vegetable gardens. However, you just have to keep these pointers in mind:
- Don’t use mushroom compost with plants that prefer acidic soil
- Mix mushroom compost with garden soil
- Buy only from trusted suppliers; avoid unwanted chemicals and by-products!
The results I had from 10 Pounds Sterilized Compost Mushroom Substrate were extremely satisfying. I have a noticeable decrease in watering expenses, and most importantly, my plants and vegetables are all happy and healthy.

Please comment below and let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. My take is that if you are interested in improving the state of your vegetable garden, consider adding mushroom compost to your soil. Your garden will thank you for it!

Josephine Brown

Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
October 25, 2019
How to Compost Horse Manure Fast?
Composting is a great way to recycle waste. It doesn’t matter if it is kitchen waste or animal poo, you certainly can use it for the betterment of your garden plant.

Horse manure is a rich source of nutrients for your garden soil. Its slow releasing properties makes it great for fixing the nutrient deficiency in any soil.

The problem most gardeners face is knowing how to compost horse manure fast. It is unsafe to use fresh horse manure on your soil; you have to compost it first, this should not be difficult once you have access to all the primary material, which is horse dung.

How to Compost Horse Manure Fast?

There are different methods you can try when composting horse manure. It doesn’t matter which method you choose provided you get the required result, which is rich humus.

You can choose either to use a hot or cold compost method for your horse manure.

Hot Composting

In hot composting, microbial activity is heightened by using specific equipment to speed up the process. When done properly, hot composting is one of the quickest methods to recycle waste.

You will need to occasionally turn the compost materials to speed up the decomposition.

You should choose the right size of the compost bin, and be ready to dedicate time and energy to your compost. Depending on precipitation and air temperature, it can take less than 3 weeks to prepare hot composting.

Cold Composting

Another composting method to try is cold composting. It is the direct opposite of hot composting. Here, you are not required to turn the compost pile as often as you would. It is the simplest method of composting, and best for lazy gardeners.

The fact that you do not need to create heat within the compost pile means that you will have to wait a while for your compost to be ready.

Steps to Compost Horse Manure
- Pick a Good Location
The first step you need to harvest your compost quickly is to use select the right site. The right spot should be high ground so your compost pile doesn’t get wet. If you own horses, the site should be close to the stable, so you can get easy access to manure.

If you intend to create a storage system such as wooden bins, you should site it in an area that isn’t waterlogged.
- A Bin or Pile System
You should also choose a suitable system that you are familiar with; you can choose between a bin or pile system for effective composting. A bin system is best if you love to keep your compost area neat. You can also choose to pile the materials on top of each other near your garden.

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If you want to monitor the different stages of your compost, you should use up to three bins or piles. The first one should house the manure and fresh waste material. The second one should be set aside for temperature regulation and turning compost, while the last one should be for the curing or finishing stage.
- Use Carbon-rich Materials
To get your compost ready in no time, you will need to make use of carbon-rich materials in addition to your horse manure. Some examples of such materials include sawdust, dried leaves, sticks, paper, cardboard, and pine needles. To avoid anaerobic decomposition, you should mix the materials and horse manure so as microbial activity can begin quickly.
- Cover the Pile
It doesn’t matter if you decide to use a bin or pile system, you should ensure that the compost pile remains covered at all times. By so doing, you keep the heat trapped inside the bin which helps to speed up decomposition. You can do this by placing a tray over the compost pile, but you want to ensure that you use a cover that can withstand the elements.
- Keep it Airy
One of the secrets on how to compost horse manure fast is to keep the compost airy. You can do this by any means necessary, but the easiest way will be to turn the materials daily. You can also drill holes or construct chimney-like plumbing for airflow.
- Turn the Compost
This is where most gardeners throw in the towel. They find the job of having to devote time daily to turning the compost pile to be quite stressful.

The only way microbial activity will take place is by keeping the compost airy and moist. If you find it to be messy, you can use the right gear to make it more comfortable. Wear protective gloves, nose mask, and use a long garden fork to turn the pile, so you don’t come in contact with the materials.

When turning the compost, endeavor to mix the ingredients properly especially if you want it to be ready quickly.
- Keep it Moist
You want o keep your compost pile moist if you want speedy decomposition. It is difficult to compost dry materials, so in addition to keeping the compost pile warm, you want to add in some moisture. Be careful not to add too much water and instead keep it moist like a sponge.
- Give it Time
You should understand that it can take between 3 and 6 months for your compost to be ready, so you want to give it time and not be looking for results after a few days.

FAQ’s

What makes horse manure different from other types?

Composting horse manure is not as simple as composting other types of manure. The manure needs to be broken down into smaller pieces and mixed with a high-nitrogen substance such as peat or sawdust.

How do you speed up horse manure compost?

There is a lot of information out there, but here are the main things I’ve learned. The more air that is available to the compost, the faster it will heat and break down. If you have a lot of manure, then you’ll have to add more manure to make up for the extra moisture.

The main thing that slows down your pile is lack of water. If you have a thick, dense pile of manure it will need a lot of water to keep it from drying out.

It also needs to be turned over frequently to prevent the manure from becoming too wet and anaerobic. The best time to turn the pile is after the first rain of the year and before any more rain. This will give the pile time to dry out and not become too wet.

Once the manure has been turned, you need to make sure it is kept dry for the first few weeks. If the manure is allowed to get too wet, the aerobic bacteria needed to break down the manure may be killed off. This can cause the manure to become anaerobic and start to smell.

How long does fresh horse manure take to compost?

It might be a bit more or less depending on the size of the bags and how much you turn. It takes about 2 months, depending on the weather. In cooler climates, it will take longer.

What is the fastest way to break down horse manure?

There are a number of ways to do this, but the easiest and quickest would be to just mix it with some hot water. Depending on how much manure you have and how much hot water you have available, you can either use a big bucket or a large stockpot. If you have access to a hose, it’s really not too difficult to run it through a hose and into your stockpot.

The very fastest way is to use a commercial product called “Nutri-Tuff”. It’s a proprietary blend of enzymes that are effective at breaking down manure. It has no effect on the odor, but it does make the manure easier to spread and easier to handle.

Conclusion

You should keep a close eye on your bins and piles, and check for signs that your compost is not right. You can also reduce the smell of your compost bin by keeping it airy.

If you don’t have horses, you should check with a nearby stable to source for fresh manure. You can decide also to buy organic horse manure to use in your garden, but you should double-check that it does not contain any chemical contaminants.

You have the option of purchasing a compost tumbler that automatically turns the compost pile, so you don’t have to deal with the mess.

Have you tried composting horse manure before? How quickly was the compost pile ready? We will like to hear from you in the comment section.

Josephine Brown

Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
October 24, 2019
Guiltless Gardening: How Much Gypsum Can You Add To Soil?
Wondering how much gypsum can you add to soil? Most farmers and gardeners resort to using gypsum to salvage Alkali soils. Aside from it, home gardeners also faced hardpan types of soil or clay soil which is not suitable for plant growth. Gypsum for soil remedies this problem by breaking down compacted soil to allow good drainage and nutrient absorption, essential in plant growth.

However, applying too much gypsum in the soil may also mean eliminating essential nutrients from the soil such as aluminum, iron, and manganese. Removal of these nutrients may lead to poor plant growth. Therefore, it is vital to exactly know how much gypsum to add to the soil.

What is Gypsum?

Before we go into the details as to how much gypsum can you add to the soil, let’s first discuss what is gypsum. Gypsum (CaSO4.2H20) is an evaporated naturally occurring mineral that is one of the excellent sources of calcium — an important nutrient for plant growth. It also works as a balancing element for soils and plants. It protects the soil from a nutrient deficiency or excess caused by heavy metal contamination and pH levels.

How Does Gypsum Help in Plant and Soil Health?

Here are some of the benefits of using gypsum for our garden:

1. It is a Good Source of Sulfur and Calcium.

Gypsum is a good source of calcium and sulfur which is essential for improved plant growth. As time passes, plants are having less amount of sulfur which is essential in plant nutrition and enhancing crop harvest. Even if the soil is not giving enough of it, thus applying gypsum will boost the amount of sulfur in the soil to provide to the plants. Calcium also helps speed up root growth thus allowing more nutrients to be absorbed by the plants.

2. Improves the Structure of the Soil

The calcium in Gypsum improves flocculation or soil aggregation. Flocculation is vital to allow water and air movement and root growth in the soil.

3. Reduce Aluminum Toxicity

Gypsum helps treat aluminum toxicity which often goes together with soil acidity in subsoils. With this, it allows deeper rooting of plants that proves to be beneficial to the crops.

4. Enhances Water Access

Applying gypsum in the soil enhances the water permeation of the soil due to swelling clay and increased amounts of sodium, thus allowing water to have access and move in the soil making our crops go well. This also improves the chance of the crops surviving drought as it improves the structural properties of the soil that allows the positive soil-water relations to take place.

Read more about how to choose the Best Organic Weed and Feed Fertilizer for Your Garden

Can it Cause Harm to Plants and Soil as Well?

With incorrect use, gypsum can also cause damage to our gardens. It can wash out manganese, iron, and aluminum from the soil. The removal of these elements may contaminate the watershed areas and will have a detrimental effect on the growth of plants.

Is it Necessary to Apply Gypsum?

Before you choose to apply gypsum in your garden, a soil analysis must be done to determine if it is really necessary to apply gypsum to your soil. Also, you must consider the type of soil you have in your garden. For instance, those living in coastal areas might need to apply gypsum to reduce the salt levels of their soil while those who have sandy soils must not do so to avoid excess calcium accumulation. Furthermore, in places where there are already low levels of sodium, applying gypsum may also deprive the soil of salt.

How Much Gypsum to Add to Soil?

As aforementioned, it is important to know how much gypsum can you add to your soil to avoid over-application which may cause detrimental effects on our soils and plants. For home gardeners like me, spread 40 pounds of granular grade gypsum per one thousand square feet of soil. One application will be sufficient for three years, and it can be applied at any time of the year. No worries, as gypsum is neutral and not toxic to animals and humans.

If you are planning to plant vegetables, shrubs, and flowers, then mix well 20 to 30 pounds of gypsum per thousand square feet into the soil and water.

If you plan to apply gypsum in the presence of plantings, then a rate of 40 pounds per one thousand square feet should be used. Just spread the gypsum on the soil beds, and simply water it, no need to mix it into the soil. Same with home gardening, a single application will be enough for three years.

The rate of gypsum would also vary especially if there are high levels of sodium and magnesium in the soil that may cause scattering of the clay particles. You can ask for assistance to know the proper rate for such soils.

Just remember to apply gypsum as instructed on the label, watch the next video to learn how to apply gypsum to the soil.

Will Gypsum Work Immediately after Application?

Numerous factors will affect the effectiveness of gypsum in your soil one of which is the sodium levels in the soil, but the effects of gypsum will not eventually take place right after application. However, you will see a marked improvement in your soil with every growing season. Don’t expect that soils will be restored with just one application.

As soon as the calcium levels reach the optimum level of 75% base saturation, the structure of your soil will show great improvement, the development of your roots will speed up, and crop yields will increase.

Check these brands of gypsum for your soil:
- Greenway Biotech– Gypsum Powder with Calcium Sulfate, is 100% water-soluble, improves soil drainage, and increases earthworms in the soil.
- Down to Earth– Organic Garden Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate), is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production and Registered Organic Input Material (CDFA).
- Espoma-GG6 Garden Gypsum Fertilizer, pelletized for easy application, helps cure turf burns from ice melters and pets and is suitable for organic gardening.
Espoma GG6 Garden Gypsum Fertilizer

Check Price on Amazon

Is Gypsum Clay?

Gypsum is not clay. It is more commonly known as calcium sulfate and occurs naturally. Clay, on the other hand, is made from silica, alumina, and magnesia. It’s soft and loose.

Where to Buy Granulated Gypsum Soil Conditioner?

You can buy granulated Gypsum to condition your soil at many plant nurseries. Stores specializing in agricultural goods and online outlets will likely stock it too. I suggest contacting the places you think are likely to sell it for price comparisons. You can then check online to see which route works best for you.

How to Lower The pH in Soil with Gypsum?

You can’t lower your soil pH with Gypsum. This mineral can only add calcium to your soil. However, if you have acidic soil, Gypsum can help your plants. It can encourage root development to ensure crops have an easier time growing in this soil type.

Can You Use Garden Gypsum for Mushrooms?

Agricultural Gypsum does wonders for mushrooms! It’s an excellent soil amendment if you want to increase your yield. You can use granulated or pelletized Gypsum. I suggest using Gypsum for every stage of mushroom cultivation.

Can Gypsum Kill Grass?

Gypsum has successfully been used as a soil amendment for lawns. If your soil contains clay or sodium, Gypsum can improve its quality.

You can use Gypsum to reduce compaction, increase air circulation, and reduce drainage speed. If your soil contains sodium, Gypsum will help lawn roots grow healthier by ensuring moisture is kept in the ground.

I suggest testing your soil before adding Gypsum. A pH test will help you understand what is already in your lawn soil so you don’t add too much Gypsum. Overusing this mineral can kill your lawn.

How Do I Know If My Lawn Needs Gypsum?

If your lawn needs Gypsum, you’ll see signs of salt damage or calcium deficiency. Grass grown in soil with high sodium levels can appear yellow and have burned spots. Without treatment, it will discolor to brown and then black. If your soil needs calcium, your lawn will have weak or stunted growth.

Can You Put Gypsum and Grass Seed Down at The Same Time?

You can sow grass seed directly after applying Gypsum. However, if you have clay soil, giving the Gypsum time to work would be best.

Gypsum can take up to three months to break up clay soil. It’s a slow process, but the results are worth the wait! This mineral changes the soil structure. If you give it the time it needs, your soil will be left more fertile than before.

Grass seeds need loamy soil to thrive. Loam soil drains well and is loose enough for grass roots to grow freely. It should also contain minerals and organic matter. Gypsum can make clay soil absorbent while ensuring it drains fast enough to prevent water buildup and root rot. The calcium it adds will also keep grassroots healthy.

If you have heavy clay soil, the grass seeds won’t benefit when sown at the same time as Gypsum.

How Much Gypsum To Add To Clay Soil

The amount of gypsum to add to clay soil depends on the specific soil conditions and desired outcome. Generally, you should do a soil test before adding it.

A standard recommendation is 10-20 pounds of gypsum per 100 square feet of soil. Two or three handfuls per square meter should be enough if you use powdered gypsum. You should work the gypsum to a depth of 6-12 inches into the soil.

How Long Does Gypsum Take To Work

Gypsum typically takes several months to show results in improving soil structure. The exact time frame will depend on several factors, including soil type, climate conditions, and the application method.

You should apply gypsum in the fall and give it time to work through the winter. This will ensure the soil is ready for planting in the spring. Gypsum needs time to break down before it can work.

The Risks of Adding Too Much Gypsum In Soil

Applying too much gypsum to soil can have negative impacts on plant growth. Some potential consequences of excessive amounts of gypsum include:

Salt Buildup: Gypsum is a source of salt, and high levels of salt in soil can be toxic to plants.

Altered Soil pH: Gypsum can have a liming effect on soil. This can increase pH levels, making it more alkaline. This can be harmful to plants that prefer more acidic soil.

Reduced Nutrient Availability: Excessive gypsum application can tie up essential nutrients, like iron, making them less available to plants.

Poor Root Development: High salt levels in soil can damage plant roots, leading to poor root development and reduced plant health.

It’s important to follow recommended application rates for gypsum. Knowing how much gypsum to add to the soil and having the soil tested regularly to monitor changes in soil chemistry and nutrient availability is important if you want to find the perfect balance.

How Much Gypsum To Add To Lawn

Adding gypsum to lawns is not straightforward. A common recommendation is to apply 40-50 pounds per 1,000 square feet of soil.

Established Lawn: Use about 10 pounds of gypsum per 150 square feet of soil.

New Lawns: Use 10 pounds of gypsum per 100 square feet of soil.

You should add gypsum in the spring and the fall. It’s important that you evenly distribute the gypsum and water it thoroughly after application.

Doing a soil test before adding gypsum is also recommended. This will help you determine the nutrient and pH levels to ensure you apply the right amount of gypsum.

What You Need to Know About Gypsum pH Levels

Gypsum is a neutral salt with a pH of about 6.7. This is close to the neutral pH of 7.2-7.4 for most soils.

The pH of gypsum does not significantly impact soil pH. It has very low solubility in water and does not contribute significantly to soil acidity or alkalinity.

Gypsum works best when added to soils with high clay content. It can improve soil structure and enhance root growth. While it does not change the soil pH, it can help improve drainage, reduce soil compaction, and increase nutrient uptake by plants.

If you need to raise the pH of your soil, use limestone. Gypsum should not be used for this purpose but only as a fertilizer supplement to improve calcium and sulfate levels.

Conclusion – How Much Gypsum Can You Add To Soil

Gypsum has been widely used to salvage alkali soils and improve soil structure. It only takes one application in three years, but it doesn’t show promising results right there and then. It takes several growing seasons to regain back the soil. However, studies have revealed that adding gypsum to soils didn’t show any effect on the pH, fertility, and permanent structure of the soil, yet you can still benefit from it if you have compacted soils or soils with calcium deficits or high levels of sodium. Before you consider applying gypsum as a soil remedy, a soil analysis must be conducted first.

If you have further questions about the topic, don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a comment below.

FAQ’s

How do you add gypsum to the soil?

To add gypsum to the soil in a small area, you can use a shovel to work the soil. If it’s a large area, make use of a fertilizer or broadcast spreader. To an existing lawn or garden, position the garden spreader or a lawn spreader at the rate of 4 pounds to 100 square feet and spread gypsum evenly over the soil. As for bare or unplanted soil, use 2 to 3 pounds of gypsum per 100 square feet.

In addition, apply compost or organic mulch such as pine straws, leaves, etc, and mix with the gypsum while working it into the soil. Sprinkle some water on your lawn or garden to water the gypsum into the soil.

An important note before adding gypsum to the soil is to always know your soil status. Always do soil testing.

How long does gypsum take to break up clay?

After you must have taken and watered in 2 or 3 handfuls per square meter of gypsum into your soil, the duration which gypsum can take to break up clay soil can take months. Therefore, it can take a long time before you can get its full effect.

Are gypsum and Lime the same thing?

Both gypsum and lime are helpful soil amendments and can be used as calcium fertilizer suppliers. However, they serve a different purposes so they are not the same thing.

Lime can be used to elevate soil pH as it is more alkaline. On the other hand, gypsum can’t be used to increase soil pH therefore it is neutral and does not have any effect on soil pH. Gypsum is also a lot more soluble than lime. Gypsum as well as a great element applied to lawns that are close to arid or salty regions to stay protected from excess salt during winter.

The lime compound can consist of oxide, carbonate, or hydroxide of calcium, while gypsum consists of calcium sulfate.

Also, gypsum and lime can both increase water porosity. But water porosity decreases with lime as pH increases: whereas with gypsum, water porosity can be improved at any pH.

How much gypsum can you add to soil of potted plants?

The amount of gypsum to add to your potted plants should be about 2 or 3 handfuls.

If your soil lacks calcium, mix 2 or 3 handfuls of calcium in a gallon of water and add one or two cups to your plant.

When should you put Gypsum on your lawn?

Usually, a lot of repair work done on lawns should be done in fall or spring and summer should be for maintenance and care of your lawn.

However, if you reside in the salty regions (coastal and arid regions), around winter, salt can accumulate around melted ice. This can give your lawn some undesirable yellow or brown patches which can damage your lawn.

Therefore, we recommend you apply gypsum in late fall so that your lawn will journey beautifully in and out of winter. So if your area is a salty region, gypsum will protect your lawn by leaching the salts down the roots where they cannot harm your lawn.

Josephine Brown
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
October 23, 2019
The Wonders of the Neem Oil Soil Drench Recipe
Every gardener faces the dilemma of pests lurking in their garden. While some of these insects are beneficial insects in the garden, others cause a headache for gardeners. Using the natural approach in getting rid of pests is not only economical but it is more effective and much safer, especially for the end-users, the consumers. One of the most common ways to eradicate pests naturally is by using neem oil soil drenches.

There are different ways how to control pests in your garden. Some would choose the easiest way by using chemical pesticides to eradicate them, but most farmers would prefer the more natural way.

As a small-time gardener, I am inclined to know more about how to use neem oil on plants, and applying neem oil as an insecticide to the soil. Read along as we explore this topic.

What is Neem Oil?

Neem oil is produced from neem seeds from the Azadirachta Indica tree, which is usually cultivated in Southeast Asia. Neem trees contain Azadirachtin, a compound that works as a growth inhibitor and appetite suppressor. Once consumed by pests, it causes them to starve and eventually die. In addition, the compound also inhibits the hormonal system of insects, preventing them from reproducing.

What are the Uses of Neem Oil?

Neem oil gives a lot of beneficial effects including skin and hair care, joint stiffness, pain, wound healing, and so on. However, we’ll just focus on its valuable effects on plants. These are:
- An Organic Way of Eradicating Pests
This is the most common and effective way gardeners and farmers use to eradicate unwanted pests in their gardens and farms. It can either be used as a spray, neem cake, or soil drench. If used as a soil drench, then it will act as a systemic pesticide. It will not affect beneficial insects like bees or ladybugs because they will not eat the leaves treated with neem oil. Azadirachtin will be absorbed and distributed throughout the treated plant. Once the pests ingest any part of the treated plant, they will also take in the Azadirachtin compound.
- It Works as a Fertilizer
Neem cake, which is composed of the de-oiled residue from neem kernels, acts as a soil amendment for gardens. The oil will also improve the efficacy of other fertilizers by inhibiting nitrification. Neem oil root drench can protect the plant’s roots and prevents root rot.
- It Works as a Bactericide
It prevents fire blight, a bacterial disease that makes plants appear wilt like they have been burned. To use neem oil in this case, spray it on trees when it is still in its dormant stage.
- It is a Fungicide
Neem oil is also effective in killing fungi in plants. Spray the plants once a week with neem oil to kill the fungi then spray it every two weeks to stop them from coming back.
- It Protects Your Crops
Aside from pesticide and insecticide effects, neem oil will also protect your garden from pests’ infestation. It keeps these unwanted foes from lurking again in your garden. Furthermore, insects will not be resistant to neem oil, meaning you can use it again and again either as a pesticide or as protection. It helps to control aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, thrips, various kinds of beetles, horn flies, whiteflies, and many more.
- It Keeps Mosquitoes Away
The neem oil extract can be applied to your skin to keep mosquitoes away but to be sure, try to apply a small amount of oil in your body first to see if you are sensitive to it.

Learn How To Mix Neem Oil For Plants And Its Application Process

Why Should you Use the Neem Oil Soil Drench Recipe?

Neem oil as a soil drench is the most effective and healthiest way to use it. Here are the reasons:
- Systematic Insecticide
As aforementioned, when you use neem oil insecticide on your soil, it works as a systemic insecticide which means that the neem oil will be absorbed by the plant roots and will be distributed throughout the plant. Once pests ingest any part of the treated plant, that fellow will face the detrimental effects of the neem oil.
- Protects from Fungi and Bacteria
Also, neem oil will protect the plant against fungal and bacterial contamination because of the compound Azadirachtin.
- Treat Root Rots
Neem oil that is drenched in the soil will also help treat root rots naturally.
- Eradicates Harmful Organisms while Keeping the Beneficial Ones
Aside from that, it eradicates nematodes and other harmful soil organisms but safeguards the beneficial earthworms.
- It Doesn’t give a Detrimental Effect on Consumers, Wildlife, Pets, etc.
There is a small possibility that it will negatively impact humans, pets, and other wildlife by using neem oil as a spray. However, using neem oil as a soil drench will eliminate the tiny possibility as the oil is absorbed by the plant.

How to Prepare and Use the Neem Oil Soil Drench Recipe?

To make the Neem oil soil drench recipe, here are the needed ingredients:
1. 1 quart of warm water
2. A teaspoon of cold-pressed Neem oil
3. Liquid dish soap
4. Container for your neem oil spray
Mix the ingredients well. We all know that water and oil will not go together, so the liquid dish soap will emulsify the two to stabilize the mixture. Choose a dish soap that is not harsh on plants. It is important to note that you have to prepare the solution in a warm place or use warm water because neem oil will solidify in cooler temperatures. Also, do take note that warm water should be used and not hot, boiling water as it may destroy Azadirachtin.

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How To Apply Neem Oil To Soil

Now, you already have with you a Neem oil spray recipe for your soil and plants. To use this as a drench, water the soil first. Then, saturate the mixture around the plant you want to treat. Use this once a week in your plants for pest control, and spray above and below the foliage. To keep these unwanted insects from lurking back in your plants, apply the recipe to drench your soil every two weeks.

Tips To Apply Neem Oil To Soil
- Test on a small part of the plant first, if there are no negative effects in 24 hours, treat the whole plant.
- Apply it outdoors at sunset and not in full sun to allow the oil to soak into the soil and plant.
- Look for 100% pure Neem oil to make this drench soil recipe.
- Store your neem oil spray out of direct light and avoid high temperatures.
More Products for Your Garden with Neem Oil
- Monterey – Insecticide for organic gardening with 70% Neem Oil
- Natria- Organic Plant Protection From Pests and Diseases, with 70% Neem Oil
Can You Mix Neem Oil With Copper Fungicide?

It is not recommended to mix neem oil with copper fungicide. These products are very different and how they’re used differs too.

Neem oil is a natural pesticide derived from neem tree seeds. You can use it to control various pests and diseases, including aphids, Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, mealybugs, nematodes, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. It’s also effective at killing fungal diseases like anthracnose, black spot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and scab.

Copper fungicide is a synthetic product. You can control fungal diseases like anthracnose, black spot, downy mildew, fire blight, powdery mildew, and rust.

Mixing neem oil and copper fungicide can reduce the effectiveness of both. It could also create harmful byproducts. Neem oil is best used to treat existing issues, while copper fungicide is best for prevention. I suggest using each separately. Remember to follow the label instructions to ensure satisfactory results.

Can Neem Oil Be Mixed With Fungicide?

You can mix neem oil and selected fungicides after establishing their compatibility. However, the practice is widely recommended.

If you want to try mixing neem oil with a fungicide, choose a dormant or delayed dormant spray. Test for compatibility by mixing a small amount at first. If the two products combine well without clumping, you can give them a go.

A better option, however, might be investing in a tripel-action product. Choose one that’s an insecticide, fungicide, and miticide in one.

Which Indoor Plants Don’t Like Neem Oil?

Not all plants like neem oil. Some may be sensitive and damaged if you treat them with neem oil or products containing them. It’s essential to research each plant carefully before using this insecticide/fungicide on it.

You should avoid spraying neem oil on indoor plants with delicate or wispy leaves. This includes the iron-cross begonia, peacock plant, prayer plant, nerve plant, ti plant, china doll, inch plant, fatsia, people, palms, purple passion, aralia, and ferns. These plants may be damaged if treated with neem oil, and it is best to avoid using the product on them or to consult a professional before doing so.

If growing herbs indoors, you should also avoid using neem oil on many of them. Herbs that don’t react favorably when neem oil is used on them include:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Dill
- Caraway
- Marjoram
- Cilantro
- Parsley
Conclusion

Using a neem oil soil drench recipe in the soil is one of the most efficient and beneficial ways of eradicating and keeping harmful pests in your garden. Aside from it, they also remove the tiny possibility of harmful effects on people, pets, and others.

Now that we are made aware of its beneficial effects and how easy it is to prepare and incorporate it into our soil, we can already start using it. May you have a healthier and pest-free garden from now on.

FAQ’s Neem Oil Soil Drench

What bugs does neem oil kill?

The organic neem oil pesticide kills or eliminates more than 200 species of bugs or insects. A couple of them are aphids, whiteflies, thrips, cabbage worms, gnats, roaches, termites, mites, scale, caterpillars, mealybugs, lice, leafhoppers, psyllids, etc.

However, note that neem oil insecticide will not kill bugs all bugs when sprayed alone. It will mostly kill bugs that eat the leaves of the plants you spray them with.

The special powerful organic ingredient azadirachtin can also repel and suffocate any harmful insect that feeds on your leaves. Therefore, beneficial insects like ladybugs are not harmed because they do not feed on leaves.

Neem oil will also halt any stage of the harmful insect. Be it eggs, larvae, or pupae thereby putting an end to the continuity of any harmful insects. They are as well effective in controlling nematodes and fungi disease issues.

What plants should you not use neem oil on?

Even though neem oil is usually used for a couple of crops such as fruits, herbs, ornamental plants, and vegetables: they are however not suitable for some plants. Neem oil should not be used on seedlings, or plants that have been recently transplanted.

Ideally, you should not use neem oil on plants that can be stressed. Spraying neem oil on some plant foliage may be harmful, they may burn their leaves.

Do I need to rinse off neem oil?

You do not necessarily need to rinse off neem oil. Neem oil when sprayed on plants will dry and when they dry they won’t smell bad if you are worried about the smell.

Even though neem oil is a purely organic insecticide, ensure you wash thoroughly water vegetables, and fruits sprayed with neem oil.

Always use neem oil when the sun is down to avoid leave burns. Also, use the right concentration mixture. If you probably made the mistake of spraying during a sunny day or used too much concentration, you can rinse it off so it won’t burn your leaves.

What if I use too much neem oil?

Some plants may take heavy neem oil applications fine; however, using too much neem oil on other plants may be bad for them. Ideally, you should test a small part of your plant and monitor it for about 24 hours.

This way, you have an idea of how much to use in your garden to avoid too much application and leave burns.

Usually, the right amount used should be 2 to 4 teaspoons mixed with one gallon of water. However, you should check the label and follow instructions to know the right concentration usage.

How long does neem oil take to work?

Neem oil may take some time to work effectively. It may even require a couple of reapplications to totally eliminate and control the harmful insect population.

Neem oil can last up from 3 to 22 days in the soil while in water it can last about 50 minutes to 4 days. Therefore, you can reapply based on this duration for effective results.
Josephine Brown
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
October 22, 2019