Plants That Do Not Like Mushroom Compost – Quick Guide

Mushroom composting can be a great addition to any gardening routine. While it can be a great soil amendment, you need to be aware of the plants that do not like mushroom compost. 

In this article, we will be talking about mushroom compost, the benefits of using it, and where to use it. 

What is Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost is also referred to as spent mushroom compost since it is obtained from the remains of mushroom farming. It is mainly used as a mulch and soil conditioner to improve ornamental and vegetable gardens. Due to its alkalinity, it is unsuitable for use as compost for acid-loving plants. 

Most gardeners use mushroom compost to improve their soil‘s moisture content and break down the clay. But what most of them don’t know is that there are different types of mushroom compost. The most commercially available type is the mushroom substrate which is usually a mix of chicken or horse manure, and gypsum or wheat straw. In large-scale production of substrates, large bales of wheat straws are dipped in water and then cut into pieces with the help of a chipper. After which the straw is gradually worked into the gypsum and manure. After the materials are composted, they are sterilized to improve their quality before they are taken to the growing trays. 

Another type is the spent mushroom compost which is what’s obtained from mushroom farms. They are often sold as conditioners for turfs and lawns where it is used to improve soil quality. They are equally useful in raised bed mediums and planting mix where it helps to improve water retention. 

How to Use Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost has versatile applications. For starters, you can easily add it to any soil to improve the quality before the commencement of planting season. It is mostly suitable for use in vegetable gardens and is equally effective in most alkaline soil. Before you lay your lawn grass, you should work the mushroom compost into the soil. You should apply up to 3 inches of mushroom compost on top of your annual or perennial bed, and dig to a 6-inch depth to get the best results. Do not forget to water your lawn regularly and be on the watch out for weeds. 

Once you apply mushroom compost to your lawn, there is no need for any additional fertilizer or herbicides for the entire season. To prevent your plant root from burning out, you should apply your mushroom compost close to the roots of your plant for easy nutrient uptake. 

You will likely be dealing with weeds when you use compost in your garden, and shouldn’t be worried when you find some on top of your mushroom compost. But when they are properly sterilized before storage, you barely have to worry about weeds. 

Mushroom compost can also be used on houseplants, but you must apply only a thin layer on top of the potting soil. You also want to check that there are enough drainage holes in your pot. Flower pots without drainage are not suitable for mushroom compost or any other type of compost. 

Are there Chemical Residues in Mushroom Compost?

They claim that mushroom compost contains chemical residues from the industries that produce it and that it might not be suitable for use. It is okay to be conscious of what you feed your plants and plant soil. But the truth is that you cannot be certain about what goes on in those mushroom farms. 

Most mushroom farmers make use of chemical sprays to tackle the problems of flies and gnats in their facilities. These chemical sprays may get into the mushroom compost making it unfit to be used in certified organic farms. Some of the common chemicals used in mushroom farms to tackle insect problems include methoprene, diazinon, domain, cyromazine, and diflubenzuron. They also apply chemicals such as chlorothalonil, benomyl, and thiabendazole to treat fungal infections in mushroom crops. 

When looking to get mushroom compost from farms, is recommended that you enquire about the type of chemicals used in growing the plants. This makes it possible for you to know whether or not the compost will contain toxic materials. The presence of toxic chemicals in your mushroom compost can make it difficult for it to take effect on your plants, or it may have negative effects. 

Plants that Do Not like Mushroom Compost

As we mentioned earlier, mushroom compost is not a good fit for acid-loving plants. For these types of plants, you will want to apply acidic compost that has a slightly higher nitrogen content. Mushroom compost can be added to plants with a slightly higher alkaline content. Some examples of plants that do not like mushroom compost include:

• Camellia 
• Cranberry 
• Viburnum 
• Gardenia 
• Hydrangea 
• Azalea 
• Blueberry 
• Rhododendron 
• Magnolia 
• Japanese maple 
• Aster 
• Fern 
• Juniper 
• Lupine 
• Holly 
• Bleeding heart 

Plants that Like Mushroom Compost  

The slow-release mushroom compost can be added to vegetables and plants grown in alkaline soil. You can add mushroom compost to trees, vines, bushes, and perennial crops such as:

• Yarrow 
• Salvias 
• Shasta daisy 
• Lavender 
• Meadow rue 
• Reticulated iris 
• Hosta 
• Goldenrod 
• Delphinium 
• Easter Lilies 
• Foxglove 
• Centaurea 
• Columbine 
• Bearded iris kiwi 
• Virginia creeper 
• Winter jasmine 
• Clematis 
• Boston ivy 
• Mugo pine 
• Horse chestnut 
• Ornamental cherry 
• Lilac bushes 
• Yew bushes 

Mushroom Compost Alternatives

There are other alternatives to mushroom compost that you can apply to your garden to improve the soil nutrient they include:

• • Cow manure 
  • Kitchen waste compost 
  • Worm composting 
  • Mulch 
  • Poultry manure 
  • Potting soil 

Is Mushroom Soil Good For Potatoes?

While mushroom soil is good for most plants, it is important to determine whether it is suitable for the plants you are growing. If you are growing potatoes, you are probably wondering; is mushroom soil good for potatoes? The answer to this question is yes, mushroom soil is good for potatoes.

However, other types of soil with more nutrients will be required. This is because mushroom soil does not contain enough nutrients for heavy-feeding crops such as potatoes. On top of that, mushroom soil can contain a lot of lime which may cause conditions such as scabs on potatoes. So it is best to mix it with other soil types to dilute this lime.

What is The pH of Mushroom Soil?

Mushroom soil is alkaline, and has a pH range between 6-8. This pH can even be higher if the soil comes from a factory that uses lime. This, therefore, makes this soil type suitable for alkaline soil-loving plants.

How Much Nitrogen is in Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost has a low nitrogen content of about 1.12%. This is because most of the nitrogen will have been consumed by the mushrooms that were originally grown in it. Most of this nitrogen content is mostly in an organic form which releases slowly and is available to plants over long periods.

While the low nitrogen content of mushroom compost may seem like a disadvantage, it can have its benefits. One of the advantages is that it will discourage the growth of weeds around your plants, giving them a better chance of survival.

What is The pH of Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost in its fresh form has a pH of about 6.6. This pH is in the ideal range for most plants.

Is Mushroom Compost Good For Mango Trees?

Mushroom compost is an excellent source of nutrients for trees such as mango trees. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients. It also contains a good amount of calcium which is good for the development of roots and plants.

Is Mushroom Compost Good For Avocado Trees?

Mushroom compost is a good source of organic matter for the long-term health and well-being of a plant such as an avocado. But as already mentioned, it has a low content of nitrogen. To make it suitable for avocado trees, it needs to be mixed with other nutrient-rich soils or the avocado tree will not grow well enough.

Other types of organic matter that complement mushroom compost include cow manure. Mix them and work them into the soil around your avocado tree, or prepare the soil where you are going to plant new avocado trees and you have a winning formula.

Does Lettuce Like Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost provides excellent conditions for the growth and productivity of lettuce. Mixing mushroom compost at a ratio of 42 to 48% into the soil can have great benefits for lettuce plants. You should be careful to mix it at the appropriate ratio and not use it as a substitute for soil.

What Plants Like Mushroom Compost

Mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom cultivation. It is made from a mixture of straw, horse manure, and gypsum. You can add mushroom compost as a soil amendment or mulch for plants. Mushroom compost is high in nutrients and microorganisms that improve soil structure and fertility. 

Many plants benefit from the addition of mushroom compost to their growing medium. Here are a few examples:

Vegetables: Mushroom compost is perfect for growing vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It provides them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruiting.

Berries: You can add mushroom compost to the soil of your strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. 

Fruit Trees: Fruit trees like apples and pears will benefit from mushroom compost in their growing medium.

Herbs: Basil, thyme, and rosemary are fond of mushroom compost. Adding it to their soil can enhance their growth and output. 

Keep in mind that mushroom compost is typically high in nitrogen and low in potassium and phosphorous. You should mix it with other organic materials to provide the best balance for your plants. 

What Is the pH Of Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost has a pH that typically ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. This is considered slightly acidic to neutral. 

The pH of mushroom compost is influenced by the materials used in its production. Popular materials are straw, horse manure, and gypsum. The pH varies depending on the balance of these ingredients.

It’s best to have the pH of your mushroom compost tested before using it. If the pH is too low or too high, you can amend it by adding lime or sulfur, respectively, to adjust it to the desired range.

Mushroom Compost Benefits

Mushroom compost can benefit your garden in several ways. Here are some of the most significant benefits of mushroom compost:

Improves Soil Structure: Mushroom compost helps improve the soil‘s structure by adding organic matter. This can increase water-holding capacity and improve drainage.

Increases Nutrient Availability: Mushroom compost is high in nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. These can help promote healthy plant growth.

Adds Microorganisms: Mushroom compost is rich in microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi. These help improve soil health and fertility. 

Disease and Pest Control: The microorganisms in mushroom compost can help control diseases and pests in your garden by suppressing harmful pathogens. 

Makes a Great Mulch: Mushroom compost is an excellent mulch that you can add to your garden to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool. 

Conclusion – Plants that do Not like mushroom compost!

We hope that you enjoyed reading and got valuable information from this article on plants that do not like mushroom compost. You will now be able to use mushroom compost for your plants confidently.

Remember that you cannot use mushroom compost for acid-loving plants. And you should also source your mushroom compost from organic farms that do not use toxic chemicals as insect repellants. 

Have you tried mushroom compost before? We will like to hear about your experience in the comment section.

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