Is there something I should look for before purchasing a truck load of composted soil? I have two places within a mile of me that have great looking composted soils. One has mushroom compost? Any input will be greatly appreciated
I would want to know where it came from,(like the mushroom place vs. the city sewer system plant) and how long it's been composting. The longer the better.
Mushroom compost should be rich in nutrients. Mushrooms are grown in horse manure among other things, all of which are good for your soil, too. Personally, I'd go for the mushroom compost if it is well aged (take a sniff when it's damp--if you smell manure or any sour smell, don't get it). A truckload? I'm so-o-o-o envious!
mushroom compost Thanks all for input. BUT I just read lots about mushroom compost. Article said: MR compost is high in salt solubles. Can kill seeds and harm salt sensitive plant. Can be to much of a good thing for seeds, seedlings and young plants. Another Article said - Do not use on edibles BUT it works great to make better compost. I emailed questions and now waiting answers from web. site. Will post more if they answer Donna
I'm impressed. They answer already. I asked how long after making better compost before using for veggies or flowers. Reply was mix with other compost, peat moss or top soil and wait approx. 2 months. Check out this site it's good. And has free ebooks. www.compostjunkie.com
that looks like a very interesting site. Will have to make time to read through it. Thanks for the link.
If I had to wait two months that would blow it for me. I will say to not believe everything you read online. If you are afraid of the salt content, a waterhose or a good drenching rain will take care of that. If you want something you can use quickly, ask neighbors for leaves they have raked and mix it with your soil. It will feed plants as it composts. Go to a stable near you and get what they clean from stalls if its mixed with hay or just use dry horse manure. I have planted directly in dry horse manure with great plants and no problems. It will not burn plants if dry. Just don`t use wet/fresh manure not that you would want to anyway.
DonnaI worked at a mushroom plant in Texas.I had the best gardens from that compost.Dooley uses it too.I always got mine in November(so all the winter rain took the salt down.) and had the dump truck driver dump it on black plastic.The only promblemI have with it was peat moss seeds coming up in everything I planted.I have planted straight into mushroom compost.Melons are not real sweet when grown from it.
