My first year using mushroom compost from my local nursery. I did 1 part Ocean Forest, 1 part Happy Frog, and 1 part mushroom compost. I've heard that the compost is actually really high in phos. But what I'm trying to figure out is how long does it stay available? I've always done Ocean and happy frog and wouldn't feed for the first 2 weeks. But I'm curious if I should wait longer with compost being added this time? Don't wanna burn the girls. The nursery said it's pretty hot. If anyone has any experience with Mushroom compost it would be AMAZING to get some tips
What did it look like? Mushroom compost is the spent substrate from growing mushrooms and can vary a lot. Did it have visible wood chips all in it or was it broken down and full of white growth? Usually growing mushrooms involves carbon rich material like wood chips from what I understand so I wouldn't think it's "hot" stuff but it can be a very good source of humus.
It really depends on the mushroom being grown. Psilocybin cubensis and the common white button mushroom are dung loving. Oysters and Shiitake are wood lovers. It is common for cubensis growers to use uncomposted horseshit. White button mushrooms are the most likely to contain pesticides.
Not to barge in here, but I personally would not recommend using Mushroom Compost unless it was an absolutely last resort. Unless you know for a fact that the Nursery you are getting it from is Organic. Most Mushroom farms will use certified pesticides throughout the grow as well as Synthetic Fertilizers. Both of which will remain in the soil for sometime and could likely cause problems during the grow. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for Mushroom farms to use ( Soybean meal, Urea, Ammonium Nitrate etc...) in their soil mixes. Lastly, you also have to worry about the Mushroom Compost having a high salt content. So it is really not worth rolling the dice. All in all you would be better off going with Vermicompost or a locally sourced Compost. IMHO. Mushroom compost--use carefully | Oregon State University Extension Service | Gardening The Everything Marijuana Book " Sterilization is a problem with Mushroom Compost because microbiology is vital for disease prevention and supplying nutrients to your plants. Spent Mushroom Compost lacks these benefits; it is basically dead matter, though it still provides a good substrate and food source for that biology. Steam pasteurizing is not like using fungicides.You can reintroduce micro-organisms by mixing them with your own compost before applying it, or set it outside and let nature start working on it. Always check the supplier to make sure they have not used pesticides and smell the compost before you buy it. Start asking questions if it has a distinct chemical smell. Another problem with Mushroom Compost is that it tends to have a high salt content. This is not necessarily different from any manure-based Compost, so put the Compost outside for a while to allow the rain to leach away the salts. You can also speed up the process by watering the pile. Use Mushroom Compost to improve tilth clay in soils, but avoid using it too heavily year after year because of the high salt content. You wlll eventually have too much salt and this will impede the plants ability to take nutrients from the soil. You also need to be aware that many Mushroom Composts contain traces of Synthetic Fertilizers. This it yet another reason why this should not be your preferred yearly compost" - Alicia Williamson " Everything Marijuana Book "
