Product Details
Delivery throughout the UK
With distribution centres in South Yorkshire and the Midlands we can deliver to 99% of the UK. We deliver direct to your allotment or garden in conveniently sized sacks which are easy to store prior to use (subject to order). Delivery is generally within 5 working days subject to order. Larger amounts available on request, we also welcome trade enquires.
Call 01302 725 544 Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm for prices and to arrange delivery.
About Mr Muck's mushroom compost
Mr. Mucks Mushroom Compost is a mix of chicken and horse manure with wheat straw. Not only is our mushroom compost an exceptional soil conditioner, it is very economic to use on a large scale. It will improve the structure of heavy clay soils, add humus to thin sandy or chalky soils, enrich all soils and supply nutrients for the healthy growth of plants.
Mr. Mucks Mushroom Compost will also increase the water-holding capacity of the soil, which decreases your watering needs.
What is mushroom compost?
Mushroom compost is a type of slow-release, organic plant fertiliser. It is a viable and useful by-product of mushroom farming. The compost is made by using organic materials such as hay, straw, corn cobs and hulls, and poultry or horse manure. These products are formed into a rich organic media.
The mushroom growing process varies slightly between individual growers, this leads to mushroom compost recipes differing to suit the needs of each grower. For instance, additional materials like gypsum, peat moss, lime, soybean meal, and various other organic items may be added to the compost as well. These products are formed into a rich organic compost that serves as the nutrient source for mushrooms.
How is mushroom compost made?
To start with the mushroom compost is sterilised and inoculated with mushroom spawn. Once the mushroom spawn are mixed into the compost, it is steam pasteurised to kill weed seeds and any other unsafe agents. Mushroom composting takes about three to four weeks to process, during which it is monitored closely to maintain adequate temperatures for optimum production. After the process is complete, the leftover compost is disposed of and sold as fertiliser, up to 2 crops of mushrooms are taken from the compost before being released to the landscape market.
Why use mushroom compost?
Mushroom compost is excellent for soil modification as it can radically enhance plant growth, even in the deprived type of soils. This is due to the fact that most of the amended compost serves effectively to improve the clay soil structure, increase soil fertility and lessen the chances of surface crusting as well as compaction. It can also help to improve drainage and ensure that the most natural nutrients are provided to plants which automatically minimizes the need to use fertiliser. Overall, this form of compost is highly beneficial to the soil quality.
How to use mushroom compost?
As a fertiliser and soil amendment, mushroom compost supports plant growth in a variety of applications such as herbaceous beds, shrubs, vegetables and landscaping.
- Mulching - use 5-6 inches (13-16 cm) of Mr Mucks Mushroom Compost as a mushroom mulch around shrubs and herbaceous perennials to feed plants, suppress weed growth reduce loss of nutrients from the soil and minimise the work of weeding borders. Through the summer the mulch will retain moisture and protect the soil from drying from sun and wind movement.
- Soil conditionaing - bring dead soil back to life, use Mr Mucks Mushroom Compost in heavy clay soils to improve the condition or use in light sandy soils to give body and retain moisture. Use 5-6 inches (13-16 cm) forked well into the soil to improve the condition of the soil, reducing heaviness and adding nutrients.
To get the greatest results when gardening with mushroom compost, thoroughly mix it in with the garden soil prior to planting.
