Organic Mushroom Compost

A composted growing medium for mixing into planting soil or using as a top-dressing around potted plants.

Put a former growing medium to work

Mushroom compost begins as the soil used to grow mushrooms. After that crop, the material is sterilized and composted for garden use. This Black Velvet amendment brings that soil-building material to a vegetable garden or flower bed. Use it as part of your planting preparation when you want compost to mix with the existing soil rather than assembling a growing medium entirely from separate raw ingredients.

Mix it through the planting area

Mushroom compost can be mixed with planting soil or native soil. Choose the area you intend to work and place the bag close to it before opening. Distribute the compost across the area so you can mix it evenly with the soil. Work on a manageable section at a time if the bed is large. That makes it easier to see where the amendment has already been incorporated.

Useful beyond a vegetable bed

The compost is intended for flower gardens as well as vegetables. It can also be used with hanging baskets and around shrubs or trees. Match the application to the planting project instead of assuming every plant uses the same amount. When preparing soil for a new planting, have the plant ready before finishing the mixing so you can move from soil preparation to planting without leaving the root ball waiting.

Top-dress potted plants

For an existing potted plant, mushroom compost can be used as a top-dressing rather than removing the plant to mix the entire container again. Check the available space at the top of the pot before adding material. Leave the plant at its proper planting depth and follow its watering needs afterward. A top-dressing is useful when you want to add compost to an established container without starting the planting job over.

Plan the amount you need

The identified package holds 40 pounds of compost. Set it near the bed or potting area before lifting and pouring. Mushroom compost can be stored for future projects, so you can keep unused material for another planting job. Keep the bag identifiable beside your other soil products. It is easier to use the right amendment later when the remaining material stays with the package that names it.