The more apt name for it is mushroom soil.
Just likeregular compost, mushroom compost is often touted as black gold.
When used properly it acts as a plant fertilizer and soil amendment to benefit your plants.
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The exact composition of the growth substrate varies from grower to grower.
The Pros and Cons of Mushroom Compost
Mushroom compost is not a cure-all for your garden soil.
It has benefits and disadvantages.
Mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom farmingVideologia / Getty Images
Mushroom Compost vs.
Regular Compost
Mushroom compost and regular compost from your compost heap orcomposterare not interchangeable due to key differences.
All compost varies in composition, unlikecommercial fertilizer, where the label gives a detailed analysis of the nutrients.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Mushroom soil also contains more calcium than regular compost due to the addition of chalk.
Plants like tomatoes do well in a calcium-rich soil which helps tamp down blossom-end rot.
However, calcium increases thesoil pH levelwhich is problematic for plants like blueberries that need acidic soil.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Mushroom Compost vs.
It is less dense, lighter than manure, and ready to be spread in the garden.
Manure has a higher pH (above 7.0), and makes soil more alkaline.
The Spruce / Jason Donnelly
Dorin_S / Getty Images
Apply aged, cured mushroom compost any time in the spring or summer.
For container plants, blend a ratio of 1/4 of aged mushroom compost with 3/4 of a potting medium.
Do not use mushroom compost as your only growth medium, but work it into the soil.
Dorin_S / Getty Images
As with all soil amendments, overdoing it is harmful.
Dont exceed this recommendation: 1- to 3-inch layer or 3 to 9 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet.
Growing Mushrooms - Microbial Activity in Substrate.
Does Adding Manure Lower or Raise Soil pH?University of Florida.
