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Mushroom Compost Questions
+12
madnicmom
boffer
RoOsTeR
Furbalsmom
yolos
walshevak
camprn
littlejo
CharlesB
tomperrin
newstart
llama momma
16 posters
Page 2 of 2
Page 2 of 2 • 1, 2
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
I would go light on the mushroom compost and heavier with a compost of higher NPK value.Grapes wrote:Go light on the peat moss for the mushroom compost?
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
I agree with camp on that, plus it makes it easier for me get the volume I want.camprn wrote:...
Some say yes, some say no. I say manure composts from different animals have different nutritional values for the soilless mix, therefore are considered different types of compost for the purposes of making the Mel's Mix.Grapes wrote:And is it true that chicken, cow, horse...etc only count as one ingredient in the mix? I have chickity poo poo and some really good composted cow manure.
I've been making the same mix for 6 years. It includes multiple manures that comprise 40-50% of my mix. I'm happy with my results, and I don't use amendments, additives, or teas.
I was surprised when I read Mel's post in the link that I provided above. I didn't realize that manures were supposed to be only 20%. Now that I know that my mix doesn't meet the criteria to be called MM, it would be hypocritical for me to continue calling my mix MM. I will begin to call my mix my 'growing medium'.
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
Boffer,
I've read Mel's comments about animal dung manure numerous times .
Yes neat dung and urine will give or tend to give an acidic compost . It seems to me that Mel has said this for his initial box fill of mix using commercially bagged materials .
I read it as what you make your own compost of as beieng quite a different matter . That's why I've been using the Berkley 18 day hot composting method and component percentage lists.
I can see where he is coming from if it is neat stuff without any beddings & if the animals all have the same diet of grass , though for the life of me I cant' see how the heck horse dung on hemp bedding , horse dung on paper or horse dung on straw , or any mixed in with hay as well , sheep muck on straw , shavings , steamed wood chip ,paper hemp or straw steamed de dusted sawdust .( Same list ) for pigs , turkeys, chickens , ducks and many other animals can ever be considered just one element of the MM because of the different diets and different beddings the NPK's are different so are the trace elements .
Home farmed pigs eat different diets from field raised catttle , barn fed horses , so do poultry and cage raised rabbits ..... their outputs are quite different .
Though whilst I use a big part of those materials in my compost I also go big on a big range green stuff, dead cut flowers , garden cleanings , carboard and green wood sawdust . My muck worms live in the compost bins .... zillions of them so I get free worm casts as well .
After it is all composted out in various ratios of things , I do a final blending of two or three bins at a time so the end mix is way more varied than any of the bagged stuff will ever be .
I've read Mel's comments about animal dung manure numerous times .
Yes neat dung and urine will give or tend to give an acidic compost . It seems to me that Mel has said this for his initial box fill of mix using commercially bagged materials .
I read it as what you make your own compost of as beieng quite a different matter . That's why I've been using the Berkley 18 day hot composting method and component percentage lists.
I can see where he is coming from if it is neat stuff without any beddings & if the animals all have the same diet of grass , though for the life of me I cant' see how the heck horse dung on hemp bedding , horse dung on paper or horse dung on straw , or any mixed in with hay as well , sheep muck on straw , shavings , steamed wood chip ,paper hemp or straw steamed de dusted sawdust .( Same list ) for pigs , turkeys, chickens , ducks and many other animals can ever be considered just one element of the MM because of the different diets and different beddings the NPK's are different so are the trace elements .
Home farmed pigs eat different diets from field raised catttle , barn fed horses , so do poultry and cage raised rabbits ..... their outputs are quite different .
Though whilst I use a big part of those materials in my compost I also go big on a big range green stuff, dead cut flowers , garden cleanings , carboard and green wood sawdust . My muck worms live in the compost bins .... zillions of them so I get free worm casts as well .
After it is all composted out in various ratios of things , I do a final blending of two or three bins at a time so the end mix is way more varied than any of the bagged stuff will ever be .
plantoid- Posts : 4096
Join date : 2011-11-09
Age : 73
Location : At the west end of M4 in the UK
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
Plantoid, yes, there are multiple threads on the forum that support your position. The consensus is that different stuff in, going through different digestive tracts, produces different stuff out.
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
One thing that my own compost is getting is cut Comfrey . ( Bocking 14 type )
I grow 11 plants out by the front low garden wall between me and the street as the wall is ugly pebble dashed concrete block and it covers it.
It looks like I'll be able to get six or seven x 12 pounds or so of cuttings a year .
Comfrey is nigh on the holy grail of gardening for it has so many wierd and wonderful trace elements in it .
I grow 11 plants out by the front low garden wall between me and the street as the wall is ugly pebble dashed concrete block and it covers it.
It looks like I'll be able to get six or seven x 12 pounds or so of cuttings a year .
Comfrey is nigh on the holy grail of gardening for it has so many wierd and wonderful trace elements in it .
plantoid- Posts : 4096
Join date : 2011-11-09
Age : 73
Location : At the west end of M4 in the UK
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
boffer wrote:Plantoid, yes, there are multiple threads on the forum that support your position. The consensus is that different stuff in, going through different digestive tracts, produces different stuff out.
" That , depends upon you're education Sorrrrr ! "
plantoid- Posts : 4096
Join date : 2011-11-09
Age : 73
Location : At the west end of M4 in the UK
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
+1 on the comfrey.
Regarding the mushroom compost and just an FYI, it isn't composted mushrooms, it's the used up substrate that the mushrooms are grown on. That is why is contains all that other stuff.
Regarding the mushroom compost and just an FYI, it isn't composted mushrooms, it's the used up substrate that the mushrooms are grown on. That is why is contains all that other stuff.
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
plantoid wrote:boffer wrote:Plantoid, yes, there are multiple threads on the forum that support your position. The consensus is that different stuff in, going through different digestive tracts, produces different stuff out.
" That , depends upon you're education Sorrrrr ! "
Nah...I was just paraphrasing again!
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
In the end, it all comes down to the amount of different bacteria and fungi that is produced. All the strong nitrogen sources like manures, grass, etc. stimulate bacterial growth. All the carb sources stimulate fungi growth. You want a fantastic mix of both working in the heap to get a balanced end product. That is why we can make different composts with so many different ingredients and can all enjoy a lovely garden. It's the mixtures of 5 or more ingredients, where some are strong in nitrogen, others strong in carbs, and not a particular poop from certain poopers! I happen to use llama because I have it on hand. If I had horses, that's all I would use. Personally I'm against buying compost in bags and taking a gamble.
As I understand it, you can make great compost without any manure. You need plant based sources of nitrogen. It is all explained in wonderful detail in the book, Teaming with Microbes. Mel simplified it and made it as easy as possible if you are up to making your own compost for a great garden.
As I understand it, you can make great compost without any manure. You need plant based sources of nitrogen. It is all explained in wonderful detail in the book, Teaming with Microbes. Mel simplified it and made it as easy as possible if you are up to making your own compost for a great garden.
llama momma
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4921
Join date : 2010-08-20
Location : Central Ohio zone 6a
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
But I need it yesterday! Love the info.
Grapes- Posts : 14
Join date : 2013-05-14
Location : Southeastern Kentucky
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
I have plants waiting but I have to get my sunbrite tomato plant in a pot now. Thought about mixing what I have. Composted cow manure(good local stuff), chickity poo poo, and Happy Frog potting soil, along with vermiculite and peat moss. Indeterminate tomato plant gets bottom leaves pulled off and planted to top leaves, right?
Grapes- Posts : 14
Join date : 2013-05-14
Location : Southeastern Kentucky
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
I know happy frog is not really supposed to count but it seems pretty good to me, until I get the other stuff next week. Happy Frog Ingredients: Composted forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, earthworm castings, bat guano, humic acid (derived from Leonardite), oyster shell and dolomite lime (for pH adjustment).
Grapes- Posts : 14
Join date : 2013-05-14
Location : Southeastern Kentucky
Mushroom Compost
Has any one used Just Natural brand mushroom compost. I bought some to use as 1 of my 5.
MASFG- Posts : 9
Join date : 2014-03-20
Location : Central MA
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
I haven't used that brand, but I use mushroom compost regularly as 1 of my 5.
Kay
Kay
A WEED IS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE
Elizabeth City, NC
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walshevak
Certified SFG Instructor- Posts : 4374
Join date : 2010-10-17
Age : 81
Location : wilmington, nc zone 8
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
walshevak wrote:I haven't used that brand, but I use mushroom compost regularly as 1 of my 5.
Kay
+1
yolos- Posts : 4152
Join date : 2011-11-20
Age : 74
Location : Brooks, Ga Zone 7B/8A
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
Bump
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
A side question
I know this thread is really about mushroom compost (which I use as one of my five and it seems to work quite well... I love the earthy smell).
My question is... has anyone tried Charlie's Compost? It is made up of primarily composted chicken manure.
I bought some from the Amazon market:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AB2XPAE/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't even opened it yet. I mainly bought it because I could not get my hands on some regular composted chicken manure (which I ultimately ended up getting at our local Pike's Nursery). It sound like it's good stuff. Anyone ever try it?
My question is... has anyone tried Charlie's Compost? It is made up of primarily composted chicken manure.
I bought some from the Amazon market:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AB2XPAE/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't even opened it yet. I mainly bought it because I could not get my hands on some regular composted chicken manure (which I ultimately ended up getting at our local Pike's Nursery). It sound like it's good stuff. Anyone ever try it?
Windmere- Posts : 1425
Join date : 2013-02-26
Age : 55
Location : Fayetteville, GA - Zone 7B - 8A
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
Here are the ingredients in Charlie's CompostWindmere wrote:I know this thread is really about mushroom compost (which I use as one of my five and it seems to work quite well... I love the earthy smell).
My question is... has anyone tried Charlie's Compost? It is made up of primarily composted chicken manure.
I bought some from the Amazon market:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AB2XPAE/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't even opened it yet. I mainly bought it because I could not get my hands on some regular composted chicken manure (which I ultimately ended up getting at our local Pike's Nursery). It sound like it's good stuff. Anyone ever try it?
Chicken manure ~25%
Water ~30%
Clay ~10%
Wood products ~35%
and a material data sheet is here
[url=http://bwgs.blob.core.windows.net/docs/Charlies Compost.pdf]http://bwgs.blob.core.windows.net/docs/Charlies%20Compost.pdf[/url]
Isn't Charlie's pretty expensive. I love the chicken compost from Pike's. I think it is EB Stone.
yolos- Posts : 4152
Join date : 2011-11-20
Age : 74
Location : Brooks, Ga Zone 7B/8A
Re: Mushroom Compost Questions
Thanks for the ingredient breakdown yolos. Yes, Charlie's Compost is a bit pricey. When I ordered it, I couldn't get to Pike's. I just threw up my hands and had it delivered. HOWEVER, the price currently listed on Amazon is a lot higher than when I bought it. I noticed that many of the soil preparations offered on Amazon have gone up within the last three or four days (including pre-mixed MM).yolos wrote:Here are the ingredients in Charlie's CompostWindmere wrote:I know this thread is really about mushroom compost (which I use as one of my five and it seems to work quite well... I love the earthy smell).
My question is... has anyone tried Charlie's Compost? It is made up of primarily composted chicken manure.
I bought some from the Amazon market:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AB2XPAE/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't even opened it yet. I mainly bought it because I could not get my hands on some regular composted chicken manure (which I ultimately ended up getting at our local Pike's Nursery). It sound like it's good stuff. Anyone ever try it?
Chicken manure ~25%
Water ~30%
Clay ~10%
Wood products ~35%
and a material data sheet is here
[url=http://bwgs.blob.core.windows.net/docs/Charlies Compost.pdf]http://bwgs.blob.core.windows.net/docs/Charlies%20Compost.pdf[/url]
Isn't Charlie's pretty expensive. I love the chicken compost from Pike's. I think it is EB Stone.
In any case, I did get to Pike's and I got plenty of the EB Stone chicken compost. I now have an abundance of compost sources. I think I'll just add a touch of Charlie's Compost to a few boxes. Plus, my daughter has a flower garden. I simply can't afford to use MM in her flower garden. I've had good success using Jungle Growth for flowers and I might add some Charlie's for an extra boost.
Windmere- Posts : 1425
Join date : 2013-02-26
Age : 55
Location : Fayetteville, GA - Zone 7B - 8A
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