RE: Mushroom compost

Thanks, Marge.  I'll take all that into consideration, but it may be a
moot point.  I'm not having a lot of luck finding a close source and the
one I did find only ships bulk product in tractor-trailer load
quantities - 20+ tons - a tad more than I need :)

Lynda

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-gardenchat@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On
Behalf Of Marge Talt
Sent: Saturday, February 01, 2003 2:44 AM
To: gardenchat@hort.net
Subject: Re: [CHAT] Mushroom compost


Well, Lynda, I have, personally, not used it, but have read posts from
those who have.  Consensus, FWIW, appears to be:

1) you need to be careful of the source - make sure it's reputable and
try to find out what was used to create the compost in the first place
and make sure it's not full of trash items - think someone found some
old jeans in one lot..

2) plants grow very well in soil amended with it, at least the first few
years, but can develop problems over time because of the very high salts
content due to the make up of what is used - lots of manure.  One poster
had it from a horticulturist at the local cemetery that you should have
it sent out for testing before you use it to make sure it's not too high
in salts content.

3) it is generally quite alkaline in pH

4) some have noted that it's often sold off before its truly spent - one
person had the pile smoking for most of the summer and sometimes the
mushroom spawn is still active - so guess you could harvest some
'shrooms as well as feed your soil:-)

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
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----------
> From: Lynda Young <lyoung@grindertaber.com>
> OK, gang, I'm looking for your input.  I was doing some research on
the
> benefits  of mushroom compost and am now thoroughly confused.  Some 
> sources give it high praise and prefer it above all other compost
types,
> others claim it has virtually no nutritive value and could pose
serious
> salt problems in the soil.
>  
> What are your experiences/opinions?
>  
> As always, thanks for your help.

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