Mushroom compost is an organic material with proven effectiveness that can be used to both increase soil fertility and boost plant growth. Packed full of vital nutrients and microbes, mushroom compost makes a fantastic natural foliar spray and can provide powerful benefits for any garden or landscape. Plus it can easily be made at home using an easy process!

When making mushroom compost tea, it is crucial to use a method that keeps the compost aerobic. This will allow beneficial organisms to flourish while helping prevent pathogen buildup. Furthermore, adding carbon sources like molasses or sugar helps microbes do their work more effectively and stirring regularly is key for providing oxygen and allowing nutrients to accumulate in your brew.

Crafting mushroom compost tea is a straightforward process that can be accomplished both inside and outside. Begin by submerging compost in water for 24 to 48 hours depending on temperature; aquarium aerators will help ensure oxygen enters into every drop of solution.

After mushroom farmers have harvested their crop, they frequently sell the soil used to cultivate it as mushroom substrate – also known as mushroom mulch – back onto the market as an excellent soil amendment and mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds and maintain temperatures in clay-like soil conditions. It also makes an effective means of keeping an outdoor space cool in summer and warm in winter.

Compost can be spread directly over soil surfaces or mixed in at depths of 1 to 2 inches, and used as top dressing or seed starting mix. However, its high salt content should be avoided near plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons that are sensitive to salts as it could inhibit germination.

In order to create mushroom compost, large bales of wheat straw must be immersed in water for several minutes and allowed to soak before being blended with gypsum, chicken or horse manure, watered and turned daily in hot compost piles maintained at 160 degrees Fahrenheit – this starts the composting process – it usually takes around two weeks before a batch of mushroom compost is ready to use.

Mushroom compost can be added to any vegetable, flower or fruit garden to provide essential nutrients that promote healthy growth. Mushroom compost also makes an excellent addition to a compost tumbler as it breaks down larger organic materials so they’re easier for microbes to access. Finally, mushroom compost is great addition for use as bedding for worm bins while simultaneously being an ingredient used to brew compost tea (a liquid fertilizer).