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Mushroom compost

prp86prp86 Posts: 5
in Problem solving
Help - I need some advice on mushroom compost.  I’ve read the previous posts, but don’t think I’ve got my answer.

I’m creating a new garden.  The soil isn’t great - clay and chalk so I’ve bought in good topsoil and just added mushroom compost as I read it will improve the soil, help with moisture and nutrients.   It’s sold as a soil improver and enriching veg plots, with the following additional points:
A mixture of well rotted horse and chicken manure with a percentage of peat neutralised with powdered chalk
– pH 6.5
– Odour free and well rotted
– Richer than ordinary farm manure
– Adds hormones to the soil

It was still hot and a bit smelly when it arrived.  I’ve spread it over the topsoil and left for a few weeks.  Do I now leave it over winter, dig it and leave it or dig it in and cover with weed membrane?

Given the pH is meant to be 6.5, and I will check, can I grow fruit bushes such as blueberries?   I think I’ll be okay with all other veg, plants and fruit trees right? My azaleas I’ll grow in pots...

I’ve got 9 tonne bags of this stuff so some advice would be welcome! Thanks

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I done the same a few years ago.
    I had raised beds which required 25T topsoil and I added about 4T manure to give it some life and have added another 4T over the last few years.
    I just spread it and left it over winter.
    It won't really change the pH of your local soil though.
    For a while it may be a bit acidic, but the surrounding soil will eventually change the pH to local conditions. 
    I grow blueberries very successfully, but in pots. They do need very acidic soil.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • prp86prp86 Posts: 5
    Hi Pete,

    thank you and really helpful! I’ve got raised beds too - 50T of topsoil and 9T of M compost.  I’ll leave over the winter then and grow the blueberries in pots with acidic soil.  
    Much appreciated 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Good luck!
    Remember - blueberries need rainwater and Azalea feed (I use Miracle Grow Azalea feed) about once a month while they are growing, and as you know they need ericaceous compost.
    I've had my 3 bushes 4 years now and they produce a lot of berries between June and late Sept

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - you can't change soil long term. If you don't have the right conditions for blueberries, you need pots as @Pete.8 says. They're perfectly happy in containers - a specially made raised bed is also fine, but again, make sure you don't let them have access to the soil below. It would need to be more of a container than a raised bed, with a bottom to it, raised off the ground, and with drainage holes.   :)

    Mushroom compost is on the alkaline side too. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • prp86prp86 Posts: 5
    Great, I got the Miracle grow Azalea feed for my Camila’s this year so will use it on my blueberries too.   May you continue to have bumper crops, thank you 😊 
  • prp86prp86 Posts: 5
    @Fairygirl thanks for the additional information.   I’m looking forward to a good veg and fruit crop and plants next year, and will leave my blueberries in their pot.  
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