When we first set up our raised and elevated raised beds, we included mushroom compost in our garden soil. If you want the formula, just click on the link. That first year my plants did fantastic. I asked one of my neighbors who grew up on a family farm for his advice on when to reapply mushroom compost. His suggestion was to apply one or two inches to the top of the beds in the fall every two years so the nutrients slowly enrich the soil.
Advantages of Mushroom Compost:
1) Conditions the soil.
2) Increases water retention so you don’t have to water as much.
3) Provides nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.
4) Not expensive.
Disadvantages:
4) High in salt – that is why you should use it in the fall.
5) Kills germinating seeds.
6) Harms salt sensitive plants like azaleas.
While I use mushroom compost in the fall, I use my compost that I make in the compost bins as I transplant veggies, fruit and flower seedlings in the spring.
