What is Mushroom Compost?

Mushroom compost, also known as spent mushroom substrate (SMS), is a versatile and nutrient-rich compost that can be used for a range of gardening and landscaping purposes, including as a soil amendment, for plant growth, mulch and composting.

Read our blog on what is Mushroom Compost for more information.

Benefits of Organic Spent Mushroom Compost

Mushroom compost has a high organic matter content, which makes it a useful material for soil improvement and mulching. Our organic mushroom compost comes as a by-product from our mushroom farming and is an excellent nutrient-filled fertiliser, as it contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphate.

Our organic mushroom compost is easy to spread and increases the amount of organic material for your substrate and soil. This makes an ideal choice for gardening enthusiasts who are looking to grow vegetables, it is particularly good for brassicas due to its alkaline properties. This soil can also help with the structure of your soil and is suitable for landscapers and gardeners. The properties of this soil mean it is best used with non-acidic plants such as camellias and rhododendrons.

Please note: There are two types of mushroom compost; there is spent mushroom compost that has been previously used for mushroom growing, which is like the type of compost that we provide. There is also unused mushroom compost, this usually has less nutritional value, so we do not provide this compost.  

How and where to use mushroom soil compost conditioner

Vegetable Patches

• For brassicas, peas, beans or sweet peas, dig and cover the bottom of a trench with our Mushroom Compost, then fill the trench with a mix of one part mushroom compost and two parts soil.
• For planting cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables, fill the hole with a mix of one part Mushroom Compost and two parts soil.

Borders

• Pre-dressing flower beds with our Mushroom Compost will give better blooms. Apply a 50mm (2”) layer and gently fork in or leave as a mulch. Due to its slightly alkaline properties, it is not recommended for use on acid-loving ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons.

Roses, Trees and Shrubs

• Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root-ball; at least 30cm (1 ft) if planting a bare root.
• Mix one part of our Mushroom Compost to two parts of soil.
• Place some of the mix in the bottom of the hole and refill around the roots.
• Firm in and water well.
• Continue to water well during the first season.