You can compost mushrooms in your regular compost bin, worm farm or compost pile. Mushrooms are a great addition to your compost pile and will break down with the other organic matter. There is however a chance that mushrooms will re-grow once you put the compost into your garden beds. They will not cause any harm to your plants and can be dug back into your garden beds.
Adding compost to your garden is a great way to add extra organic matter, feed soil microbes and increase soil fertility.
Key Takeaways
- Composting mushrooms is safe and they break down fast.
- To compost mushrooms, you need to ensure that your compost pile has the right balance of moisture and air.
- While mushrooms in your compost pile are generally not harmful, they may indicate that adjustments need to be made to your composting process.
Benefits of Composting Mushrooms
Composting mushrooms has several benefits. It helps to reduce waste by diverting organic matter from landfills, they provide a rich source of nutrients for your plants and helps to improve soil quality. Mushrooms break down quickly, feed soil bacteria and can even be added to your worm farm.
Edible mushrooms from your kitchen including oyster mushrooms, wine cap stropharia or wild mushrooms such as wood blewit can all be added to your compost pile. You can even add mushroom compost, a waste product from mushroom growers which will add extra organic matter and microorganisms.
It is important to note that mushrooms contain a lot of water, which can make the compost pile too wet and lead to anaerobic conditions. To avoid this, it is important to mix the mushrooms with other dry materials such as leaf litter, straw, or sawdust.
To supercharge your compost you can also add coffee grounds or animal manures like chicken manure or horse manure. Make sure you allow the compost to completely break down before adding it to your garden to avoid spreading pathogens.
How to Compost Mushrooms
Prepare the Mushrooms
The best way to prepare edible mushrooms that you have bought from a store is to first remove any excess dirt left on them. This will reduce the chances of spreading bacteria or disease left in the soil. Next it is important to cut the mushrooms up. This will help them to break down faster. Outdoor mushrooms can be cut into pieces with a spade before adding them to your compost.
Add Mushrooms to the Compost
Add mushrooms to your compost pile along with other organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps. It is important to maintain a balance of “green” materials (high in nitrogen) and “brown” materials (high in carbon) in your compost pile. I like to mix the compost after adding the mushrooms and brown material to help it to break down quicker.
Mushrooms will add valuable nutrients to your compost. A good idea is to turn your compost pile every few weeks to help the mushrooms to break down faster.
Mushroom spawn can stay in your compost pile and grow new mushrooms over time.If mushrooms start to grow you can just dig them back into your compost.
Allow the Compost Break Down
Mushrooms will decompose relatively quickly in a compost pile, usually within a few weeks to a few months. The exact time will depend on factors such as the size of the mushrooms, the temperature of the compost pile, and the balance of green and brown materials. Make sure all of the compost materials have fully broken down before adding it to your garden beds.
Once the mushrooms have fully decomposed, the compost can be added to your vegetable gardens, flower beds or as a top dressing for fruit trees. The easiest way to top dress fruit trees is to add a 2-3 inch layer of compost around the root zone in spring, keeping it away from the trunk. Cover the compost with a 1 inch layer of wood chips to keep it moist and to stop it from blowing away.
Potential Issues when Composting Mushrooms
Composting mushrooms is generally a straightforward process, but there are some potential issues that you should be aware of to ensure successful composting.
Contamination Risks
One of the main concerns with composting mushrooms is the chance of spreading the mushrooms throughout your compost and yard. Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and if they are not properly composted, they can spread spores. This can lead to mushrooms popping up throughout your garden, where you don’t want them to grow.
Mushrooms however are easy to remove and can be simply raked or dug back into the garden soil. Most store bought mushrooms will not grow again once they have been composted.
There is also the chance of spreading pests or diseases carried in any leftover soil still attached to the mushroom. It is best to remove any excess dirt from store bought mushrooms before composting them. It is best that you avoid composting mushrooms that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
Attracting Pests
Another potential issue with composting mushrooms is that they can attract pests. Mushrooms are a food source for many insects and animals, and if they are not properly composted, they can attract flies, ants, and rodents.
To prevent this, it is best to dig the mushrooms into your compost pile, mix them with other organic materials, such as leaves and grass clippings so they are hidden from pests and break down fast. Turn your compost pile regularly to allow good air circulation and to stop it from becoming too wet and attracting pests.
Best Practices in Mushroom Composting
Composting mushrooms is an effective way to recycle organic waste and enrich your garden soil. Here are some tips to help you compost mushrooms effectively:
- Chop Mushrooms into Small Pieces: Chopping mushrooms into small pieces can speed up the decomposition process and make it easier for the fungi to break down the organic matter. You can use a knife or a food processor to chop the mushrooms into small pieces.
- Mix Mushrooms with Other Organic Material: Adding mushrooms to your compost pile is most effective when mixed with other organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps. This ensures a balanced mix of carbon and nitrogen, which are essential for a healthy compost heap.
- Monitor Moisture Levels: If the pile is too dry, the mushrooms will not decompose properly. If the pile is too wet, it can lead to unwanted fungal growth.
- Turn the Compost Pile: Turning your compost pile regularly with a pitchfork helps aerate the mix and ensures that all materials are evenly distributed. This also helps reduce the moisture levels mushrooms love.
By following these best practices, you can successfully compost mushrooms and create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden.
Composting Poisonous Mushrooms
While technically you can compost poisonous mushrooms it is best to avoid it. Avoid handling mushrooms that you cannot identify that you have found outside. If you do decide to compost wild mushrooms, make sure that the compost pile reaches high temperatures during decomposition to break down toxins. It is best to prioritize safety, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution and do not compost potentially toxic fungi.
Composting Mushroom Blocks
You can compost spent mushroom blocks, but it’s essential to do so correctly. Mushroom blocks are the leftover material after a mushroom harvest. Here are some tips for composting mushroom blocks:
- Break Them Down: Before composting, break the mushroom blocks into smaller pieces to facilitate decomposition.
- Balance Carbon and Nitrogen: Mushroom blocks are rich in nitrogen due to the mycelium and leftover organic matter. To balance the compost, mix them with carbon-rich materials like straw, leaves, or shredded newspaper.
- Moisture Control: Maintain proper moisture levels in the compost pile. Mushroom blocks can be quite wet, so be cautious not to make the compost too soggy. Add dry materials if needed.
- Aeration: Ensure good aeration within the compost pile by turning it regularly. This helps the composting process and prevents anaerobic conditions.
- Patience: Composting mushroom blocks may take a bit longer than composting regular organic matter, so be patient and allow enough time for it to break down completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mushrooms be composted?
Yes, mushrooms can be composted. In fact, composting mushrooms can bring numerous benefits to your garden, including improved soil structure and increased nutrient availability.
How do I compost mushrooms?
To compost mushrooms, you can add them to your compost pile along with other organic materials like vegetable scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. Be sure to chop up large pieces of mushrooms to help them break down more quickly.
What are the benefits of composting mushrooms?
Composting mushrooms can help increase the diversity of nutrients and microbes in your compost pile. Using the compost in your garden will help to improve soil structure and increase nutrient availability. It can also help divert organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Can mushroom compost be used for growing other plants?
Yes, mushroom compost can be used as a soil amendment for growing other plants. It is rich in nutrients and can help improve soil structure and water retention. Mushroom compost can still contain mushroom spores which can regrow in your yard. Simply rake or dig them back into your garden if they appear.
Do mushrooms add nutrients to compost?
Yes, mushrooms can add nutrients to compost. They contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth.
What is the composting process for mushrooms?
The composting process for mushrooms is similar to that of other organic materials. It involves breaking down the organic matter through microbial activity, which produces heat. The heat helps kill any pathogens or weed seeds that may be present in the compost. Once the compost has cooled, it can be used as a soil amendment for growing plants.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.