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Questions, Answers and Comments by Category
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I have heard that mushroom compost is great for roses. There are centers around where i live that provide free spent mushroom substrate. Is this the same as mushroom compost? Can I use this as is or do I have to compost it? I do not have the ability to compost. Can I use a mulch instead? How much should I use per rose? Any help would be much appreciated!
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Mushroom Compost (or substrate) represents the growing medium used for growing a crop of mushrooms. It's sometimes referred to as "spent" mushroom compost. The ingredients are usually some form of manure (chicken or horse most commonly), some type of straw, along with some lime to control ph. It is not "hot" like fresh cow or horse manure would be. You do NOT need to compost it further. Around here (Chicago area) some rosarians will put it down as a mulch during the summer, and some will still have enough remaining to use for a winter protection mulch. If I were you, I would try some as a simple mulch 2" deep in a part of your garden. If you like it, you could then expand to your entire garden.
Some claim that mushroom compost can have a high salt content. I have not noted any ill effects from the few times I have used it.
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