[Best Guide]: Is Mushroom Compost Good For Strawberries | 5 Facts

If you are wondering, “is mushroom compost good for strawberries“, you will love this in-depth guide.

First of all, let me tell you that mushroom compost is an organic slow-release plant fertilizer.

This fertilizer improves the soil and growing conditions. Remember that strawberries grow better in sandy loam soil rich in organic matter.

Later, I will explain this to you as well. But first, let’s talk about mushroom compost in detail.

What is Mushroom Compost?

Do you know what “compost” means? It is decayed organic matter.

Let me explain.

Let’s say you have dead leaves, leftover food, lawn trimmings or dead plant matter. Aerobic and biological bacteria turn it into compost.

Pretty simple, right?

Now the question is, is mushroom compost made of mushrooms?

NO!

• It is produced from poultry manure, straw, peat moss, corn cobs, lime, and gypsum.

Remember that the composition of mushroom compost looks something like this:

1. Poultry litter: 28-34%

2. Straw: 60-70%

3. Gypsum: 2-4.5%

Note that the composition of mushroom compost can vary as well.

• As I mentioned above, it can be defined as slow-release organic fertilizer.

As the name suggests, this means that mushroom compost releases nutrients steadily over a course of time.

• The average pH of mushroom compost is 6.6.

Here’s why this is important for strawberries.

Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil of pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Remember that strawberries are extremely sensitive to salinity.

So, you should be careful with the amount of mushroom compost you use.

Now, let’s find out whether mushroom compost is good for strawberries or not.

Is Mushroom Compost Good For Strawberries:

Unsurprisingly, mushroom compost is the best choice to grow mushrooms.

But, what about strawberries? Here’s what you should know.

Overview: Is mushroom compost good for strawberries? Yes! It is great for strawberries. It provides adequate nutrition. Along with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it provides calcium, iron and magnesium as well. The water-holding capacity of mushroom compost is essential. It allows strawberries to obtain water from the soil even if you are unable to water it.

Here are the details.

• The Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content make it suitable for strawberries.

The NPK ratio of mushroom compost is generally 1-1-1. In this case, it works as a balanced fertilizer.

Let me explain.

Nitrogen:

Nitrogen is important for strawberries as it is a source of energy for metabolic reactions.

Note that photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and respiration are some examples of metabolic reactions.

Moreover, strawberries make complex molecules like DNA, nucleic acid and amino acids using nitrogen.

It also enhances the function of chlorophyll.

Note: As strawberry plants rely heavily on nitrogen, you can use nitrogen fertilizers such as urea. But, people prefer organic options like mushroom compost.

Amazing, isn’t it?

Phosphorus:

You should know that it is an essential component of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate).

Here’s what you should know about ATP.

It is the “energy unit” of plants. In simple words, this structure provides energy to strawberries.

The major function of phosphorus is that it supports the shoot and root system of the plant.

Moreover, it leads to fruit and flower development as well. This is because it is responsible for crop maturity at the right time.

Pretty simple, isn’t it?

Potassium:

It enhances the process of photosynthesis by regulating the closing and opening of stomata.

Moreover, it is involved in the movement of water, carbohydrates and nutrients. It increases root growth and improves drought tolerance as well.

Now, here’s something interesting.

In strawberries, the sufficiency range for potassium is between 1.5 and 2.5%. Note that nutrient sufficiency refers to the concentration of nutrients in plants.

• It helps with water retention.

Here’s a thing.

Strawberries prefer moisture for healthy growth. Plus, mushroom compost ensures that they do not lack water.

Note that if strawberries lack water, their root system may be affected. So, you can have fewer crowns, runners, and leaves in your strawberry plants.

So the water-holding capacity of mushroom compost prevents this.

This allows strawberries to obtain some water from the soil even if you are unable to water them.

This takes us straight to our next point.

• Mushroom compost is rich in calcium.

If you want amazing strawberries, you don’t want calcium deficiency. Here’s why.

Calcium deficiency can cause “tip burn“. This means that the youngest leaves (in the centre of the plant) and the growing points are often folded or deformed.

If we talk about strawberries, leaves containing less than 0.9% calcium are deficient.

Remember that the high concentration of nitrates in mushroom compost is good for strawberries as well.

Note: Calcium in mushroom compost makes it alkaline.

• It is organic.

The word organic makes mushroom compost extremely “powerful”.

Let me explain.

It is made up of all-natural ingredients, such as chicken manure, hay, and peat moss.

The best part?

Inorganic fertilizers, such as a 12-4-8 fertilizer for strawberries, are not the best choice for the environment.

On the other hand, mushroom compost is safe to use. You do not have to worry about chemicals seeping into your strawberries.

Amazing, isn’t it?

• It works great as food for strawberries.

What does this mean? Let me explain.

The fact is that mushroom compost provides adequate nutrition to your plant. Along with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it provides calcium, iron and magnesium as well.

This will help you produce top-quality strawberries.

The best part?

Being an organic fertilizer, it is good for the environment as well. A plus point, right?

Point to remember: You can burn your plant by using too much mushroom compost. For best results, mix it with garden soil before sowing young plants in that mud.

Then, wait for some time. In this way, you can prevent your plant from burning due to undiluted soluble salts.

This takes us straight to our next topic, the benefits of using mushroom compost.

Benefits of Mushroom Compost:

The real question is, is mushroom compost worth using?

Let’s find out.

• It improves fruit growth.

Mushroom compost can give surprising results for your strawberry plant by balancing soil density.

Balancing soil density:

Let me make this concept simple for you.

If the soil is too tight, compost helps to loosen the soil. In the same way, loose soils are “clumped” together.

The point is that this allows the plant to develop healthier roots. Great, isn’t it?

• It reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers.

Here’s the truth. Chemical fertilizers give good results. But in the longer run, organic fertilizers are better for the environment.

If we talk about chemical fertilizers, they may crust on top of the soil. As I mentioned above, they do not enrich your soil in the long term.

Moreover, the chemicals cause soil and water pollution as well.

But, we know that compost improves soil structure by providing essential nutrients. This decreases the demand for chemical fertilizers to fulfil the nutrient requirement.

To summarise, mushroom compost is a good alternative to chemical fertilizers.

• It can be used as an effective mulch.

We know that mulch is a layer of material added to the soil surface. It improves the fertility of the soil, conserves soil moisture and reduces weed growth.

Remember that it acts as an insulating barrier against evaporation from heat and wind.

Note: The high organic matter in mushroom compost makes it suitable for mulching.

Over here, you should know that strawberries should be mulched in the fall before the temperature falls below 20℉.

• It improves the soil structure.

Here’s why.

Usually, mushroom compost has a straw base. This means that it improves the drainage of the soil.

Mushroom compost is a good soil conditioner. This is because it enriches the soil by providing essential nutrients.

Must Read: 10 Benefits of Composting in Agriculture

As we discussed earlier, it improves the water-holding capacity of the soil. This allows your strawberry plant to obtain water from the soil.

Important Note: Mushroom compost attracts worms. They improve soil structure and the ability of the roots to consume more nutrients.

Great for strawberries, isn’t it?

• In general, good composting lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

We already discussed how compost is good for the environment. As responsible citizens, this is something that we should consider as well.

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere. As a result, the temperature increases. These gases include:

1. Nitrous oxide

2. Methane

3. Carbon dioxide

The best part is that composting improves carbon sequestration (a process of storing and capturing atmospheric CO2) in the soil.

Since the application process of compost is simple, it is great for growing strawberries.

Summary: Benefits of mushroom compost

• It improves fruit growth.

• It reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers.

• It can be used as an effective mulch.

• It improves the soil structure.

This takes us straight to our next topic.

How to make mushroom compost at home?

This guide will let you know exactly how to make mushroom compost at home.

Step 1:

First of all, mix the soil, manure, straw and mushroom bacteria.

You may also mix horse manure with gypsum. Then, add a little bit to the straw.

Over here, you should mix everything evenly and cover it with a black plastic sheet. Now, move on to the second step.

Step 2:

Now, wait for 2 weeks until your pile reaches between 140-160°F (60°C-71°C).

During this time, bacteria feed on manure and straw. This heating process kills some pathogens, pest larvae, and weed seeds.

Once the temperature has been reached, mix it thoroughly by moving the outer material to the centre. Then, water it thoroughly.

Further reading:

When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Florida | Best Tips

This takes us to the third step.

Step 3:

Now, you should let the pile sit for 5-7 days before using it. This ensures that the pile cools down.

This process is extremely important. Can you guess why is this so?

The reason is that high temperatures will cause seeds to overheat and die. So, the compost must be lower than 90°F.

Pretty simple, isn’t it?

How and when to use mushroom compost?

Before talking about the application of mushroom compost, here’s what you should know.

Conduct a soil test.

Even if you are planning to use inorganic fertilizer, a soil test is essential.

As the word suggests, this test will inform you about the condition of your soil. As a result, you will make better decisions for your plant growth.

Now back to the topic.

• First of all, mix compost with the soil.

Can you tell me why is this important?

This ensures that the soil receives nutrients. When you add a thick layer of compost on top of the soil, the worms allow the compost to meld with the soil.

Generally, spread a layer (mushroom compost) of at least 5cm thick on the surface, and mix it into the top 20cm of soil.

• Leave it for 1 week.

At this stage, allow the soil and compost to combine. This is because using “fresh” mushroom compost can cause nitrogen burns.

Finally, sow your seeds, water the soil and leave your strawberries to grow.

Note that 20-30% compost to the overall soil mix will be ideal. This may vary according to your soil condition.

This takes us straight to our next topic.

Is mushroom compost good for tomatoes?

Yes! Mushroom compost is great for tomatoes.

Here’s why.

The high calcium content protects your tomatoes from blossom-end rot disease.

This physical disorder, caused by freezing, drought and other stressors, can dramatically reduce your tomato quality and quantity.

As I mentioned earlier, this compost improves the water-holding capacity of the soil. This will prevent your tomato plant from “drying out”.

The best part?

Mushroom compost protects your tomatoes from tomato leaf mold. This disease directly affects the foliage of the plant. This infection can cause the infected leaves to wither and die.

So, here’s the takeaway.

Mushroom compost is good for tomatoes. As it is an organic fertilizer, it is great for the environment as well.

Is mushroom compost good for lawns?

Yes! This organic option works great for lawns. Let me explain.

We have already discussed that its water-holding capacity is great for lawns. Being a slow-release organic fertilizer, it will provide nutrients to your lawn over time.

It will also prevent weed and other diseases.

Mushroom compost provides nutrients to plants, improves the soil quality, changes the soil’s pH level, and is a good top-dressing for lawns.

As it is organic, you do not have to worry about chemicals seeping into your lawn.

Amazing, isn’t it?

Wrapping Up:

So, there you have it. Our topic, “is mushroom compost good for strawberries?“, is covered.

After this discussion, we can conclude that this compost is great for strawberries.

We can use inorganic fertilizers as well. However, there are multiple problems associated with them.

So, I prefer this organic option.

To recap, the mild nitrogen and high calcium content make it a good fit for strawberries, tomatoes, and lawns. We also discussed the simple application process.

Thank you for reading and staying with me till the end. Stay tuned for more.