Mulching material?

**francesbean** · 15-05-2008, 10:27 AM

I got a load of spent mushroom compost a while ago and have been using that all overthe place inlcuding the paths between my raised beds. Also had some mushrooms from it as a bonus, composted some (I got too much ). However I have also beneffited from a distinct lack of snails and slugs far less than usual. in fact hardly any. I even left the cold frame open last night (and it poured down )by mistake and expected to see babies all eaten this morning, not one touched I've no idea if the two are connected - neighbour without mush comp has raggedy holey peas, mine thriving not one single hole.

anyone else had this ?

**hamsterqueen** · 15-05-2008, 10:43 AM

Where did you get the mushroom compost from?

**Capsid** · 15-05-2008, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by hamsterqueen View Post

Just wondered what people use for mulches and if you have a favourite.

I was thinking of using my home grown compost. I've given up digging it in as I get loads of rogue tomato and squash plants growing (presume it hasn't got hot enough?)

We are cutting down lots of holly, bay and philadelphus ( spelling?) and putting the branches through the "muncher" to make it easier to fit in the garden bin. I wondered if I could use that as a mulch or would it have to rot down?

Also paper from the office shredder?

I use home shredded twigs as a mulch. Shredded paper might blow away.

**francesbean** · 15-05-2008, 01:17 PM

hamsterqueen - found it via this site - we have an organic mush farm in bradford on avon, Its underground in some old caves - they put out bags for you to take away at
50p a throw. its quite fibrous so great for clayee soil I guess. Ive been using it on my beans and peas, brocolli etc and mulching goosberries and raspberries as well as paths and compost -ive still got bags left. Found mushroom the size of a side plate couple ofdays ago had it on toast. Delicious.

**Madasafish** · 15-05-2008, 01:29 PM

Apart from rotted leaves, I shred small branches and stuff them on a compost heap mixed with whatever and use that. Buddleia seeds are a pain tho.... they germinate.. but hoing etc.

**ClayGarden** · 15-05-2008, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by Madasafish View Post

Apart from rotted leaves, I shred small branches and stuff them on a compost heap mixed with whatever and use that. Buddleia seeds are a pain tho.... they germinate.. but hoing etc.

Send them my way

**skybluepink** · 15-05-2008, 05:38 PM

Hi francesbean,
Im not far from Bath , whereabouts is the mushroom farm in BOA please? I have been using mush compost for new raised beds but its not organic and would really prefer to use organic if available. And i tentatively agree that you might get less slug/snail (SSH in case they are listening) when using it.

**francesbean** · 15-05-2008, 06:02 PM

hi skybluepink - i almost didnt post my thoughts for tempting fate - i wonder why this could be? I did a google and nothing came up re little critters and mush comp or alkaline.
If we could find out why we'd be millionaires/everones best friend.

Anyway organic mushroom farm is called Oakfield farm and number is 01225 864904
give them a ring around 10am and theyll leave bags out for you to collect- you post the money though the letterbox. Bags are quite big about size of blackbin bags half full.
The mushrooms are crimini brown mushrooms (sold in waitrose apparantly).

Keep in touch and tell me how you get on.

francesbean

**skybluepink** · 15-05-2008, 07:37 PM

Thanks very much Francis , sound perfect , its fantastic stuff perfect for my soil which is a bit on sandy side adds a bit of omph!

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