Mushroom compost or something else?

[Peanut]

I have pretty much run out of homemade compost so I need to get something to mulch/feed my veg beds with, (yes I know I am a bit late). I was thinking of buying a bulk bag of spent mushroom compost but thought I would run it by you lovely folks in case you had better suggestions?

Thanks all.

[Mark Rand]

The Fen's soil can tend towards the alkaline side. If that's your case spent mushroom compost might not be so good unless you want to grow brassicas in the beds. Could always add some flowers of sulfur if you want to grow onions.

Having said that, my childhood was in Kings Lynn and it didn't matter what you put on the soil. Wave the seed packet over it and it would grow. Most times, you didn't even have to open the packet.

[Peanut]

You're spot on with it being more alkaline and it is generally very good soil and I do grow lots of brassicas. I'm a no digger so try to add something on top each year, cos that's what Charles Dowding says to do lol!. I have found a supplier who sells a mix of 70% horse manure and 30% mushroom, might that be a better option?

I have got onion sets coming this spring, they've always been rubbish for me, usually getting white rot, as a result I haven't grown them for years. I will have a look at flowers of sulfur, never used anything like that before.

Thanks Mark

[Mark Rand]

The flowers of sulfur is a reasonable thing to add to gradually lower the pH of the soil if you need to. For the brassicas the mushroom compost ought to be a Good Thing™

[Peanut]

Thanks Mark