Mushroom Compost & Tomatoes

Mushroom Compost

• Mushrooms grow best in rich, organic foundations that hold moisture and nutrition. Commercial mushroom growers build this foundation with ingredients such as organic compost, manure, livestock bedding, peat moss, hay, straw, poultry littler, cottonseed meal, cocoa shells and gypsum. Once the mushroom crop finishes, the growers sterilize and sell the foundation as mushroom compost for gardening.

Site and Sun

• Soil is not the only important aspect to growing tomatoes. The plants require the right site and sun for growing, and fail without enough light. Choose a wide open, level and sunny location, where the tomatoes get six to eight hours of full sun every day. Set aside at least seven to 10 feet of space for multiple plantings to allow full sun and air exposure.

Soil Amendments

• Use the best soil available for tomatoes, with high organic and nutrient content for growth. These plants need rich, loose and quick-draining soil to take root, grow and bear their fruit. Turn 3 inches of mushroom compost into the top 6 to 9 inches of natural soil through the plot for nutrition, moisture retention and long-term soil quality.

Mulch and Fertilizer

• Mushroom compost also makes good mulch for tomato plots. Lay an extra 1 to 2 inches of compost over the soil after planting to keep the soil and roots below warm and moist. Turn this mulch layer into the soil once a month for gentle, continuous feedings, and add more compost as mulch. Organic matter provides long-term, slow-release fertilizer and keeps the garden natural.