Is Mushroom Compost Good for Roses? How, and When to Add It

I’ve tried all the types of compost you can think of for my roses. One of those is mushroom compost. So perhaps you’re also wondering – is mushroom compost good for roses?

That’s what I’m going through in this article, starting with a summary and then getting into the detail.

Mushroom compost is good for all roses as a soil amendment. It particularly suits Grandiflora, Floribunda, and Hybrid tea roses. As it is an organic material it is good for aeration, and drainage. But beware, it can be salty and acidic, so it can lower the soil’s pH level.

But there’s more to mushroom compost than just this brief answer, some of which is quite important to know. So let’s get into the details.

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What is mushroom compost?

Mushroom compost is a type of compost made from mushroom substrates. It can be used for roses, and it has a lot of benefits. It’s a good source of nutrients, it helps with drainage, and it adds organic matter to the soil.

How is mushroom compost made?

Mushroom compost is made by breaking down organic matter, such as straw, with the help of fungi. The resulting substance is then used as a soil amendment or fertilizer.

Is mushroom compost the best compost for roses?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Every rose gardener has their own preference I’m sure, and what works for one person (and one soil type, etc) may not work for another.

That being said, mushroom compost can be a good option for roses. It’s high in nutrients, it helps with drainage, and it adds organic matter to the soil.

In my experience, I’ve found it’s perhaps less effective than other compost options. Mushroom compost is great as a soil amendment and serves mostly just for that purpose, so like other general-purpose compost, mixing it with your topsoil is really the best use.

If it’s a boost you’re looking for, then there are fertilizers out there that would perhaps offer a better nutrient boost for your roses.

You can actually get Pasteurized Manure Based Mushroom Substrate, on amazon, which might be worth a try too.

It can cut out a lot of the risks when using mushroom compost because it’s been specially treated.

Mushroom compost pH level

Roses like a pH level of around 6 to 7, with around 6.5 to 6.8 being a comfortable range.

Mushroom compost is generally on the acidic side with a pH level that can be as low as 3.5 or 4.

While this might not seem like an ideal range for roses, if you live in an area with naturally alkaline soil, adding mushroom compost to your roses can help bring the pH level down to a more suitable range.

This is something that you would need to test though, as too much acidity can actually damage roses.

The other thing to be aware of with mushroom compost is that it can contain high levels of salt.

While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, if the compost is too salty it can actually damage the roots of your roses. This is one of the other (main) reasons why I tend to prefer other compost options.

To avoid this though, make sure to get your mushroom compost from a reputable source, and always test the pH level and salt levels before adding it to your roses. If needed, you can also “flush” (leech) the mushroom compost with water to help remove any excess salt.

By testing the pH levels and salt content before using it, you can help ensure that your roses are getting the nutrients they need without the risk of damaging their roots. You can use a digital tester for this purpose.

So… is mushroom compost good for roses?

Yes, it can be. Mushroom compost is good for roses because it helps improve drainage, aeration, and water retention in the soil.

It also provides nutrients for the plant and can help suppress diseases. It suppresses diseases because mushroom compost contains a natural fungicide called chitin.

Chitin is a substance found in the cell walls of fungi, and it’s known to have antifungal properties.

Which roses like mushroom compost?

Mushroom compost is a good all-around compost for most garden uses, not just roses.

In general, mushroom compost is good for all roses but especially seems to work well with Hybrid tea roses, Grandiflora roses, and Floribunda roses. Mushroom compost can be used as a soil amendment for both young and mature roses.

Why is mushroom compost used for roses?

Like most composts, mushroom compost is used for roses because it contains high levels of nutrients and moisture, which roses need in order to thrive.

Mushroom compost also has the added benefit of helping to improve drainage and aeration in the soil, as well as water retention.

When to add mushroom compost to roses

You should add mushroom compost to roses in the early spring as soon as you can work the soil. Or you could add mushroom compost in the Fall. This can be good because it takes a while for the compost to break down so it would be naturally ready for next season’s growth.

How to use mushroom compost for roses

When adding mushroom compost to roses, mix it in well with the existing soil. You’ll want to use a spade or other tool to loosen the top few inches of soil before adding the compost – remember, it’s a good soil amendment.

For best results, add a layer of 2-3 inches of mushroom compost and work it into the topsoil.

You can add mushroom compost to the soil around the plant, or you can mix it into the potting mix if you’re repotting, just be careful not to add too much.

Mushroom compost can also be used as a ‘top dressing’ – simply spread it around the base of the plant and rake it in. Be sure not to pile it up against the stem, as this can cause rot.

Is mushroom compost good for roses – Pros and Cons

Mushroom compost is an excellent source of nutrients, but it does have some pros and cons about using it. Some I’ve touched on already, but here’s a roundup.

So, is mushroom compost good for roses? Overall, yes, although there are perhaps better alternatives. And be sure to follow the application and storage instructions, and you’ll be giving your roses a great boost of nutrients that will help them thrive.

Hints and Tips for using mushroom compost with roses

There are a few things to keep in mind when using mushroom compost with roses, though.

• Only use it on well-drained soils. If your soil doesn’t drain well, the mushroom compost will hold too much moisture and can lead to root rot
• Don’t use too much. A general rule of thumb is to use no more than 20-30% mushroom compost in your rose beds
• Be sure to mix it in well and water it well after applying. Mushroom compost can be a great addition to your rose care regimen, but only if used properly!
• When using mushroom compost on roses, make sure to do so in early spring so it promotes growth, or in late fall ready for the next Spring. This will give the compost time to break down and be ready for use when your roses need it the most
• Mushroom compost can be quite “hot” when first added to your roses. This means that it can actually burn your roses if you’re not careful. To avoid this, always add the mushroom compost to your roses gradually, and mix it in well
• Watering your roses after adding mushroom compost will also help to avoid any burning
• In general, mushroom compost is good for all types of roses. However, it’s especially beneficial for hybrid tea roses, floribunda roses, and Grandiflora roses. This is because mushroom compost helps these types of roses to produce more flowers
• Mushroom compost is also a great way to add organic matter to your rose garden. This is important because organic matter helps to improve drainage, aeration, and water retention in the soil

My take on mushroom compost?

I would not particularly go out and buy mushroom compost for my roses, it would not be my first choice …as there are other compost options.

My overall favorite really is plain old horse manure. I think it provides just about everything my roses need.

Is mushroom compost good for roses ~ More roses help 🌹

I hope this has answered the question – is mushroom compost good for roses? But don’t take my word for it, experiment with composts yourself. Take a look at the other articles below and read up about some other compost options you could try for your roses.