Is mushroom compost still considered "a good thing"? I see that Clearfork Materials in Aledo now carry it for $30/yard. It appears to be broken down better than the stuff I ordered a couple years ago from Dallas or Grand Prairie and has a nice earthy odor, not that awful smell! The handout sheet that Clearfork gives out claims that mushroom compost is the most evenly balanced of all composts.....please share any info/advice.....

Linda

Well, I’m glad to hear they finally got on the bandwagon, instead of telling folks it was just a passing fad, as they did after I wrote that article. It’s another fine example of customer demand making good things more widely available.

The texture difference you are seeing over the product from a couple of years ago is due to exactly what you perceived. Back then; we would receive it exactly as it came from the mushroom growing bins, moisture and all. When stockpiled in massive mounds, it was retaining healthy but smelly gases. Distributors have now learned how to manage mountains of it for retailing. It is an expensive process when applied on a large scale, but sure makes it more user-friendly than before, without detracting from its potency. With frequent large-scale turnings, it is still as effective as the smelly stuff – just somewhat drier, a finer texture and less odorous.

This fall I began researching a fascinating new manure product. It is called ‘washed manure’ – really. Very interesting process I will report on it in future ST article. Looks, feels and smells like natural peat, but is rich in nutrients. While investigating its development, I built a trial area with it last year - installed the same plants in it at the same time as in a m c bed.

The washed manure product is good for us gardeners and large-scale users of natural fertilizers, but also great for the environment. The product is a result of an industrial process designed to prevent hazardous dairy runoff from polluting our waterways.

I have been told H. Garrett will sanction it. Distribution is in its infancy, but I will cover availability in my upcoming report this spring, with more details and first hand experience of it. I think the more variety of natural fertilizers available, the better for all.
Good to hear from you again Linda.