Fungal Compost

[tqn626]

Anyone know a source of fungal compost or ways to create fungal dominated compost?

[drew51]

I'm a fan of fungal compost and worm castings too. I buy it from a local nursery. I'm also a huge fan of Fafard soil products. They used to make a nice mushroom compost, but stopped making it.

[tqn626]

Originally Posted by drew51

I'm a fan of fungal compost and worm castings too. I buy it from a local nursery. I'm also a huge fan of Fafard soil products. They used to make a nice mushroom compost, but stopped making it.

It seems that what a lot of us is missing in our soil. Trying to fix the problem myself.

[habitat_gardener]

Leaves and branches. Leaf mold. Wood chips.

[tuk50]

That is why I have gone to no till gardening last year.. the fungal growth is supposed to help keep the rkn population down.... so far so good. This past season was one of the most productive gardens i've had in a long while. This past week we just got finished laying about 10ins of compost along each row to form a mound and will plant into it this spring.

[tqn626]

Originally Posted by habitat_gardener

Leaves and branches. Leaf mold. Wood chips.

Know a good source of wood chips in southern california? I know whittier fertilizer has redwood shavings but i heard that's the worst wood chip you can use on your garden.

[tuk50]

For wood chips, there is a town about 10miles from us that grinds its Christmas trees in January each year and leaves the pile in one of their parks for free pickup. There is more and more of these around, but they don't always advertise it, we accidentally found out from a friend about 5yrs ago and have been getting it the first week in Feb since. This stuff makes a great fungal growth you can see if left undisturbed in a layer for the year. If anyone around you advertises Christmas tree collection, call that town hall or county seat offices. The needles are an added benefit. Providing a bit of nutrients. It is a bit acidic which goes well with my arid, alkaline soil. Potatoes, sweetpotatoes and blueberries love this stuff.

[habitat_gardener]

In my area, free wood chips are available from tree trimmers. Look in the yellow pages (are those still printed?) and call around to find out who will be working in your neighborhood. They'll want to dump a whole truckload, so you have to clear the driveway or make room somewhere, or move the pile asap. You do have to be careful to specify what you want, sometimes -- small chips (or are some branches ok?), types of trees (walnut, euc, etc.?). It's cost-effective for them to dump the mulch in the neighborhood rather than driving it to the landfill or wherever.

Also, some towns have mulch piles so you can take what you need.

Redwood bark ("gorilla hair") tends to repel water, especially if it's applied in thick layers.