By Craig Witt and Mark O’Farrell, Soil Council |
Q: What is a “triple mix”?
A: Triple mix is a very common term given to a soil blend that is comprised of three parts. The most important question to find out is exactly what are the three parts of a “triple mix”.
It is interesting to hear the response from your local landscape supplier when you ask them what is in their “triple mix”. Some of the most comical responses are: (1) Oh, it’s the three best parts of a good soil. (2) Ah Gee, let me see, I think it’s one part soil, one part compost, and one part manure. (3) I don’t know. (4) You better ask at the office. (5) What would you like it to be?
As one can see, a “triple mix” is a relatively vague description. It can be three parts of anything.
Ideally, a “triple mix” should be one part Sand, one part Garden Soil, and one part Compost. The overall performance of such a combination will be determined by the quality of each individual ingredient.
The Sand should come from a proven source that does not contain high levels of sodium and has good physical characteristics that do not lead to compaction. Golf Course sand is a good example of a desirable sand. Concrete sand is often times not desirable.
Garden Soil, sometimes called top soil, should come with some evidence that the supplier has had a soil analysis done to make sure that the nutrients are balanced and that there are not any toxic levels of minerals such as Boron or Sodium.
The Compost is often times the most important ingredient added to a triple mix. It is very important that the compost comes from a reputable supplier that can supply you with the recipe of what is in the compost and a written record of the composting process.
Ultimately the quality of any soil blend is determined by how well it supports the growth of plants.
A good supplier should have plants growing in their product.
Q: What is “Mushroom Compost”?
A: “Mushroom Compost” is actually not compost at all. It is spent mushroom substrate. Mushroom substrate is the growth media used to grow different varieties of mushrooms. The choice of mushroom species that a mushroom grower grows is dependent on the growth media available.
Mushroom production is completely different from growing green plants. Mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and therefore depend on other material for their food.
Mushroom growers often times use compost turners to mix their mushroom substrate, however, if they were to truly compost the substrate, it would no longer grow mushrooms.
Spent mushroom substrate is best used as an ingredient in a good compost recipe.
In short, mushroom compost can often times cause more harm than good.
For more info, contact Craig Witt and Mark O’Farrell at Full Circle Compost at
(775) 267-5305 or craig@fullcirclecompost.com or mark@fullcirclecompost.com.
