Compost as mulch

I've heard people talk about mulching with compost. One of the main reasons that I mulch is to keep the weed population down. Wouldn't weeds thrive in compost? Am I missing something?

Idealy good mulch is weed free. Since most weeds are light sensitive they need exposure to light to germinate. Weeding before applying mulch helps keep the mulch from being contaminated by seed from above . The mulch shades the light so the seed in the ground won't germinate and conserves moisture. An added benifit most mulches provide is soil amendment.

My present mulch was aged and turned over in a pile several times in four years. The heat generated as it decomposed sterilized the weed and grass seed. It consist of cow power,shavings , straw,cotton seed and chopped corn stalks. It is a good product that is fertile and odorless once spread. It cost 200 bucks for a 12 yard load good for two years use and much cheaper than buying bags. Ernie

But after you've applied the weed free compost, don't seeds from weeds in the general vicinity germinate and grow happily in that nutrient rich environment?

Yes, weed seeds that land will grow nicely. However, that happens with almost anything, including rocks / gravel.

And that is the point there are far more weed seeds laying under the ground waiting to be exposed to the light than are flying around landing on the new mulch so the weeder gets a vacation,the plants get food and more consistent moisture. Really a win win thing.

I agree - as long as the compost is reliably weed-free. There are plenty of not so reliable sources. You're fortunate to have found a good one. And reasonably priced I might add. I doubt I could get it for anywhere near that price here!

adding water and nitrogen. This will cause heat to kill any stray seeds that have blown in since the pile was delivered. I will use this in my potting soil next year I make most of my own 1/3 peat moss 1/3 compost 1/3 pearlite and lime as needed to a ph of 6 to 7. A bag of peat and pearlite cost about 28 bucks and makes 12 cubic feet of potting soil making it 2.50 or so for a 2 cf bag instead of 10 or so plus. Last I cover the remainder of the pile with a hunk of black plastic till next spring to keep it weed free.

I relalize this plan is not for every one but I live in farm country and have a two acre yard so out by my gh anything goes lol no neighbours to see my piles of poop and stuff. July 6 I retire I will make my own compost from now on with free cow poo and shavings straw and alfalfia hay that has been spoiled by the rain and anything else like grass clippings and spoiled garden veggies and kitchen scraps vegg and fruit no meat.

Thats my story it works for me. Ernie

Congrats on your retirement, Ernie! Full-time gardener is a great title.

Thanks for clearing that up for me guys! Maybe I'll buy a small amount of compost from a local supplier next year to check it out. Thanks again.

Hey guys! I know a fellow that raises sheep for shows at fairs and he says that thier manure is free of weed seed unlike cow horse or anyother. I have used it and it is great. Hardly any smell either. What do you think? Bev

Do you compost it first?

We have a mushroom plant outside of town. It's open to the public to get how ever much mushroom compost you want 2x's a year. It's $15 for a dump truck load and the dump truck my friend has holds about 10 yards. This spring I got 3 loads, $45. If I knew somebody that had a semi available when the sale is going on, I could get it filled for $20. There aren't any more weeds that sprout up in it that than in a wood mulch.

Lucky you!! If you're not busy, would you drive some to NY??

LOL!! You could always drive here ;-)

Maybe we can meet halfway and you can dump into my truck??

Their site says they have a plant in Temple PA
http://www.montmush.com/divisions.htm
Would that be half-way??....lol....

Hee hee! Thanks.

mushroom compost is awesome for sandy ground and awesome for hard ground. Ernie

Mushroom compost is all around awesome in my opinion! It's great even for good ole black dirt like I have.

Sounds like I need to try it - at least in some "needy" areas!

Victor No you just use as is. Bev

Thanks Bev - sounds ideal.

Mushroom compost is just the greatest but be a little careful with acid loving plants because once in a while the mushroom compost can be a bit alkaline....if in doubt mix with equal aged cow manure,