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Post by oldmoleskins on Feb 8, 2007 16:33:16 GMT
I've got an outbuilding last used for chickens about 10 years ago, with a 12inch depth of litter I'm about to dig out. It is in effect very well rotted, chicken-enriched compost. About 10 cu yds of the stuff.
Would it be any good for growing mushrooms?
OM
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Post by roxann57 on Feb 8, 2007 18:26:33 GMT
Never tried them OM, but sounds like the shed would be an ideal place. Had a quick google as this sounds like a great idea. Maybe the link below might be of some use. www.mushroomcouncil.com/grow/grow.html |
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Post by roxann57 on Feb 13, 2007 22:31:35 GMT
Are you going to give it a go OM? Would be very interested to see how you get on.
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Post by oldmoleskins on Feb 13, 2007 22:42:49 GMT
Was tempted to Roxann - but something emerged to rather put me off... a farming contractor friend of mine that supplies a mushroom grower (from whom I was hoping to get the 'spawn' you need to start a colony) told me today that his supplies of chicken manure, previously wanted, are no longer thought ok - because of the risk of avian flu!
Nevertheless, I rang the grower ask about supplies and in the course of that, he asked if the shed had any rats - it does.
Now - are you listening 4P - he said '...then don't risk it. Rat-contaminated compost is not a thing you want to be eating mushrooms off.'
Could be an unhelpful, protectionist grower, could be a useful tip...
So, I think it's outside to the compost heap with this lot after all, and maybe just used on ornamentals too...
OM.
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Post by roxann57 on Feb 13, 2007 22:50:00 GMT
Can't you sterlilise the chicken poo? There are chemicals that you can use (not very green I know) that would do the job nicely.
I don't think avian flu could last as long as your chicken poo has been in the shed either.
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Post by oldmoleskins on Feb 13, 2007 22:53:54 GMT
Nooo I don't think so... surely the mushrooms need stuff and sterilisation would kinda take the oomph out of it - to be frank, wasn't worried about the avian flu thing so much, but rat-widdle mushrooms is an exotica too far in the Old Moley Kitchen...
OM.
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Post by roxann57 on Feb 13, 2007 22:56:49 GMT
Oh well, nice idea - so what are going to do with the shed?
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Post by oldmoleskins on Feb 14, 2007 8:47:15 GMT
It's the furthest in a long line of potential extensions to my living space...more of a room than a shed - so once emptied and re-roofed, will be turned into something... one day!
OM.
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