Composting mushroom scraps with worms
Mushroom stems, caps, or other scraps left over after cooking? These can, with some attention, be added to your Bonter worm bin. Worms and microorganisms work together to break down this fungus-rich material, contributing to your valuable compost. Discover how best to compost mushrooms for an effortless routine.
Can mushroom scraps go in your worm bin?
Yes, mushroom scraps are suitable for your worm bin, but with a ‘B’ rating, caution is advised. Mushrooms are actually fungi, and composting is largely the work of microorganisms, including fungi. Compost worms also like to eat the fungi that grow on the waste, which promotes decomposition. However, only add scraps from cultivated mushrooms and avoid wild varieties. Large quantities can disrupt the balance in the bin or form a slimy mass that breaks down slowly and can cause odor. The Bonter’s ventilation system helps maintain a healthy environment by ensuring air circulation.
How much mushroom can you add?
Always add mushroom scraps in moderation to your Bonter worm bin. Start with small amounts to see how your worms react and how quickly it breaks down. Mushrooms can be quite moist and compost relatively slowly compared to many fruit and vegetable scraps. Always ensure sufficient ‘brown’ bedding material, such as shredded cardboard, egg cartons, or paper, to absorb the extra moisture and maintain a good carbon-nitrogen ratio. Lightly mix mushroom scraps through the existing waste and cover them well.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Unexpectedly have a lot of mushroom scraps left over, for example, from cleaning or spoiled ones? First, try to save as many edible parts as possible. Mushroom stems, for instance, can still be used in soups or sauces. Scraps that are no longer usable should be added in small quantities to your Bonter, well covered. Large quantities of mushroom waste, or the substrate they were grown in, are better composted on a traditional compost heap, where they are less likely to cause problems. For the Bonter: small amounts, well spread out and covered, work best.
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Tips for safe mushroom composting
For successful composting of mushroom scraps in your Bonter, cut the stems and larger pieces of caps into smaller parts. This increases the surface area for microorganisms and worms to work on, which speeds up decomposition. Add the pieces spread out in the bin and immediately cover them with a generous layer of dry bedding material like shredded paper or cardboard. Covering well is crucial to prevent them from becoming slimy, giving off odor, or causing unwanted mold growth on the surface. This ensures clean and odor-free processing indoors.
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Frequently asked questions about composting mushrooms
Can all types of mushrooms go in the worm bin?
Only add scraps from cultivated mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can contain harmful substances or spores and are not suitable for your worm bin.
Can mushrooms cause odor in the worm bin?
Do I need to cut mushroom scraps small?
Can I put mushroom substrate (the 'soil' they grow in) in the worm bin?
How quickly do mushrooms compost?
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