more on free spent mushroom substrate

Thanks to reader Jon who added this tip in the comments section of a previous post about when to start vegetable seeds in Calgary.  For some cautions/tips on using it, be sure to read the rest of the comments section of that post.

"I contacted All Seasons Mushrooms today (April 25, 2009) and they told me the Mushroom Compost Give Away will begin May 3rd to May 10th (2009). You have to load yourself until May 9th. On that day, they will have a loader available to put compost into the back of trucks. I have a minivan rather than a truck so I go out and load myself. If you are loading into garbage bags, I suggest taking a container like a garbage can to put the bag into while shoveling the compost into the bag. It is a lot easier than trying to put a shovel load into the bag while holding it."

Thanks Jon!

[Update:

I've never been, but found these directions on  

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/farnorth/msg021547561811.html

The farm is about 16 km north of Airdrie, just south of Crossfield, actually. You take the QE2 (hwy 2) to the Beiseker/Crossfield overpass, then take the Beiseker highway East for a very short distance, to a sign that says "Service road". Turn onto that, go all the way around the J-bend (do *NOT* go down the unpaved road, stay on the pavement) and head back south on the service road. Just follow it around and it'll take you to the farm gates on the east side of the road.]

Comments

[claire]

Hi there.. I was just looking around for more info on the mushroom compost giveaway.. where is the farm exactly? I looked up All Seasons and they seem to be based in B.C.

Thanks..

[carol Burrows]

I missed the mother's day give away . Is it still possible to get the mushroom compost? I use it to layer my household compost and the resulting finished black gold is fantastic

Thanks

[Calgary Garden Coach]

You would have to contact the company, I don't know, I'm afraid.
Good luck!
Janice

[krissy]

i pick here year round, you canself load for free anytime or if you want the loader they charge $45 for a truckload. it makes a great fall mulch once the plants have died back and top dress on the lawn. the fall stuff is much lighter, drier and less'hot' than what you pick up in spring! currently they are loading thursdays 8-2 only. my neighbours are not fans of the scent though.

[Calgary Garden Coach]

Good to know Krissy, thanks! And if it still 'hot', then you could always stockpile it until spring. It can be smelly, I know!
Janice