Mulch - Ask Extension
Is an organic compost mulch that smells strong of ammonia good to use as a mulch in my flower and vegetable beds. The pH I am told is 5.7.
The compa...
Knowledgebase
Mulch #874833
Asked June 26, 2024, 3:31 PM EDT
Is an organic compost mulch that smells strong of ammonia good to use as a mulch in my flower and vegetable beds. The pH I am told is 5.7.
The company that produces it is Recology Organics Aumsville. They told me many master gardeners have successfully used their mulch as atop dressing. Online info about compost with an ammonia smell says it could harm my plants, then there is the obnoxious smell.
Is it ever possible to speak with a master gardener? Complete understanding by texting doesn’t always happen.
Thank you.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Karen,
Thank you for contacting us about mulch and where to find Master Gardeners.
With regard to your mulch, finished mulch usually has a pH close to normal (6.5 to 7.0). The ammonia smell is an indication that the mulch was either not balanced (carbohydrates to nitrates) or that it was not properly mixed and turned. In the current state, it can harm plants. Fortunately, it doesn't take long to fix it. Here is an excellent article about the cause and how to remedy the problem:
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/news/hort-notes-beware-of-sour-mulch
The Marion County Master Gardeners are available to speak with gardeners Monday through Friday, between 9 am an 1 pm. They are located in the Marion County Extension Office:
1320 Capitol St NE #110, Salem, OR 97301
Garden Help Desk: 503.373.3770
They also have a kiosk on the 4th Saturday of each month
at the Salem Saturday Market.
You can also check their calendar for workshops and events at https://marioncomga.org/. Their next workshop will be Basics of Berry Care and Selection on July 6 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the Marion Demonstration Garden behind the Health Department building on Center Street near Hawthorne. Also, you can usually find Master Gardeners at the Demonstration Garden on Mondays and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. Those are the days they work at the garden.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have questions.
Thank you for contacting us about mulch and where to find Master Gardeners.
With regard to your mulch, finished mulch usually has a pH close to normal (6.5 to 7.0). The ammonia smell is an indication that the mulch was either not balanced (carbohydrates to nitrates) or that it was not properly mixed and turned. In the current state, it can harm plants. Fortunately, it doesn't take long to fix it. Here is an excellent article about the cause and how to remedy the problem:
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/news/hort-notes-beware-of-sour-mulch
The Marion County Master Gardeners are available to speak with gardeners Monday through Friday, between 9 am an 1 pm. They are located in the Marion County Extension Office:
1320 Capitol St NE #110, Salem, OR 97301
Garden Help Desk: 503.373.3770
They also have a kiosk on the 4th Saturday of each month
at the Salem Saturday Market.
You can also check their calendar for workshops and events at https://marioncomga.org/. Their next workshop will be Basics of Berry Care and Selection on July 6 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the Marion Demonstration Garden behind the Health Department building on Center Street near Hawthorne. Also, you can usually find Master Gardeners at the Demonstration Garden on Mondays and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. Those are the days they work at the garden.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have questions.
