Alright, let’s talk about sunflowers, you know, them big, happy-looking flowers. And what to feed ’em. I hear folks talkin’ about all sorts of stuff, black humus and mushroom compost and whatnot. So, which one’s better? Let’s figure it out, plain and simple, like how we do things in the country.
First off, sunflowers, they’re hungry fellas. They need good food to grow tall and strong. Just like us, I reckon. Now, this black humus stuff, that’s like the good, dark dirt you find in the woods after all the leaves and stuff rot down. It’s packed with all sorts of good things, you know, like vitamins for the ground. It helps the dirt hold water, which is real important when it gets hot and dry. And it feeds the plants slow and steady, so they don’t get too much all at once and get all burned up, like when you eat too much sugar.

Then there’s this mushroom compost. That’s the stuff they grow mushrooms in, and then they got this leftover stuff that’s supposed to be real good for plants too. It’s kinda like, you know, recycling for plants. They say it’s got lots of good stuff in it, too, but it can be a bit strong sometimes. Like, if you give a baby too much strong coffee, it ain’t gonna be good for ’em, right? Same thing with plants and this mushroom compost, I hear. Too much can be bad, specially for little baby plants.
- Black humus: Good for holding water. Feeds plants slow and steady. Like a good, home-cooked meal.
- Mushroom compost: Lots of nutrients. Can be too strong sometimes. Like a shot of strong coffee.
So, how do you decide? Well, if you’re startin’ from seeds, I’d say go easy on the mushroom compost. Maybe mix a little bit in with your regular dirt, but don’t go overboard. You don’t want to kill your plants! Black humus, though, you can use that pretty much anytime. It’s like comfort food for the dirt. It makes the plants grow strong and healthy. Mix it in real good before you plant your seeds, and your sunflowers will thank ya.
Now, if your sunflowers are already growin’ and they need a little boost, you can use a bit of both. But listen here, don’t just dump a whole pile of stuff on ‘em! You gotta be gentle. Sprinkle a little bit around the plants, not too close to the stem, and then water it in real good. That way, the food can get down to the roots where it needs to go.
And don’t forget, water is just as important as food for sunflowers. They need lots of sunshine and water to grow big and tall. You gotta water ‘em deep, so the water gets all the way down to the roots. And if it’s real hot and dry, you might have to water ‘em more often. Just keep an eye on ‘em, they’ll tell you when they’re thirsty. The leaves will start to droop a little bit, and that’s when you know it’s time to give ‘em a drink.
So, there you have it, black humus versus mushroom compost for sunflowers. It ain’t rocket science, you know? Just use your common sense and pay attention to what your plants are tellin’ ya. And remember, too much of a good thing can be bad. Just like eating too much cake, it’ll give you a bellyache. Same thing with plants and fertilizer. Give ‘em just what they need, and they’ll grow big and strong and make you proud. And that’s all there is to it.
Now, I ain’t no fancy expert or nothin’, but I’ve been growin’ stuff my whole life, and I know a thing or two about what makes plants happy. And happy plants make for a happy garden, and that’s what it’s all about, ain’t it?
One more thing, if you’re using that mushroom compost, make sure you know where it comes from. Some of that stuff can have too much salt in it, and that ain’t good for plants. It’s like eatin’ too much salty food, it makes you thirsty and can even make you sick. So, be careful, and don’t just use any old mushroom compost you find layin’ around. Get the good stuff, and your plants will be much happier.

And remember, when you’re plantin’ sunflowers, have fun! It’s supposed to be enjoyable, not a chore. Get your hands dirty, feel the sunshine on your face, and enjoy watching those big, beautiful flowers grow. That’s the best part, I reckon.
Tags: [sunflowers, black humus, mushroom compost, fertilizer, gardening, soil amendment, plant care, organic gardening, growing sunflowers, healthy plants]