Eliminating Unwanted Mushrooms in the Garden: A Guide on Fungus Removal
In the vibrant world of gardening, mushrooms can sometimes make an unexpected appearance. These fungal organisms, while often associated with forests and woodlands, can also be found in lawns and gardens, much to the surprise of many gardeners.
Mushrooms, such as toadstools, ink caps, puffballs, stinkhorns, and slime molds, are common visitors to gardens. While some may be inedible or even poisonous, it's important to note that mushrooms do not pose any harm to grass, plants, or soil. However, the main reason for removing them is to prevent children and pets from consuming possibly toxic mushrooms.
Susan Albert, a former master gardener and author, has contributed extensively to the gardening community. Her work includes gardening articles for various magazines and a newspaper gardening column for many years. She also contributed South-Central regional gardening columns for four years to Lowes.com. According to Susan, mushrooms grow in gardens because fungal spores are carried by wind or animals and settle there, while moist, shaded, compacted soil, decaying organic matter, poor lawn care, and excessive watering create favorable conditions for their growth.
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi present in the soil that break down organic matter through a network of filaments called hyphae. This process aids in the decomposition of organic matter and returns nutrients to the soil, making mushrooms a sign of healthy soil. Fungi also have a symbiotic relationship with plants, improving root growth and protecting roots from disease. This relationship is called mycorrhizae.
Slime molds, while not true fungi, are often associated with them. They form a gooey mass that may resemble vomit. On the other hand, stinkhorns are reddish and emit a powerful and foul-smelling odor. Ink caps have a conical shape and turn into an inky liquid as their caps decompose. Puffballs are creamy-white or beige balls that break open to release spores and range in size.
Removing mushrooms manually will not kill the fungus beneath the soil. However, they can be disposed of by wearing gloves, mowing or raking them, and discarding the pieces deep in the compost pile or in a bag in the trash, or by applying a strong spray of water. To make gardens less hospitable to fruiting fungi, watering less or earlier in the day, improving drainage, and trimming shade-producing trees and shrubs can be effective strategies.
In conclusion, while mushrooms can be a surprising sight in gardens, understanding their role in the ecosystem and taking simple precautions can help gardeners coexist harmoniously with these fascinating organisms.
