Are Mushrooms and Slime Molds a Problem?
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Most of the time, when we have a fungus in our garden, it’s a bad thing. But what about mushrooms popping up from the mulch? Do they harm anything in the garden, and what should, if anything, we do about them?
Are All Fungi Bad?
For gardeners, when we talk about fungi, we often refer to diseases such as powdery mildew, fusarium, or verticillium wilt, all of which are detrimental to our efforts. When it comes to these, we need to do everything possible, including planting resistant varieties and providing ample air circulation, to minimize their presence.
However, sometimes, especially during wetter seasons, other fungi appear spontaneously. Recently, I’ve had mushrooms and a slime mold appear in the beds.
Digging the ‘Shrooms
One corner of the garden is somewhat shaded by the golden currant bush, and receives water from two zones, making it one of the damper areas. There are also bark chips through the pathways, which undoubtedly brought in mushroom spores. Sure enough, throughout the season, there seems to be a new crop every day, although I’m not exactly sure what kind they are.
Mushrooms are actually a sign of a healthy garden because they are decomposing materials. They’re part of the process we need to create healthy soil.
Mushrooms in the Lawn
I remember growing up in Ohio, where we had “fairy rings,” circles of small mushrooms, in the lawn, and the goal was to remove them. Apart from the concern of upsetting the mythical beings, for some reason, homeowners were bent on eliminating them. In reality, there is no reason for it.
Besides the circle of mushrooms, the grass in the ring is often greener and healthier, indicating a boost in nitrogen from the breakdown of materials within the soil. The only detriment is that the ring looks different from the rest of the lawn.
With that said, if you have small children who could eat the mushrooms, you might want to remove them. Pets usually don’t, but you know your dog the best. If it eats everything, that’s another reason to keep them at bay.
To remedy a fairy ring (and risk their wrath), remove the mushrooms and aerate the soil. When you water, water deeply and less frequently. You may also want to fertilize the lawn to balance its nutritional levels.
What’s that Gross Stuff in My Garden?
If somebody is disgusted by what looks like a fungus, it’s usually a slime mold. These are never attractive and might be in shades of cream, bright yellow, or orange, such as in dog vomit or slime mold. However, they are not harmful, and in fact, they are not fungi. Slime molds are actually classified in the kingdom Protista. They have no cell walls and engulf their food as they move through their environment. Yes, they move.
Once again, these are not problematic. Instead, it is another good sign that decomposition is occurring in your garden. Things are alive. Typically, the slime mold will be done within a day or so. You really don’t need to do anything about it unless it completely grosses you out. Then scoop it up and discard it.
Rest assured, if you have a group of mushrooms or slime mold appearing in your garden, it means the ecosystem is functioning properly.
Meet Amy Grisak
Amy is a freelance author and photographer in Great Falls, MT who specializes in gardening, foods, and sustainable agriculture. She provides information on every kind…
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