Fungi often develop in your garden beds because gardens create many favorable conditions for their growth. Why do I have mushrooms in the raised bed? Are they problematic? Or do they bring benefits for the garden? What can you do if you want to get rid of them? We answer all of these questions in this article!
Fungi spread through the spores they release into the air, and they grow wherever the spores land. If mushrooms are growing in your garden bed, it's probably because spores are already present in the soil. These spores form deep fungal networks called mycorrhizae, which promote the growth of new plants by providing them with water and nutrients.
What promotes the growth of fungi
Raised beds create some conditions that are conducive to the growth of fungi. Mushrooms like high humidity and raised beds are usually moist enough for thatthe plants thrive, but also mushrooms. Shady areas between the beds are also very suitable for mushrooms. These shaded areas provide a cooler, wetter environment that is perfect for mushrooms. Warmer soil is also preferred by fungi and the organic material is a perfect source of food.
Raised beds with higher humidity and slower drainage are more susceptible to fungus, and they can develop very quickly if the garden is not well maintained in late summer and fall. Untreated wood used for raised beds also creates perfect conditions for mushrooms. If you have slightly alkaline soil in the garden, e.g. B. through over-fertilization with calcium, the growth of fungi is also promoted.
If the soil is not compacted, this may be another reason why mushrooms grow in the raised bed. The lack of compaction creates a more favorable environment for fungi to grow.
Mycelia are present in all compost and soil, so it is very likely that mushrooms can be growing in your garden even if you have never noticed it. Because of the above conditions, raised beds are theideal space to thriveof fungal mycelia and the fruiting of mushrooms.
Are mushrooms a problem in raised beds?
Are mushrooms good or bad in raised beds? Fungi are not actually a problem in raised beds and are not a cause for concern. It can be said that they even have some benefits for your plants. Do you know that mushrooms actively produce nutrients? They can create their own nutrients and they do not rely on plants to survive. Mushrooms can even help improve soil quality for plants. They help break down foliage, similar to worms and mycelia, they form symbiotic relationships with deciduous trees and shrubs.
Because fungi help decompose organic matter in the soil, plants can more easily access important nutrients and moisture.
Most mushrooms are harmless, however some mushrooms are poisonous to humans, but they are rare. If you don't like the look of mushrooms or are afraid of certain poisonous varieties, you can simply remove them from your raised beds.
Note: Do not consume mushrooms from your garden beds without consulting a mushroom expert.
How to get rid of unwanted mushrooms in raised beds
What to do about mushrooms in raised beds? It is very easy to get rid of mushrooms in raised beds when you spot them. Remove them before they spore. It will take a few years for the mushrooms to completely disappear from your raised beds. You need to remove them regularly. Wear gardening gloves when doing this.
Are there home remedies for fungi in raised beds? Some gardeners recommend increasing the acidity with liver sulfur or vinegar to make the fungi go away, but raising the acidity enough to get rid of the fungi also destroys the rest of the soil's health. This leaves the only good option to pick the mushrooms by hand.
How to prevent fungus outdoors
So that you aren't forced to fight raised bed fungi when it's too late, there are some steps you can take to prevent them.
- The first and easiest way to prevent fungus is to dry out the soil. This means that fungi have no opportunity to reproduce.
- Ensure good drainage. This is very important because it allows you to maintain the appropriate humidity. So make sure the liner has holes to allow moisture to escape, and next year mix finer compost into the soil to improve drainage. Likewise, make sure the bed is sloped so that water can drain away.
- Use only well-rotted fertilizerfor your raised beds, so that you do not promote the growth of mycelia. If you add fresh manure to your compost pile, the fungus will spread and will inevitably return in the fall.
- Increase air circulation by cutting back any plants that impede airflow.
- If you have the option to use raised beds made of stone instead of wood, this would also be a good way to prevent fungus. Raised wooden beds are notorious for fungal infestation, especially on the shady side of the bed. If using wooden raised beds, treat the wooden sides with a 50:50 mixture of vinegar and water.
- Encourage animals in your garden. Squirrels, hedgehogs, rabbits, deer and snails also love mushrooms. Hedgehogs in particular love these tasty snacks and tend to avoid the rest of your crops, so they are most suitable for clearing fungi from your raised beds.
