If you’ve discovered mushrooms peeking through the mulch in your garden, rest assured, you’re not alone.
This is a scenario many of us garden enthusiasts encounter and, yes, it can stir up quite the concern.
But here’s the thing – there’s no need to fret. I’m here to walk you through some effective strategies to clear those mushrooms from your mulch, ensuring your other plants stay safe and sound.
Why Do Mushrooms Grow In Mulch In The First Place?
So, why do mushrooms fancy our mulch so much?
Well, our mulch beds offer a cozy spot that’s just too tempting for mushrooms to pass up.
These little fungi are actually the fruit of certain types of fungi that thrive in conditions that are both warm and damp.
The mulch above and the soil below create this perfect little microclimate of warmth and moisture, acting as a welcome mat for the spores of these fungi, which eventually bloom into the mushrooms we see.
Now, while having mushrooms around isn’t the end of the world for your garden, they do start to hog the spotlight – and the nutrients – from your stunning flowers and ornamental plants.
As these fungi spread, they begin to compete with your plants for essential nutrients, leaving less nutrients for your plants.
What Are The Consequences Of Leaving Mushrooms Unchecked?
Left to run wild, mushrooms will continue to multiply and spread their spores far and wide, putting even more strain on the plants nearby.
Since mushrooms feed on organic material, an unchecked growth could mean less food for your plants, leading to poor nutrition, stunted growth, and in some cases, plant death.
Plus, bear in mind that some mushrooms come bearing gifts of toxins that could pose additional risks to your garden. So, taking swift action against these uninvited guests is definitely in your garden’s best interest.
In essence, while mushrooms in your mulch might not spell disaster, they’re certainly not making life any easier for your garden.
By understanding what draws them in and the potential consequences of letting them stay, you can take informed steps to protect your beloved garden oasis.
9 Ways To Prevent (And Remove) Mushrooms From Mulch
1. Use Fungicide
First on our list – organic fungicides. Think of these as your first line of defense.
Fungicides do not kill mushrooms, but rather limit their spread.
Commercial fungicides are designed to eliminate mold and other fungi on a smaller scale. Large organisms such as mushrooms are unlikely to be killed by the fungicide, but you can at least limit their spread.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent method for retarding mushroom development. The extra salt in baking soda serves as an antifungal agent and increases the alkalinity of the soil. As acidophilic (acid loving) fungi, mushrooms cannot flourish in alkaline soil.
Simply combine 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 gallon of water to create the solution. Pour this into a spray bottle that is empty.
To maximize effectiveness, remove as many mushrooms as possible and spray the afflicted areas. This will aid in preventing the spread of the spores.
Similar to fungicides, baking soda is good at preventing the growth of future mushrooms, but less so at eliminating existing ones.
3. Rake Your Mulch
Ah, raking. It’s not just for fallen leaves!
Giving your mulch a good fluffing introduces air and reduces moisture levels – two things mushrooms aren’t too fond of.
Raking the mulch in your garden aerates the soil and exposes any fungus spores hidden beneath.
The oxygen will reduce the amount of moisture in which mushrooms love to thrive in. In addition, periodically turning over the mulch is an excellent way to disturb the mushrooms that are beginning to grow.
To help your mulch bed stay healthy, aerated, and (hopefully) mushroom-free, it’s a good idea to rake it once or twice every week.
4. Use Vinegar
Who knew that your salad dressing ingredient could double as a mushroom deterrent?
The acidic nature of vinegar can put a stop to mushroom growth, acting as a swift, sharp shock to these unwelcome visitors.
Combine a few tablespoons of white vinegar with one gallon of water, and then spray this on and around mushrooms. Be sure to completely saturate the area for the greatest results. Repeat every several days until the mushrooms are no longer present.
White vinegar is an effective antifungal treatment, but it acidifies the soil in high amounts, so don’t overdo it!
5. Soapy Water
A dash of dish soap in water might sound like a recipe for cleaning, but it’s also an effective way to deal with mushrooms.
Spraying the affected area with a mixture of one drop of dish soap and two liters of water can help eliminate any existing mushrooms.
Another application method involves digging small holes around the mushrooms and then pouring soap water into them.
The soap will remove the mushroom’s protective coating, allowing it to dry up and die more quickly.
Use a mild dish soap and avoid products containing bleach or other harsh chemicals, as they could harm your plants.
6. Use Nitrogen Rich Fertilizers
Let’s not forget about the power of nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
While mushrooms feast on decaying matter, nitrogen slows down this buffet, encouraging your plants to thrive instead.
It is vital to note that this is not an effective method for eliminating current mushrooms, but rather a method for preventing future mushroom growth.
7. Remove The Mushrooms By Hand
This is literally the hands-on approach.
Sometimes, the most direct method to remove mushrooms instantly is by gently plucking them out of your mulch.
As you reach down, cradle the soil around the mushroom and carefully extract it, ensuring you gather any lurking spores hidden beneath the surface.
Safety is paramount, so I always recommend wearing gloves.
When it comes to disposing of these mushrooms, make sure to place them directly into a bin. This step ensures that the spores don’t get a chance to embark on a new journey elsewhere in your garden.
8. Reduce Moisture Levels
Reducing the amount of water in your garden is an excellent method for preventing mushroom growth.
Begin by ensuring that your garden is well-drained and that there are no wet spots where mushrooms can flourish.
In general, keep your soil moist, but not drenched in water.
Additionally, you should avoid runoff from surrounding sprinklers and other sources from entering your garden. This may generate pools of water which can easily promote the growth of mushrooms.
Lastly, avoid over-watering. Wetting your plants is sufficient but soaking them in water will only assist fungi such as mushrooms.
9. Consider Switching Your Mulch
If you feel that it is time to replace your existing mulch, opt for a mulch that works against mushroom growth. Larger, more heavier mulches such as wood chips and gravel do not retain as much moisture as lighter mulches such as pine straw. Decreased levels of moisture will inhibit future mushroom growth.