You are here:

Soil Issues/Mushrooms in a soil

Advertisement

Expert: James L. Crowder - 11/4/2009


Question

Mushrooms in a soil
Hello James,
When I water my plant these mushrooms always grow in a soil.This problem started few month ago.Could you tell me how can I get rid of it?
Thank you,Larisa.

Answer
Hi Larissa, They are stinkhorn mushrooms.  They're not harming anything.  The grow where there is decomposing organic matter (usually mulch) and indicate a healthy soil.  Most of it is underground.  The part you see is just the reproductive structure.  As soon as you see one emerging, break it off to keep it from maturing and spreading more spores over the area and it will probably disappear with time.  
You could treat the soil with a fungicide, but I wouldn't worry about it.  Normally you only see the mushrooms in late summer after a rain, so I'd just knock them over when you see them.  Jim

James L. Crowder

Expertise

I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I can answer questions about insects and diseases, weed control, etc. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants.

Experience

I have 40 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.

Organizations
Garden Writers Association

Publications
Green Thumb Magazine - out of print

Education/Credentials
40 years of learning everday.

Awards and Honors
Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society. Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society. Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.