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Soil Issues/What is this weird tubular thing?

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Expert: James L. Crowder - 5/27/2009


Question

What is it?
I came out to my garden one morning and found this soft, weird tubular thing pushing up out of the ground.  I washed the mud off with the water hose and it was soft - almost as if it was alive.  It only stayed one day.  What in the world is it?

Answer
Hi Katrinka, It's a mushroom, probably a dog stinkhorn.  They are slimy and smelly.  The part you see is just the reproductive structure, most of the fungi is underground.  It does no harm other than being a nuisance.  It tells me your have rich soil!  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

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