Fungi are eukaryotic organisms similar to plants, although they are part of their own kingdom, the Fungi kingdom, with more than 100,000 types of fungi which can be found in very diverse environments. In this way, we can find them in natural places, in public spaces and in our own homes or even growing in our gardens, damaging, in most cases, the rest of the plants.
You want to know why fungi grow in your garden and how to eliminate them? At EcologíaVerde we help you get rid of these little invaders.
Why mushrooms grow in a garden – the causes
Fungi can appear in our gardens by multiple causesbeing the most frequent:
- Meteorological phenomena: fungi are prone to appear in humid climates with little light, therefore, frequent rainfall and the formation of puddles or stagnant water can cause their appearance.
- Accumulation of waste or organic remains: decomposing organic matter is a source of infection and fungal growth, so if we don’t take care of our gardens and allow organic debris to accumulate, such as fallen fruit from trees, it is likely that fungi invade our garden.
- Fertilizer application: we have to know that, after all, our garden is a small ecosystem, so any alteration in one of its components can cause changes in the rest. In this way, when we apply fertilizers, fertilizers and nutrients excessively in order to ensure the growth of our plants, what we achieve in most cases is just the opposite effect, the appearance of fungi. This is due to the high amount of organic waste that fertilizers have in their composition.
- Excessive watering: In the same way that excessive rainfall and the accumulation of water can favor the appearance of fungi in our gardens, inadequate or excessive irrigation techniques can cause the same effect.
- New plantations: In the early stages of growth and development, both plants and grass are vulnerable to any type of change, because their roots have not yet fully developed, making them more vulnerable to possible fungal attacks.
What happens if mushrooms grow in the garden
The presence of fungi or mushrooms poisonous or not, as well as fungi that become real pests for plants, in our garden they do not usually cause irreversible damage to the land or to the surrounding plants, although it is true that they can be very annoying when it comes to eliminating them or, in the case of poisonous mushrooms, that there is a problem due to their ingestion, both by people and animals that live in the home. However, the biggest problem that fungi usually present is that our plantations or crops are affected by becoming ill, losing their appearance, characteristics and properties. In addition, the most common are usually fungi or edible, non-poisonous mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) or the matacandil (Coprinus comatus) although, on the other hand, plagues of microscopic fungi in plants are also very frequent, but if we do not eat these plants it does not pose any risk to our health.
The leaf fungifor example, often cause changes in plant leaves, although they can also affect the shoots, the youngest branches and the flowers. Thus, the appearance of spots or circular lumps with different shades, whitish, reddish, orange or yellowish, the deformation of the leaves, the cracking of the fruits and the loss of the flowering of the plant are some of the consequences that concern the diseases caused by fungal infection. In the later stages of disease, the plant will most likely lose its leaves or even its life. Some of these fungi are powdery mildew, mildew, rust, bold, etc.
On the other hand, wood fungus have different effects. These usually cause plant rot, which is very easily detected due to its characteristic whitish or brown color. In addition, wood usually loses its hardness characteristics, leaving a weak and soft material with little resistance. These fungi are more difficult to eradicate, so in most cases prevention is much better.
How to eliminate fungi in the garden or lawn
As we have said before, one of the best techniques is simply to prevent the appearance of fungus through the observation of our plants. Fungi are microscopic in size, so we cannot be aware of their first appearances. However, its effects are visible, so we must be attentive to the first symptoms in our plants and know how to act.
The application of some proper irrigation and fertilization techniques They are one of the most effective tools when it comes to preventing the appearance of fungi. To do this, it is enough to adapt to the characteristics of the climate in which we find ourselves, avoiding flooding and applying the nutrients and fertilizer for our garden correctly and in the right amount. The amounts of water and nutrients that our garden needs will depend on the place where we are, its climate and the type of species that we plant in our garden, so we must carry out a thorough and adequate study before putting it into practice. However, we must bear in mind that a humidity greater than 80% practically ensures the appearance of fungi, so it is necessary to maintain a humidity level below that percentage.
On some occasions the soil aeration It can also help us prevent the appearance of fungi. It consists of drilling holes in the soil or removing the earth, at least once a year, to ensure the absorption of water and the entry of oxygen into the substrate.
On the other hand, if it is already too late to apply these prevention techniques and the fungi have already manifested themselves in our plantations, the best remedy for fungi in the garden It consists of going to a nursery or a specific gardening products store and acquiring the most suitable fungicide for our garden, if possible it is natural or biodegradable. However, if you want to eliminate fungi from the garden with natural products, do not miss this other EcologíaVerde article on homemade fungicides. If it is fungi or mushrooms in the ground or wood, we recommend removing them all by hand and disposing of them before applying fungicide treatments.
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