Mushrooms that grow in your garden indicate you have rich and good quality soil but instead have to be in constant worry if it's poisonous. So it's better to assume it is and get rid of them.
Well if you are looking for ways to get rid of the mushrooms, you have found yourself a perfect guide that'll enlighten you with the ways to remove them properly.
1. Pluck Them Out
One of the ways to get rid of the mushrooms is to simply pluck them out or even cut them with a knife. If pervasive be sure you remove the mushrooms as soon as possible. Or else you will have a whole garden turn into a family meeting of mushrooms. Before plucking out the mushrooms, make sure that you put on some gloves because mushrooms might be cute but you never know if they're toxic.
Use a small shovel or a trowel to dig around the base of the mushroom. You want to get the entire mushroom, including the roots. Next, you can gently pull out the mushroom and if it's stubborn, give it a little wiggle to loosen it up. Once you pluck the mushrooms out place the mushroom in a bag and throw it away.
Ah, mowing mushrooms – nature's way of making you feel like you’re participating in a whack-a-mole game! You cut them down, and they pop right back up like they're auditioning for a fungi circus. Just remember, those mushrooms are probably having a great time at their underground party, and you're the uninvited guest with a lawnmower.
Since we prioritize safety over everything make sure you wear gloves and ensure your mower is in good condition and not malfunctioning. Next, you can simply run your lawn mower over the mushrooms as you would with regular grass. This will chop them up into little pieces and spread them around. After mowing, rake up the mushroom pieces and dispose of them in a sealed bag. This helps prevent the spread of spores. Make sure you don't leave behind any pieces.
Mowing is a temporary solution
Mowing is only a temporary solution to get rid of mushrooms so if you are up to mowing, keep your lawn well-maintained. You might need to mow regularly to help prevent future mushroom invasions.
Remember, mowing won't get rid of the underground fungal network, so it's more of a temporary solution. Mowing mushrooms might not be as effective as you'd like since it is only a temporary solution, but if you're set on giving it a shot. Best wishes!!
3. Spray Fungicide
Another way to get rid of mushrooms from the base is the application of fungicides. Using a fungicide to tackle mushrooms in your yard can be effective, but it's important to use it correctly. First thing first you need to choose the right fungicide for your yard. Look for a fungicide specifically designed to target lawn fungi. Popular active ingredients include azoxystrobin, thiophanate-methyl, and chlorothalonil. Always read the label to ensure it’s safe for your grass type.
Carefully read the fungicide's label for specific instructions on mixing and application rates because you don't want to end up damaging your lawn more than what damage could've been done by mushrooms. Next, mix the fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions and use a garden sprayer for application. Make sure to cover the soil and any visible mushrooms.
Baking soda can help raise the soil's pH, making it less hospitable for mushrooms. Start by dissolving 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a gallon of water. Thoroughly aerate the soil around the mushrooms and then pour the baking soda solution over and around the mushrooms.
Ensure that it drains well into the soil, also be cautious not to overwater. This method requires repeated applications to see significant results.
5. Use Dish Soap
Using dish soap is one of the simplest and easiest methods to get rid of mushrooms from your garden. This again has the effect of changing the pH level in the soil. This is another method you will have to carry out several times. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of dish soap with 3 gallons of water. Make sure the soap is well-dissolved. Use a garden fork or aerator to poke holes around the area where the mushrooms are growing.
This will help the solution penetrate the soil. Pour the soapy water over the mushrooms and the surrounding area. Make sure to saturate the soil so the solution reaches the underground fungal network. This method may require several applications to effectively reduce mushroom growth. Repeat the process every few days until you see results.
6. Improve Drainage
Good drainage is a term used where water can reach down into the soil and not sit in puddles or create boggy ground. Avoid creating scenarios in which water sits on your lawn for a long period to discourage mushroom growth in the first place and withhold moisture from any existing mushroom populations.
This might mean leveling the ground in places or even installing a French drain to transport water away from your yard faster. If you have a garden, avoid overwatering your plants as well. The sole reason to improve drainage in your yard is because mushrooms thrive well in moist and damp places and we don't want that, Do we?
7. Remove Organic Debris
Fungi feed on decomposing organic matter, from dead tree roots to grass clippings. You can cut down its energy source and prevent it from sticking around after you’ve removed the spore-bearing mushrooms. You'll need a rake, garden gloves, a wheelbarrow or yard waste bags, and possibly a leaf blower for larger areas. Use a rake to gather leaves, grass clippings, and other loose organic debris from your lawn.
Make sure to get into corners and under bushes where debris can accumulate. Pull out any dead plants, weeds, and any other plant material that might be decaying on the ground. Along with that, pick up and dispose of fallen branches and twigs. To fully remove the mushrooms, dig out the soil beyond the affected zone, going 12 to 18 inches deep and extending about 2 feet beyond the mushroom cluster.
Mushrooms thrive well in dark and damp places. Despite all the precautions you've taken, if your yad is still ruled by mushrooms, you might want to increase the sunlight in your garden. Increasing sunlight in your yard can help discourage mushroom growth, especially if they appear in shady areas. Below are the ways to increase the sunlight in your garden.
Firstly, trim back branches and foliage that cast shadows over the affected areas. If you have dense tree cover, selectively thin out branches to allow more sunlight penetration. Clear out any structures or objects that obstruct sunlight, such as garden furniture, large potted plants, or other items that create shade. If possible, transplant shade-loving plants to more suitable areas where they won’t contribute to shade over the lawn.
Regularly monitor the sunlight levels in your yard and make adjustments as necessary to maintain optimal conditions for your desired plants and grass. Increasing sunlight can not only discourage mushroom growth but also promote healthier plant growth and a more enjoyable outdoor space.
9. Aerate the lawn
To eliminate mushrooms, you must address the fungus lurking beneath your lawn. It's crucial to note that even a lush green lawn can harbor fungal growth.
Regularly aerating your soil using an aerator can improve soil oxygenation. Dethatching, which involves removing compacted dead grass, is also beneficial. Temporarily cutting your grass shorter can aid in soil aeration. Ultimately, ensuring your landscaping maintains healthy soil is key to preventing the issue from recurring.
To aerate the lawn you can try using a core aerator or a spike aerator, go completely over the lawn in one direction, and then go back over it in a perpendicular direction. Spike aerators will punch holes in the lawn as you go, while core aerators will remove plugs of grass and soil. Either way, you aerate the lawn!
10. Clean the Mulch
To clean up the mulch, Use a garden rake to fluff up the mulch and turn it over. This helps to aerate the mulch and expose any compacted or decaying areas. Check for any signs of mold or fungus growth on the mulch. If you spot any, consider removing the affected mulch and replacing it with fresh material or you can simply mix one gallon of water with one tablespoon of baking soda, then spray it over the mulch.
This will help kill any mushrooms growing in the area. Consider adding a thin layer of fresh mulch on top of the existing mulch bed. This not only improves the appearance but also helps to rejuvenate the mulch and cover any bare spots. By keeping your mulch clean and well-maintained, you can enhance the appearance of your garden beds and reduce the likelihood of mushroom growth.
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and helps plants develop strong roots, lush foliage, and overall vigor. Healthy plants can outcompete mushrooms for nutrients and space. Nitrogen fertilizer helps maintain a balanced nutrient profile in the soil, which can support desirable plants and grass while making the environment less favorable for mushrooms.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn and garden beds. Avoid over-application, as excessive nitrogen can lead to nutrient imbalances and potentially promote other issues. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients over time, which can be more efficient and reduce the risk of nutrient leaching.
Address Other Factors
While nitrogen fertilizer can help discourage mushrooms indirectly by promoting plant health, it’s also important to address other factors such as shade, moisture levels, and organic debris to minimize mushroom growth.
By using nitrogen fertilizer responsibly and in conjunction with good gardening practices, you can help create an environment where plants thrive and mushrooms are less likely to proliferate.
12. Introduce Beneficial Microorganism
Introducing beneficial microorganisms to your yard can help create a balanced and healthy ecosystem. This can simply discourage mushroom growth by promoting healthier soil and plant conditions.
Incorporate compost into your soil as compost contains a variety of beneficial microorganisms that improve soil structure and nutrient availability for plants. You can also use organic amendments such as compost tea or microbial inoculants. These products introduce beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms to the soil.
Some of the ways to introduce beneficial microorganisms are;
Introduce Mycorrhizal fungi as they form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Applying mycorrhizal inoculants can improve soil structure and reduce susceptibility to pathogens.
Use Biochar as it helps to improve soil fertility and supports beneficial microbial activity.
Planting cover crops such as legumes can improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, adding organic matter, and promoting microbial diversity.
Organic mulches like straw or shredded leaves can break down over time, enriching the soil with beneficial microorganisms.
Adjusting your irrigation system can play a crucial role in controlling mushroom growth by managing soil moisture levels effectively. To adjust the irrigation system, firstly use a soil moisture meter to regularly check the moisture level in your lawn and garden beds. This helps you determine if and when irrigation is needed. Instead of frequent shallow watering, which can encourage shallow root growth and fungal activity, water deeply and less frequently.
This encourages deeper root growth and reduces the surface moisture that mushrooms thrive on. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow the soil to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Avoid watering late in the evening, as this can create prolonged moisture on the surface overnight. Consider installing smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. This helps prevent overwatering and reduces the risk of fungal growth.
14. Practice Vigilance
Practicing vigilance in your yard maintenance routine is key to controlling mushroom growth and maintaining a healthy outdoor environment. Walk around your yard regularly to inspect for signs of mushrooms or fungal growth. Check shaded areas, around trees, and in damp spots where mushrooms are more likely to appear. As soon as you spot mushrooms, remove them promptly.
Use gloves to pull them out, including their roots if possible. Dispose of them in sealed bags to prevent spore dispersal. Identify and address the underlying causes of mushroom growth, such as poor drainage, excessive moisture, or organic debris. Correcting these issues helps prevent future outbreaks.
Keep A Thorough Eye
Keep an eye on soil moisture levels and adjust your watering practices accordingly. Avoid overwatering, especially in shaded or poorly drained areas. Promote strong, healthy turfgrass by following proper lawn care practices, including mowing at the correct height, aerating, and fertilizing appropriately.
Learn about common mushroom species in your area and their preferred habitats. This knowledge can help you recognize potential problem areas and take preventive measures.
Getting Rid of Mushrooms Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
As you’ve read, removing mushrooms from the lawn doesn’t need to be difficult. So If you are dealing with mushroom issues, we would like you read this blog carefully and apply the solutions mentioned.
Wishing you good luck in maintaining a neat and clean backyard!
