Mushrooms appear between shredded bark in the garden bed, regardless of the season. The spores wait for optimal weather conditions so that they can germinate. This is not unusual and does not require any coercive action. For optical reasons there is nothing wrong with removing it.
Why does mold form on bark mulch?
Mold on bark mulch occurs when the substrate is in an advanced stage of decomposition and optimal moisture and temperature conditions exist. However, fungi in bark mulch are harmless and disappear on their own as soon as the mulch material dries.
Why fungi appear
Bark mulch is a natural product. It is normal for fungal spores to stick to the shreds. They have become established in the bark and survive until environmental conditions allow germination. The peeled cane bark is crushed and sieved using mechanical processes. There is no treatment with fungicides.
No need to worry
If you observe mushroom mycelium during storage, the material either has residual moisture or has become damp. Fungal spores can germinate and grow optimally under moist and temperate conditions. This does not affect the quality because fungi in the bark mulch take on important functions in the decomposition of the shreds. They have no negative impact on the vegetation in the bed and disappear as soon as the mulching material dries after application.
Typical fungal growth
The same species that occur under natural conditions in the forest grow on the shredded bark in the garden. They do not settle on living plants, but rather decompose dead material. A typical musty smell spreads outside, reminiscent of forest floors.
Mold
If fungi develop on bark mulch in the bed, the substrate is already in an advanced stage of decomposition. It thickens over time, meaning that optimal ventilation is no longer possible. This creates a moist microclimate in which various fungal spores germinate optimally. In shady beds, fungal mycelia form, which appears as white deposits, even in the early stages. White mold is a typical saprophyte that appears between pieces of bark and on the surface in damp weather.
Other species
Countless fungal spores of various types spread in the air. They settle on the ground in rainy weather and wait there for optimal germination conditions. For this reason, it is not uncommon for cap and ascomycete fungi or types of slime mold to appear between the pieces of bark. A commonly encountered slime mold is yellow tan, also known as witch's butter. Their fruiting bodies do not have a typical mushroom shape, but are reminiscent of a viscous mass.
Recommendations for action
Although such species are harmless to plant he alth and humans, gardeners find them unaesthetic and annoying. You don't necessarily have to take action against the fungal infestation, as it will appear on its own over time. If you still want to do something, you need to be thorough.
How to deal with fungi:
- Loosen the mulch layer well so that the shreds can dry out
- Remove visible fruiting bodies from mushrooms to prevent further spread
- Shovel is ideal for removal
