If you've spent any time in your garden lately, the chances are that you may have seen some mushrooms sprouting up. They are a common sight in many gardens, leaving gardeners with many questions.

Why exactly do these fungi grow in your garden, and how can you get rid of them if they become too abundant? Are they perhaps beneficial in any way? Are they toxic? Explore these questions and read about some benefits of having mushrooms growing in your garden.

Rain and Humidity 

one mushroom growing in green grass

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When you see mushrooms blooming in your garden, chances are it's because of the recent weather. This fungus is a fun and mysterious sight growing in your garden! But why does it seem like they appear more frequently during the rainy and humid season? It is because mushrooms are the above-ground embodiment of fungi living in the soil, and changes in temperature, light, and water deeply affect their growth.

When these conditions become warm and moist (like after a period of rainfall or humidity), the fungi can get additional nutrients that allow them to grow and reproduce. So mushrooms that have been mysteriously popping up around your outdoor space are a sign that fungi have been living beneath the surface all along!

How to Get Rid of Your Garden Mushrooms

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If you want to get rid of mushrooms, there are a few simple steps that you can take. First, keep the area around the mushroom-affected area as dry as possible. It will reduce the amount of moisture available for the fungus to grow and eventually make it difficult for them to thrive.

Second, remove any visible mushrooms with a lawn mower. Alternatively, you can do it with a gloved hand and dispose of them away from your property.

Finally, applying fungicides to help control the growth of unwanted fungi is inadvisable. They are ineffective against mushroom growth and can also be harmful to other plants and wildlife in your garden. Besides, many mushrooms aren’t dangerous, so why take the risk?

While these measures can help manage mushroom growth in your garden, they won't eliminate it. The fungi may persist in the soil and can reappear at any time.

Benefits of Mushrooms in Your Garden

Two Brown Mushrooms

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Whilst it may annoy you to have mushrooms sprouting up in your garden, there are some benefits to having them around. Growing mushrooms in your garden can improve the quality of its soil and promote healthier plants. Not only does this fungus provide rich nutrients that are essential for plant growth, but it also produces beneficial compounds that make the soil easier to work with.

The fungi and bacteria associated with mushroom growth can break down complex organic compounds found in the soil into more easily absorbable elements. It helps with water retention, nutrient availability, and overall soil fertility. One strong caveat—be aware of the potential risks associated with mushroom consumption.

While some mushrooms are safe and delicious, others can be highly toxic or even deadly. So, if you’re going mushroom picking, have reliable identification skills! And never try eating an unknown mushroom unless you are certain of what it is. When in doubt, don’t risk it! Even edible mushrooms can cause reactions in some people. So, when trying something new, always start small and observe how your body responds.

How Mushrooms Propagate 

common yellow mushroom

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Mushrooms propagate by releasing spores into the wind. This process is one of nature's most incredible phenomena since it allows them to spread and colonize new areas. The spores land in suitable habitats, where they develop into new fungi and eventually form mushrooms. It helps keep the ecosystem balanced and provides food for many species of wildlife.

Alternatively, you can grow your mushrooms in the comfort of your home! You can use a bag or coffee grounds as a medium. And with a little time and patience, you can cook mushroom risotto with your homegrown mushrooms!

The Fungus Among Us 

Mushrooms can grow in your garden because of the humid and rainy weather experienced during certain parts of the year. Whilst these mushrooms may become a nuisance if left unchecked, there are ways you can get rid of them if necessary.

Additionally, there are also some benefits to having them in your garden. Such as the fact that they can improve soil quality and fertility. So now you know why this fungus is growing in your garden, how to get rid of it, and the benefits that it provides!

Do you have any tips or tricks for getting rid of mushrooms in your yard? Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family!