{"id":83560,"date":"2023-09-24T15:47:33","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T15:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mylifestylemax.com\/?p=83560"},"modified":"2023-09-24T15:47:33","modified_gmt":"2023-09-24T15:47:33","slug":"gardeners-warned-not-to-pick-lawn-mushrooms-what-to-do-instead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mylifestylemax.com\/home-and-garden\/gardeners-warned-not-to-pick-lawn-mushrooms-what-to-do-instead\/","title":{"rendered":"Gardeners warned not to pick lawn mushrooms – what to do instead"},"content":{"rendered":"
Despite being a fungus, mushrooms found in domestic lawns are usually harmless though they can become an eyesore if left to grow.<\/p>\n
According to gardening experts, most mushrooms will stop appearing as autumn comes to an end, and will not begin to grow again until next summer – but what can you do with them in the meantime?<\/p>\n
To help you safely get rid of mushrooms for good, Express.co.uk spoke to Tim Marshall, Raby Castle\u2019s head gardener, and Angela Slater, a gardening expert at Hayes Garden World, who shared their best advice.<\/p>\n
Tim said: “Mushrooms are the reproductive structures (fruit) of fungi.<\/p>\n
Fungi love damp, carbon-rich soils containing organic matter which they can feed on and break down.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Gardening expert shares what to plant now to ensure ‘plenty of springtime blooms<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “While they are often given a bad press, mushrooms are not a negative item to have growing in the garden.<\/p>\n If they are identified as being edible, they are certainly very beneficial.<\/p>\n “Removing them is an individual\u2019s preference. If the mushrooms concerned are poisonous or thought to be, and there are children and pets in the vicinity then it is worth removing the fruiting bodies to avoid contact.”<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> <\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Removing the fruiting body of the mushrooms prevents the spread of spores to new locations, though it is only a short-term solution, according to Tim. He noted that “they will re-appear once damp conditions arise again”.<\/p>\n For quick removal, Angela Slater, a gardening expert at Hayes Garden World recommended using non-chemical products for effective results.<\/p>\n She told\u00a0Express.co.uk: “Clean up any organic debris, such as leaves and lawn cuttings, as this is a habitat which mushrooms love.”<\/p>\n “Dig out the clusters of mushrooms and pour a solution of washing-up liquid and water over the surrounding area, and in the vacated hole at a solution of two tablespoons to a gallon of water.\u201d<\/p>\n White vinegar also works on mushrooms, but be sure to dilute it with water as it could burn the grass if used on its own.<\/p>\n Combine equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. Apply liberally to the affected area and leave it to seep into the roots of your lawn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to using instant solutions, Angela noted that a gradual solution will also work to keep mushrooms at bay.<\/p>\n She said: “A solution of two tablespoons of baking soda to two gallons of water raises the pH of the lawn and kills the mushrooms gradually.”<\/p>\n For a long-term fix, it is worth keeping your lawn as dry as possible as fungus thrives in a damp habitat.<\/p>\n Angela recommended aerating your grass and brushing in horticultural sand if you have ongoing issues with drainage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tim added that raising the nitrogen level in the soil will also reduce the presence of mushrooms, though they will still return if the root cause of the fungus is not solved.<\/p>\n There are several ways to raise nitrogen levels in your garden, many of which use organic ingredients like coffee grounds and egg or legume shells.<\/p>\n Simply crush shells into a fine sand-like texture and sprinkle over your lawn. You will need to cover this from birds and pests after spreading it to get the best results.<\/p>\n
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These eight lawn maintenance tips will make your grass look amazing[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\nHow to get rid of mushrooms<\/h3>\n
Clear and wash the grass<\/h3>\n
Use a white vinegar solution<\/h3>\n
Apply baking soda<\/h3>\n
Keep your lawn dry<\/h3>\n
Raise the nitrogen levels in the soil<\/h3>\n