Anyone who has encountered toadstools in their garden knows that they are not just an annoyance, but a real threat to the garden.
These unexpected “guests” grow wherever they want, spoil the view, and sometimes even pose a danger to plants and animals.
What to do with them?
Why do toadstools appear?
Toadstools appear in places with high humidity and a large amount of organic matter. The main reasons are:
- wet soil after rain or overwatering;
- remains of decayed plants or wood;
- lack of sunlight on the site.
It is important to remember that fungal spores spread incredibly quickly.
Even a small plot of land can become a “plantation” of toadstools if measures are not taken in time.
Effective ways to get rid of toadstools
There are different ways to get rid of toadstools, from simple actions to the use of special means. Let's consider the most effective ones.
The first step is always to remove the mushrooms manually. You need to carefully pull the mushrooms out along with the stem, trying not to leave any remains in the soil.
It is better to do this with gloves to avoid contact with toxic substances.
To make the mushrooms "uncomfortable", you need to remove the reasons for their appearance. To do this:
1. Ensure soil drainage if water accumulates in the area.
2. Reduce the intensity of watering, especially during the rainy season.
3. Make sure the area is well ventilated.
Toadstools love organic matter, so you need to:
- regularly remove leaves, branches and plant debris;
- uproot old stumps, as they provide an excellent environment for mushroom growth;
- Keep the compost heap clean if there is one on the site.
Mushrooms prefer an acidic environment, so reducing the acidity can help.
For this purpose, lime or wood ash is used. They are evenly distributed over the soil and lightly embedded in the top layer.
If folk methods do not help, you can use fungicides.
They effectively destroy fungal spores and prevent their reappearance.
However, chemicals should be used with caution, strictly following the instructions.
It is much easier to prevent a problem than to solve it. Here are some preventive measures:
1. Regularly loosen the soil so that it “breathes” better.
2. Reduce shading of the area by trimming excess tree branches.
3. Do not overuse organic fertilizers.
4. Remove plant debris promptly after harvesting.
What not to do
When fighting toadstools, it is important to avoid mistakes that can make the situation worse. For example:
- Do not dig up mushrooms with clods of soil, this will only spread the spores.
- Do not use harsh chemicals unnecessarily, as they may damage beneficial plants.
- Don't ignore the problem, hoping that the fungi will go away on their own.
Every action should be aimed at eliminating the cause, and not just at the external “picture”.
