Fungi 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 uncommon and requires no compulsions. For optical reasons, nothing speaks against a removal.
Fungi such as slime mold are not uncommon on mulch and are usually not a cause for concern
Why fungi appear
Bark mulch is a natural product. It is normal for fungus spores to stick to the chaff. They have established themselves in the bark and survive until the environmental conditions allow germination. The peeled raw bark is crushed and sieved by mechanical processes. Treatment with fungicides does not take place.
No reason 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 humid and temperate conditions. This does not affect the quality, because fungi in the bark mulch take on important functions in the decomposition of the chaff. They have no negative impact on the vegetation in the bed and disappear as soon as the mulch material dries after application.
Typical fungal growth
The same species that occur under natural conditions in the forest grow on the bark chips in the garden. They do not settle on living plants, but decompose dead material. Outside, a typical musty smell spreads, reminiscent of forest floors.
Mould
If fungi develop on bark mulch in the bed, the substrate is already at an advanced stage of decomposition. It thickens over time so that optimal ventilation is no longer given. This creates a humid microclimate in which various fungal spores germinate optimally. Even in early stages, fungal mycelia appear in shady beds and appear as white coatings. White mold is a typical saprophyte that appears between the pieces of bark and on the surface in humid weather.
More species
Countless fungal spores of all kinds spread in the air. When it rains, they settle on the ground and wait there for optimal germination conditions. For this reason, it is not uncommon for cap and sac fungi or types of slime mold to appear between the pieces of bark. A common slime mold is yellow tan flower, also known as witch's butter. Their fruit 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 health and humans, gardeners find them unaesthetic and annoying. You don't necessarily have to take action against the fungal infestation, as this will appear on its own over time. If you still want to do something, thoroughness is required.
How to deal with fungi:
- Loosen the mulch layer well so that the chaff can dry off
- Remove visible fruiting bodies from fungi to prevent further spread
- Shovel is ideal for removal