Garden Q&A: Mushrooms are popping up in my lawn and flower beds. Why?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions    

Mushrooms show us that the soil is rich in life, writes Peter Dowdall. File picture

Question

Why are mushrooms suddenly appearing in my lawn and flower beds?

Answer

Mushrooms often appear suddenly at this time of year because of the combination of damp soil, mild spells between frosts and plenty of organic matter. 

They’re not a sign that anything is wrong, and in fact, they show that the soil is rich in life. 

Fungi are nature’s recyclers, breaking down dead roots, old thatch and buried bits of wood. 

When the underground, fungal networks are particularly active, they produce fruiting bodies above ground, which are the mushrooms you see.

 

They usually disappear as quickly as they arrive, and they don’t harm plants or lawns. 

If you’d prefer not to see them, simply brush them away, but there’s no need to treat the lawn. Their presence is a sign of healthy, functioning soil, so don’t be in a rush to panic or look for damaging garden fungicides.

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