Fungi above and below ground

Cramp Ball, Fly Agaric, Stinkhorn, Slime Molds, Dry Rot, Black Spot, Mildew, Blight, Rusts and Club Root - the stuff of nightmares to many and wonderous species to others. Did you know? The soil's fungal network sequesters at least 5 billion tons of carbon dioxide, which is 75% of all terrestrial carbon dioxide on Earth. Fungi - we could not live without them, yeast for our daily bread, mould (penicillin) for medicine. Though some we could gladly do without, infecting our plants and buildings.

Fungi exist above and below ground in a complex network that's important for plant health and the environment.: Mycelium is the network of fungal strands called hyphae that's found in soil, plants, and animals. Mycelium breaks down organic matter, similar to plant roots, and feeds the fungi, plants, and other organisms. Mycorrhizal fungi or "root fungus," these fungi attach to plant roots and provide nutrients and water. They also help break down dead organic material. Saprophytic fungi grow on decaying matter like leaf litter, fallen trees, and dead animals. They break down these materials into organic matter, which replenishes the soil. Rhizobacteria are beneficial bacteria which colonize the rhizosphere of plants and help them tolerate drought.

As gardeners we are totally dependent on them, the microorganisms in our soils. Fungi along with algae, bacteria and protozoa decompose organic matter, capturing nutrients and making humus. Using shredded woody waste as a garden mulch is good practice to improve soil health and regulate moisture levels in the ground. Don’t be alarmed if you see ‘mushrooms’ appearing, these saprophytic fungi are obtaining their nourishment from breaking down and decaying the organic matter. Some appear cute; Cucumber Cap for example is chocolate brown and smells of cucumbers. Or Hare’s Foot Inkcap, little furry caps. Bird's nest fungi look like small nests containing many tiny eggs. Candlestick fungus or stag's horn is common in the UK. Most are harmless and inedible, some smell or invade susceptible plants. Keep an eye out for the beneficial ones.

I enjoy eating mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of these organisms which are neither animals nor plants. Easily one of my 5 -a – day, fat-free, full of vitamins and minerals and a rich source of protein. Instead of foraging for fungi, leave them to work and grow your own. We have a selection in stock to grow on your kitchen bench from the familiar white or chestnut button mushrooms, oyster and shitake types  see here