Mushrooms in raised bed - good, bad, or neither? - Ask Extension
These popped up in my raised beds about 14 months ago. Last year was also the worst harvest I've ever had, but that could have been due to a million ...
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Mushrooms in raised bed - good, bad, or neither? #823907
Asked March 29, 2023, 7:53 PM EDT
These popped up in my raised beds about 14 months ago. Last year was also the worst harvest I've ever had, but that could have been due to a million other things, including my never resting the soil, etc. Are these any sort of problem, or any specific advice about them? More compost & give it a whirl again this year? Thanks much for your insight.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Mushrooms indicate organic matter breaking down and are not, by themselves, cause for alarm, as explained here. Mushrooms are very common in mulch and in lawns with tree roots decomposing underneath.
Combined with your poor harvest though, I suggest you look closely at your soil. Have you been adding so much mulch that you’ve lost the “soil” part of the mix? Especially in raised beds, it’s easy to overdo a good thing. There was a recent study about the amount of organic matter in garden soils. It’s a good article to read, and mentions my next suggestion, which is a soil test. A&L Labs in this area is one OSU recommends. Contact them for information on costs and sampling instructions.
Even without a test, though, you can see and feel the soil texture. Is it more mulch than soil?
Going to basics, our publication on raised beds, FS 270 is a good starting point.
Follow up questions can be through this web based forum, or contact Metro Master Gardeners volunteers directly.
Combined with your poor harvest though, I suggest you look closely at your soil. Have you been adding so much mulch that you’ve lost the “soil” part of the mix? Especially in raised beds, it’s easy to overdo a good thing. There was a recent study about the amount of organic matter in garden soils. It’s a good article to read, and mentions my next suggestion, which is a soil test. A&L Labs in this area is one OSU recommends. Contact them for information on costs and sampling instructions.
Even without a test, though, you can see and feel the soil texture. Is it more mulch than soil?
Going to basics, our publication on raised beds, FS 270 is a good starting point.
Follow up questions can be through this web based forum, or contact Metro Master Gardeners volunteers directly.
