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mushrooms popping up in raised bed garden #847308

Asked August 25, 2023, 3:38 PM EDT

Hello. I have a large raised bed garden at my home in Delaware County (I also work with OSU Extension in FCS). This year, my soil levels were low, so I purchased Zoo Brew compost from Price Farms Organics to mix in. There were some chunks of the compost that were ashy gray when I was adding it to my existing soil. I didn't think anything of it back then, but now my garden has a TON of white mushrooms cropping up that I think are a result of my compost addition. I have never had a problem with mushrooms in the past and the compost is the only thing that is different this year. The mushrooms seem to be of two varieties. One had a very broad stocky base with white flakes all over it. It opens to a broad flat cap with very soft white gills underneath. The white flakes on them fall off and/or transfer to other things very easily. The other has a more stringy base and a small tan-ish spot at the top. For lack of a better description, these ones look like the 'poor unfortunate souls' from the animated Little Mermaid movie. These ones get wilty quicker, it seems. Every few days, I have been plucking these out of the garden - but they seem to be everywhere and come right back! I fill half a gallon bag full of them every few days (see pic). I know nothing about mushrooms, but grow veggies in the garden, and am concerned about these mushrooms growing near or up against the veggies. The mushrooms are pretty to look at, but I don't keep a garden for 'prettiness'. I have cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, squash, beets, beans, melon, and ground cherries in there at the moment. Some of them I would like to preserve for future eating, but don't want to inadvertently introduce fungus into my canned goods. Can you take a look at the pics and let me know what your thoughts are? Are these bad? Should I not be eating the fresh veggies that may have brushed against them? Should I not can my veggies this year? Help! I just want to make sure I am being safe and don't want to make my family or neighbors sick. I have more pics if you need them, but this will only let me add three. Thank you!!

Delaware County Ohio

Expert Response

You are correct, these mushrooms more than likely are there because of the nutrient rich organic mulch.  Mushrooms are an indicator of organic matter.  They should not harm any of your veggies.  I found several articles that may help:
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/how-do-i-get-rid-mushrooms-my-yard-or-garden-bed

https://homegrown.extension.ncsu.edu/2021/11/why-mushrooms-grow-in-my-yard-sometimes/#:~:text=When%20you%20see%20mushrooms%20blooming,grow%20and%20prepare%20for%20reproduction

I would continue what you are doing and not be concerned about them.  Mushroom identification is not easy and even though many people consume them, there is a real risk to health if the wrong variety is consumed.
Celebrate your nutrient rich soil and enjoy your veggies!

Leslie
EMG
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 26, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT

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