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White soil?

Csbartlett84Csbartlett84 Posts: 61
in Problem solving
just under the surface in my flower beds the soil is all bright white? Does anyone know what this is and if it is anything I need to be concerned about? Cheers 

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    It's the mycelium (main part) of a saprophytic fungi and is harmless.  In fact, it is breaking down dead woody matter in your soil into a form your plants can take in as nutrients, so it's really a good thing.  However, a dry sheet of mycelium can sometimes prevent water getting below to the plant roots, so you may need to break the layer up a bit with a hand fork or similar before watering, if your plants seem thirsty in those areas.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Csbartlett84Csbartlett84 Posts: 61
    BobTheGardener said:
    It's the mycelium (main part) of a saprophytic fungi and is harmless.  In fact, it is breaking down dead woody matter in your soil into a form your plants can take in as nutrients, so it's really a good thing.  However, a dry sheet of mycelium can sometimes prevent water getting below to the plant roots, so you may need to break the layer up a bit with a hand fork or similar before watering, if your plants seem thirsty in those areas.
    Amazing thank you Bob that's really informative and good to know I don't need to worry 👍
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