How to Use Mycorrhizal Fungus in Your Home Garden
Sharon has participated in weekly radio chats for over 10 years to share simple and practical gardening tips tailored to her zone 3-4 listening audience of central Alberta, however, the garden practices and information she shares is applicable to gardens of all climates.
Join this conversation hosted by Jackie Rae of 840 CFCW AM as they informally chat about Mycorrhizal fungus and its practical down-to-earth garden applications.
The transcript is below:
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Introduction
Jackie Rae:
This is Gardening with Sharon. It’s brought to you by Proven Winners, Canada’s number 1 plant brand.
And I said to you, I’m not even going to ask how you spell Mycorrhiza.
Sharon:
It’s Mycorrhizae Fungus.
So, over the last few years, some potting soils have this on the label, it says, ‘Mycorrhizae Added’ or, like, the ‘Mycorrhizal Fungus’ or, the ‘Mycorrhizal Advantage’, whatever.
What is Mycorrhizal Fungus?
So, I thought, you know what? Sometimes people don’t know what this is.
There are thousands of different kinds of Mycorrhizal fungus, and the ones I’m going to talk
about are the ones that are beneficial, and they attach to plant root structures and create a symbiotic relationship with the host plant.
Sometimes when you think, oh, fungi, you think mushrooms and you think fairy rings. Right?
But these are a type of fungus that attach to roots, and they really do have an advantage.
These beneficial, Mycorrhizal filaments, grow exponentially faster to than plant roots do, and you could basically say that they act as root extensions.
This relationship results in improved nutrient absorption and water uptake for the host plant, thinking root extensions, and the fungus receives glucose and carbon in return.
Key Benefits of Mycorrhizal Fungus
Some of the key benefits of using Mycorrhizal fungal additives are:
- You get reduced transplant shock
- You get more robust growth and
- resistance to disease,
- improved crop production and yields,
- and enhanced drought tolerance.
Tips for Using Mycorrhizal Fungus
And then I have a few tips when you use Mycorrhizal.
- Number 1, store it in a cool place, but avoid extreme temperatures, specifically highs above 60 degrees Celsius, which isn’t our problem, or lows exceeding minus 40 Celsius.
- Always check the package expiration date so you’re using the freshest possible.
- Another thing, avoid using bone meal with Mycorrhizae, because bone meal will inhibit the fungal growth.
- And say no to fungicides in your garden to let the magic of mycorrhizae fungus work its wonders.
These products are available as a powder or a liquid additive.
Look for products that contain a diverse collection of these fungi, and remember to follow individual package directions for application details.
Jackie Rae:
And where do we find all these details?
Sharon:
You can find it at Gardening with Sharon. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, and that’s also the name of my website.
Come and join the fray!
Adding Mycorrhizal Fungus to Your Garden
Incorporating mycorrhizal fungi into your gardening can significantly enhance plant health, boost nutrient uptake, and improve soil structure.
These beneficial fungi form a natural partnership with plant roots, creating a more resilient and efficient growing environment.
By embracing this powerful ally, you’re not only supporting plant vitality but also fostering a more sustainable and thriving ecosystem!
For more information on boosting your garden, check out my blogs or sign up for my newsletter.
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- The Complete Guide to Raised Bed Gardening
- Home Garden Irrigation Options
© Sharon Wallish Murphy © Gardening with Sharon
