Nature’s World Wide Web Underneath Our Feet

Leslie Carl

I got excited about mycelium when I learned that it provides nutrients to other plants (like in your garden) and that it communicates with the plants. So if a plant is in need of a nutrient that isn't present in it's location, the mycelium can obtain the nutrient from another location and transport it along the mycelium network to bring it to the plant in need! I think that is so cool!

Here's an article that explains the workings of mycelium.

https://fungially.com/what-is-mycelium-natures-world-wide-web/

Obiora E

@Leslie Carl Thank you for sharing the valuable and important information! :) Have you ever added spawn to your garden bed?

ines871

Yes, mycelium is Nature's internet & Nutrient distribution system.

Leslie Carl

@Obiora E No, I haven't tried adding spawn. We plant mostly in raised beds, but some of the compost we put in them had some mycelium in it.

Obiora E

@Leslie Carl Oh okay you may want to add Oyster mushrooms, as they are good for garden plants, come in different colors, and if I remember correctly could be added to raised beds. But sounds good about the compost having mycelium. I know that given enough time wood chips will have mycelium too and sometimes even the fruit (mushrooms) will come to the party.

Leslie Carl

@Obiora E Good to know! Thank you for that information!

Obiora E

@Leslie Carl You are very welcome.

norabelehcim

I am limited to container gardening on an elevated cement balcony-ledge at present. I am researching for mushrooms I can try to add to the mix of plants as carbon-grabbers and to round out the diet. I will be over-wintering pots this year (and perhaps longer), and want fungi to grow outside, as they do in nature, whether in soil-mix, shredded materials, or on wood. Currently experimenting to see what succeeds; any insights?

Leslie Carl

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/858255#Comment_858255

@norabelehcim I'm afraid I don't have any experience yet, but maybe @Obiora E can help.

Obiora E

@norabelehcim Off the top of my head I would recommend oyster mushrooms, as when I first looked into growing food and including mushrooms (about 13 years ago or more) they were recommended.

tomandcara

@norabelehcim if you just add some fresh oyster mushroom to the garden there is a possibility they might inoculate the soil. I know that tissue cultures from fresh mushrooms are used to inoculate growing medium. It may not work, but then again, it is easy to do and you can eat the majority of mushroom and just put the "tail" in the soil.