What to do with white fungus growth on top soil?

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Permalink Reply by Mathias Gmachl on March 20, 2010 at 1:16pm

Hi Camalo,

Can you explain more and possibly send a picture?

Thx,
Mathias

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Permalink Reply by camalo on March 26, 2010 at 1:40pm

Hi Hiaz

In preparation for planting the seeds for this spring, we got quiet a lot of new soil. I also got some earth for other non-edible plants and re-soiled them about a month ago. Recently I've noticed a layer of light (almost cotton-like) fungus growing on the top layer of the soil. First, I removed the top layer of fungus, but it soon grew back. I was advised that the fungus grows in damp conditions, so I reduced how much I watered. The fungus still persists, so I've reduced even more, but the amount of fungal growth seems to be the same.

Thanks for helping!

Camalo

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• Plantfungus.jpg, 300 KB

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Wingfield on March 28, 2010 at 6:16pm

You could make your own organic fungicide spray:
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Make-Your-Own-Organic-Fungicide&am...

Baking Soda seems agood way to get rid of mould.. and also make sure you don't overwater and there is good airflow around soil/ plant..

"A white or light yellow mold-like growth may indicate the presence of a saprophytic soil fungus, a fungus that lives on dead or decaying matter. The fungus will not harm the plant but may indicate unsterile potting medium or an overwatered plant."
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/landscap/pp744w.htm

xxx

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Permalink Reply by camalo on March 28, 2010 at 6:29pm

Thanks, Rach!

The airflow indoors during the winter months has been stifled, so that advice makes a lot of sense. This might also be a reason for spider mites emerging now and then during the winter. I will report back after testing the baking soda solution.

xC

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