When Life Gives You Mould: How Trichoderma turns mushroom mishaps into Gardeners’ Gold
Sometimes, our mushroom-growing adventures don’t go exactly as planned. Instead of delicious fungi, you might find patches of green mould taking over your kit. But don’t despair - what looks like a setback could actually be a hidden blessing for your garden!
That green invader is likely to be ‘Trichoderma’ and more often found growing on a forgotten slice of bread or lost chunk of cheese as the back of the fridge - but did you know it’s a beneficial mould with a powerhouse of advantages for plants and soil.
Pink Oyster mushrooms growing through an outbreak of green Trichoderma.
What is Trichoderma?
Trichoderma is a genus of fungi commonly found in soil and compost. While it might compete with your mushroom mycelium, it’s a superstar in the gardening world. Gardeners and farmers love Trichoderma for its ability to fight plant diseases, boost growth, and even improve soil quality. So, if your mushroom kit has gone mouldy, think of it as an unexpected bonus! Read on to learn what to do and if you can still keep growing your mushrooms…
Benefits of Trichoderma in Gardening
🦠 Natural Disease Fighter - Trichoderma is a biological control agent that tackles harmful pathogens like Fusarium, Phytophthora, and other soil-borne diseases. It attacks these pathogens by breaking down their cell walls, protecting your plants from infections
🌱 Plant Growth Booster - It stimulates root development and nutrient uptake, making plants stronger and more resistant to environmental stresses like drought. By colonizing roots, it enhances overall plant health and productivity
🪱 Soil Remediator - Trichoderma can break down pesticides and other harmful residues in soil, improving its health and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers
♻️ Eco-Friendly Solution - Forget harsh chemicals - Trichoderma is a natural, sustainable alternative for managing pests and boosting plant growth.
What to do with a mouldy mushroom kit?
If it’s just a small spot - keep growing and enjoy your delicious mushrooms. Check your mushrooms are free from mould and not directly affected by the trichoderma - they could still be delicious and safe to eat. If the green spots have appeared during the inoculation stage, you can still go on to grow your mushrooms. Reduce the temperate slightly and open our mushroom project in a different spot to where the moulds are - the mycelium should out perform the Trichoderma and still thrive. However, the the myclelim isn’t quite strong enough the green mould might begin the spread and thrive in the warm, and humid environment you created for your mushroom - if this happens, not all’s lost…
Compost It: Add the moldy substrate to your compost pile. Trichoderma will help decompose organic material and enrich the final compost.
Soil Conditioner: Mix the substrate into garden soil. Trichoderma thrives in moist environments and will help suppress harmful fungi while supporting your plants.
Plant Root Booster: Place small amounts near plant roots to encourage colonization and promote growth.
⚠️ A Word of Caution - While Trichoderma is generally beneficial, avoid using mouldy kits near healthy mushroom grows, as it can outcompete your mushroom mycelium. Keep it strictly for gardening use.
If you’re struggling with green moulds or have any concerns about a mushroom kit you’ve bought for us, do send us a message and a photo and we can help get you growing confidently what ever the issue is.
Email us at enquiries@caleybrothers.co.uk
What inspired us to write this piece?
Last year, we had the privilege of co-hosting "The Wonders of Fungi", a Kew Gardens Patrons’ Webinar, alongside Dr. Irina Druzhinina, Senior Research Leader and head of the Fungal Diversity and Systematics team. Dr. Irina shared a fascinating exploration of the benefits, diversity, and history of Trichoderma, supported by stunning visuals that truly brought the science of fungi to life.
As mushroom growers, we are often contacted by customers who are concerned - or even horrified by the appearance of green mould on their kits. One memorable moment saw us featured on the #uglygrid, much to our dismay! However, this experience, along with Dr. Irina’s insights, has deepened our understanding and appreciation for the role of fungi like Trichoderma in nature.
We’ve come to realise that what may seem alarming at first glance often hides fascinating lessons about the natural world. Instead of being horrified, we’ve embraced the learning process and are eager to share our knowledge with others.
We want to help others see the beauty and science behind what might initially seem “ugly.”
Grow Your Own Mushrooms Today!
Ready to start your own mushroom-growing journey? Visit our shop to explore our range of growing kits and supplies. Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned cultivator, we have everything you need to bring the magic of mushrooms to life.
Content Powered by Creativity and AI |This page was crafted with the assistance of AI to ensure clear, correct, and informative content for our audience. While AI helped confirm some of the details, the writing process, ideas and mushroom-growing expertise come directly from the heart of our team.
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