Mushrooms in Your Garden: A Beginner’s Guide
What are Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are a type of fungus. They’re not plants or animals, but something in between. They play an important role in nature, helping to break down dead plants and animals and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
Mushrooms in Gardens
You can find over 15,000 different types of mushrooms in the UK, and many of them can be found in gardens. Most garden mushrooms are harmless and even beneficial, helping to improve soil health and provide food for wildlife.
Identifying Garden Mushrooms
Identifying mushrooms can be tricky, as many species look similar. It’s important to use a field guide or mushroom book to help you identify them accurately. Never eat a mushroom that you can’t confidently identify.
Common Garden Mushrooms
Some of the most common mushrooms found in gardens include:
- Field mushroom: Edible, with a white cap and pink gills.
- Yellow-staining mushroom: Poisonous, with a white cap that turns yellow when bruised.
- Fly agaric: Very poisonous, with a bright red cap and white warts.
- Shaggy ink cap: Edible when young, with a bell-shaped cap that turns black and dissolves into “ink” when mature.
- Fairy ring mushroom: Edible, with a pale brown cap and white gills. It often grows in rings in lawns.
Tips for Foraging Mushrooms
If you’re interested in foraging for wild mushrooms, it’s important to follow these tips:
- Stick to mushrooms that you can confidently identify.
- Cook all wild mushrooms before eating them.
- Only pick mushrooms where you can leave plenty for wildlife.
- Avoid picking rare or protected fungi.
Conclusion
Mushrooms are a fascinating and important part of the garden ecosystem. By learning to identify and appreciate them, you can enjoy their beauty and benefits while staying safe from poisonous species.
