What is Mycorrhizal fungi? We’ll tell you! It’s a natural organism that has existed for more than 500 million years but it has never been more essential in modern gardening.
This fungi forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, drawing nutrients from the soil to your plants. It helps them through drought or irregular watering and requires application only once for lifelong benefits.
Mycorrhizal fungi replenishes worn out soil, reduces the need for digging and makes compost and organic fertilisers work efficiently. In new gardens or with bare root transplants it creates bio active soil in weeks rather than years without any chemicals.
But how do you use it? Well, we’ll tell you! This guide explores what mycorrhizal fungi is, what it does, where to put it, its impact in your garden and how and when to use it. By understanding this ancient ally you can transform your gardening.
What is Mycorrhizal Fungi?
Mycorrhizal fungi is a type of fungus that partners with plant roots. The name comes from “mycorrhiza” which means fungus root. It attaches to the plant’s root system through fine threads called hyphae. These hyphae extend far beyond the plant’s own roots. They act as an extended root network.
Mycorrhizal fungi has been around for more than 500 million years. It evolved alongside plants to help them survive in nutrient poor soils. There are different types. Endomycorrhizal fungi penetrates root cells and is common in vegetables, fruits and flowers. Ectomycorrhizal fungi forms a sheath around roots and suits trees like oaks and pines.
In UK gardens, endomycorrhizal types are most useful for crops and perennials. This fungi is sensitive to disturbance. Regular digging or forking reduces its presence. That’s why it’s scarce in new build gardens or heavily cultivated plots.
Mycorrhizal fungi is not a fertiliser. It is a living organism that needs the right conditions to thrive. It loves organic matter but hates synthetic chemicals.
What Does Mycorrhizal Fungi Do?
Mycorrhizal fungi improves nutrient absorption. Its hyphae have a larger surface area than plant roots. This allows it to access water and elements like phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium more effectively. Plants get these nutrients in exchange for sugars from photosynthesis. This swap creates a balanced ecosystem.
The fungi also breaks down organic matter in the soil and releases locked nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi enhances drought resistance. It holds water in the root zone during dry spells. Studies show plants with mycorrhizal fungi survive longer without watering. It boosts disease resistance too.
The fungi competes with pathogens and produces compounds that protect plants too. Mycorrhizal fungi increases soil structure. Hyphae bind soil particles into aggregates. This improves aeration and drainage. In clay soils it prevents compaction. In sandy soils it retains moisture.
Mycorrhizal fungi also captures carbon dioxide. It locks CO2 in the soil. UK soils release millions of tonnes yearly. Using this fungi helps combat climate change. It supports 95 percent of plants. Brassicas like cabbage are exceptions but it does not harm them.
The Impact of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Your Garden
Adding mycorrhizal fungi to your garden has profound effects. Plants grow stronger roots. This leads to healthier growth and better yields. Vegetables like tomatoes produce more fruit. Flowers bloom more vibrantly. Trees establish faster.
In our garden, mycorrhizal fungi turned a compacted clay plot into a thriving veg patch in one season. Bare root transplants take hold quicker. They suffer less shock. This saves time and money on replacements.
That’s why Mycorrhizal fungi reduces fertiliser needs. Plants absorb nutrients more efficiently. You use less compost and organic feeds. This cuts costs and environmental impact. Gardens become more resilient to drought. During hot summers plants stay green longer.
Mycorrhizal fungi also supports biodiversity. It feeds soil microbes which attract worms and insects. This creates a balanced ecosystem. Pests decrease naturally. Wildlife like bees benefits from stronger plants. Overall your garden becomes low maintenance. Less digging. Fewer chemicals. More enjoyment. Long term it builds soil health. After one application the fungi colonises roots for life. New plants inherit the benefits through soil contact.
Where to Put Mycorrhizal Fungi
Apply mycorrhizal fungi directly to plant roots. Sprinkle granules in planting holes for trees, shrubs or perennials. Cover the root ball lightly.
For potted plants, mix into potting compost. Use a teaspoon per small pot. In veg beds scatter around seeds or transplants. For lawns aerate and sprinkle before overseeding. Avoid areas with brassicas as they do not form the partnership.
Mycorrhizal fungi works in all soil types. It thrives in organic rich environments. Put it under mulch like Coir Mulch Mats to retain moisture. For new gardens apply to the entire area. One 360 gram pack treats 72 small pots. This costs about 15 pence per plant for lifetime gains.
How and When to Use Mycorrhizal Fungi
Use mycorrhizal fungi when planting or transplanting. Sprinkle evenly on roots. Just enough to coat them. Any excess is wasted. Water well after application to activate the spores. For established plants introduce it through companion planting. Treat small plants and place them nearby. The fungi will spread.
Apply in spring or autumn when roots grow actively. Avoid summer heat or winter freeze. Do not mix with fungicides. They kill the fungi. Combine with organic fertilisers like Neem Organic Fertiliser for best results. Store granules in a cool dry place. They last indefinitely. Once applied the fungi multiplies. It needs no reapplication.
Mycorrhizal fungi is a game changer for gardeners. It restores natural soil balance. Your plants thrive. Your workload drops. Your garden becomes a haven for wildlife. Try it this season and see the difference.
Stock up on our products to make every task easier.
< Back to all posts