Mycorrhizal Fungi

Mycorrhizal Fungi is suppose to be an organic health boost for vegetables. It is found in the woodlands. Does anyone know if this would be the leaves found under trees in the woods. I have excess to wooded areas, & would like to use this for my garden.

As a general proposition, leaf mold from under MOST trees at most times is excellent for supplementing soil, even if you have to move it around a bit to get it where you want it.

In Albuquerque, we have the big Siberian Elms imported by the mayor back in the 1930s (he thought he was getting Chinese elms, they say,) and I can tell you, Siberian Elm leaf mold is really great for soils that you're going to grow tomatoes, peppers, eggplant in. Even the much-despised Western Sumac has nice helpful leaf mold.

Don't ask me how much of this is due to helpful bacteria in those topmost few inches of topsoil, and how much for the nutrients the tree leaves took to the ground with them. I'd guess some of both.

However, I've read again and again, "not all leaf mold is created equal." Some types I'd definitely not use is from too near a Black Walnut or a Salt Cedar, two very unneighborly plant species.

As for other types of leaf mold, when in doubt, consult an expert, and I'm not expert enough to say any more, so I'll shut up.

My purchase of grape vines came from a Nursery that suggested to use this Mycorrhizal Fungi, when planting. They did say that it comes from underneath trees growing in the woods. Why don't they just say leaf mold, instead of using a name we don't understand.

"Why don't they just say leaf mold, instead of using a name we don't understand."

Two possible answers:

a. They want to encourage people to think like scientists, and use language rather precisely. Mycorrhizae are just one component of leaf mold, not the whole thing. They're the BEST part, I'm pretty sure.

b. They want to encourage people to spend money on expensive gardening supplements containing live mycorrhizae.

My best guess would be "some of both," but that's probably unfair. Probably more the former than the latter. When I telephoned a front-line customer service rep for Gardens Alive to find out which of their expensive products contains mycorrhizae, she had to put me on hold for about ten minutes to find out the answer from somebody who knew more.

The answer, in case you're wondering, is this product:

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=2834

...But she would already have KNOWN that, if all Gardens Alive wanted was to get me to spend more money on something I may be able to get enough of, from under the tree in my front yard.

(And I'm not really sure how much actual mycorrhizae the Siberian Elm leaf mold has, just that it's good stuff for most plants.)

Sooner or later, when I can afford it, I'm going to experiment with this somewhat expensive product:

http://www.soilsecrets.com/nectar.htm

http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/concepts/soil_biology/fungi.html

Excellent site link Honeybee. As you can see, mycorrhizae are more than just fungi. Here's another interesting and, I think, informative site. I've learned a lot from here:
http://drearth.net/blog/learning-center/the-technology/mycorrhizae/
I've also got a book from the founder of this company... don't remember what it's called off the top of my flat head at the moment, and I've loaned it to my son. =/ (Darned kids!)

speediebean - wonderful link to Dr. Earth. I spent a happy hour or more reading his various articles. Thanks for the link.

I don't plant a tomato or pepper without these....

http://www.plant-success.com/index.php/mycorrhizal-products/great-white-mycorrhizae.html

http://www.plant-success.com/index.php/mycorrhizal-products/plant-success-granular-mycorrhizae.html

I've tried a few different brands and these 2 products are the best I've used.

You're very welcome Honeybee, I've spent more hours than I would care to admit perusing that site, and the book. We sell the Dr. Earth products where I work, and I've done my own experimenting with them. (like, one area grown with and one without). In just one season I see a difference.

Ray, thank you for sharing those links, I will be very interested in checking them out, to see where (or if) I can get them in my area and if we might be interested in selling them where I work. We really like organics where I work.

Ray - I just checked my mycorrhizae container and it's Plant Success granular (your second link above.) I purchased mine from Worms Way. They also carry the Great White brand.

http://wormsway.com/detail.aspx?t=prod&sku=PSGR403

One thing to know about mycorrhizae is that it has an expiration date. I didn't know that until last year. I thought it could be stored from year to year like fertilizer, but it dies like bread yeast.

Bee, good stuff isn't it? You might want to try Great White or Orca versions too. I've been very happy with all their products in comparison to other mycorrhizae. Yeah, I figured it doesn't last much over 6 months. So I buy 2 containers in the spring that lasts me until the fall.

How do you use it when planting in ground?

Dust the roots or dip them in the solution before planting.

K thanks : )

Ray -

Thank I'll check the fertilizer before I by it separately. That would mean that fertilizer is only good for a shorter period of time too. But you can notice that much difference?

I'm ASSUMING that, as with garden seeds, the useful life of mycorrhizae can be extended somewhat by keeping it in a moisture-proof container in the refrigerator.

Theoretically, if it's in the form of a dry powder or granules and it's dry enough, it could even be frozen, I'll bet, but I'd want to see some well-executed scientific studies proving it before I'd want to try it.

According to some sources I've read, most dry granular mycocorrhizae can last up to 2 years. Did not know that. I assumed maybe a year.

Dry formulations of mycorrhizae have a typical shelf life of 16-18 months although two years is not uncommon. Do not buy products that require refrigeration or special handling. Refrigerated products may have been allowed to get warm and be reduced in effectiveness long before you receive them. Stable products come in liquid, granular or teabag formulations.

http://jhbiotech.com/docs/Mycorrhizae-Article.pdf

I probably have no business making any comment whatsoever here. Just a curiosity of my own. I have a compost area that has been "doing it's thang" now for almost 3 years. this week I raked off the top that had not yet composted and put it in the fire pit. Planning to mix the ashes in the next nice day. Got a new refrigerator yesterday and discovered a long forgotten bag of yeast in the freezer. This morning I spread the entire contents on top of the compost bed.....which is now almost 2 feet deep. First "googled" to see if this was a good idea. Nothing concrete but I have nothing to loose. Soooo.....what is your collective opinion?

You'll just have to tell us what happens, because non of us has ever done that. Maybe you discovered some hypo soil that grows large vegetables. Let us know what happens.

Christy, I've used cattle grade yeast and yeast poured off the liquid that forms making bread starter into my beds and compost. No ill effects, I think it's good stuff. I also use whey that forms on the top of yogurt.
Congrats...I love that new fridge smell :0)

Married over 50 years and this the second brand new refrigerator I have ever had. No scratch and dent this time. Have had only 3 others previous to this. If this one lasts as well, it will be my last purchase of refrigerators.

Back to the yeast. Just went to take a look. It started raining soon after I spread it over the top of the soil and I didn't get a chance to mix it in. Today much of it has "risen" and there are worm castings making little hills. I think it may help. Certainly a natural ingredient and not likely to hurt. Sure hope there is not another hard freeze lurking around the corner. My flower garden thinks it is spring. Everything is up, green, and loaded with buds.

Any chance yeast and mycorrhizae are cousins? Oh, also purchased 12 pounds of Epsom Salt yesterday to scatter.....and two large bottles of peroxide. Must be doing something right by the looks of my plants.

Haha, you know you've arrived when your not browsing the scratch and dent isle.

No idea if their cousins, the way I understand it fungus, fermenting yeast, lactic acid bacteria and phototropic bacteria are some of the good guys you'd like to have in your soil. Not all are strains are good of course, but much of the good stuff can be found around our homes and gardens...and fridges :0)