I have a problem with what I assume to be mould/Fungus in one of my beds. The bed is made up up much organic material ( composted bark, composted leaves, Peat moss, cow manure). It recieves about 50% sun. The soil becomes very hard and inpermeable to water... it comes up in chunks leaving the soil not "friable" at all and smells "moldy". It has a white moldy looking sunbstance running throughout...it has spread through the bed. I have tried spraying with fungicide but it kept spreading. Today, I dug out all the infected soil. I have sprayed whats left with fungicide. I plan to rebuild the bed next weekend. What do I need to do to keep it from comming back?It is bordered with monkey grass. Can I "dis-infect" my Monkey Grass/Canna Tubers/Siberian Iris/Other Perenials and replant or do I need to just throw it all away?
Whats the best way to iridicate this infestation?
Thanks
Dwayne
West Monroe Louisiana (zone 8A)
Soil Mold
I have a streak of something similiar in one of my flower beds, never have done anything to try to fix it and can't tell much difference in the plant growth from that part of the bed to the normal looking parts. So, maybe it is not such a big deal anyhow. It might be just a normal part of the decomposition of some of the organic matter in the soil. You might add some peat moss to fluff it up a little and try to keep it broken up so air and water can get in, and just wait to see what happens.
I think you just need to aerate the soil, I have often found streaks of white stuff in my soil and it gets a crust on it. It needs air. Turn it over, break up the clumps, water lightly and it will decompose. If you can find some worms, pop them in and make em work...
Rebecca