Fungus in my raised beds

[Sylvan]

I suspect this came with the compost because it's in several of my raised beds.

Any idea what it is?

Should I be worried?

[Thelma Sanders]

It's harmless soil funghi, I cover it over and leave it to do its job
the RHS says

fungal growth in soil can be broken up with a fork or hoe. This type of growth in soil or compost often disappears of its own accord if the food source of the fungus runs out, or if environmental conditions (e.g. temperature and moisture levels) change

[Sylvan]

Thanks.
What's the food source if the fungus though? Not my plants I hope!

[veggiechicken]

I had some like that that arrived with stable manure/woodchips.

[Sylvan]

It didn't cause any problems then?

[veggiechicken]

I just picked the big lumps out - reminded me of ears.

Think its a Cup Fungus.

[Penellype]

The fungus is living off organic matter in the compost - often wood, helping it to decay. What you see are usually the fruiting bodies (often but not always mushroom shaped), but there is a network of root-like hyphae under the soil. Fungi are part of the natural ecosystem and we would be in a mess without them.

If you don't like the fruiting bodies, simply remove them. As some fungi are poisonous it is a good idea to wash your hands after handling them, and also to wash any veg grown nearby before eating it (you should wash veg anyway in case a cat has sprayed on it etc).

[Sylvan]

Thanks. That's a relief

(Reminded me of ears too VC)