Question
QUESTION: I have noticed a yellow slimy looking substance, I assume it is a type of fungus and/or mold, around flowers in my garden. It dries and turns into brown/tan clumps. It is in areas that are shady and areas that get full sun. Any idea as to what this is and how to get rid of it? Thanks for any help!!

ANSWER: Hi Barbara;
The slimy sure makes it sound like a fungus.
Apply Horticultural Corn Meal, at the rate of 10 to 15 pounds per 1000sq.ft. Water it in.
That is the best organic fungicide.
Raking out all the brown clumps will help too.
Charlotte

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QUESTION: I checked with the MD Dept. of Agriculture and they advised me that there is nothing that will destroy this fungus for good. It is a woodland fungus and probably was in the mulch that I purchased. There suggestion was to remove it when yellow, not to allow to dry, as that is when the spores can travel. Periodically rake the mulch so that air can get beneath the surface and keep it dry.

Answer
Yep, do that, but also put horticultural corn meal in with it.
That is the best fungus killer there is.
A lot of those fungii come from dead and rotting roots under the soil.
It is best to dig in there, find the source of the fungus and get it out.
But horticultural corn meal will do a lot.
You can also put a handful in hot water and soak your feet, and it will get rid of toenail fungus etc.
You have to remember, the Agri Extensoin Agency is keyed into using chemicals, and they don't try or espouse organics, even the organics can do things the chemicals can't.
Charlotte