Slime Mold in Flower Beds

Identification

• Slime mold is caused by rapidly growing fungi that uses mulch, plants and other organic material to reproduce. This mold is most common during the wet weather in the late spring and summer months.

Effects

• Slime mold is often foamy and brightly colored. Orange, purple, brown, gray or yellow are common slime mold colors that appear in irregular or circular patches on lawns or flower beds.

Control

• Since slime mold is not harmful to plants or flowers, no control methods are recommended. However, gardeners who wish to remove slime mold for cosmetic purposes can do so by raking the mold from their flower bed and replacing it with fresh mulch. Decrease the frequency with which water your flowers to prevent slime mold.