root system with myccorhizae
Mycorrhizae are fungi that form mutually beneficial relationships with plants. Over 90% of all plants on Earth form these relationships with plant roots: plants share the food sugars they produce through photosynthesis, and mycorrhizae, with their extensive mycelial network, bring water and nutrients to the plants. This relationship is often essential to the survival of plants growing in harsh conditions or through climate extremes. You may associate fungi with wet conditions, but even cacti and other desert plants rely on mycorrhizal partners in the soil for their survival.
Specifically, mycorrhizae increase the absorbing area of roots up to 700 times. This increased capacity improves nutrient and water absorption, increases root and plant growth and yield, and increases phosphorus and nitrogen uptake which creates higher levels of chlorophyll supporting photosynthesis. The resulting increase in vitality and health promotes tolerance to diseases, pest damage, heat and drought.
Mycorrhizae are present naturally, but often are in smaller populations when gardens are new or deprived of plant sugars, and when soils are compacted or over or under watered. Harlequin’s Gardens has been using mycorrhizae in our potting mixes and gardens for decades. We see much higher survival and quicker establishment of plants when we inoculate their roots with mycorrhizae, and customers praise the survival rate of our plants.
At Harlequin’s Gardens, we have often planted perennials, shrubs, vines, trees and grasses in the heat of summer because in Spring, we were too busy. Applying a solution of ‘soluble’ mycorrhizae to the roots of these plants has always helped them to survive and thrive.
This is why Harlequin’s sells water-soluble mycorrhizae in economical $5 packets that make three gallons of inoculant, so everybody can afford this benefit. We give a free small packet with every fruit tree purchase to ensure your success.