Question
Hello and thank-you

These things creep me out.....I have them in my flower bed along side my impatiens, rose bushes and begonias....how can I kill them forever!! and not kill my plantings....I have not yet put down my mulch(alittle behind this year)  oh and I am located in Point Pleasant New Jersey.

Thank-you again,
Sharon

Answer
Hi Sharon,

Eradication by hand removal is the best method.  You may have to repeat the process as new stinkhorns appear.  You should purchase some rubber or latex gloves.  The slime on the stickhorns is difficult to remove from skin (and smelly).  Dig up the mushrooms and associated soil and place them in a plastic garbage bag.  If you see any white growth in the mulch that resembles strands or an egg, remove that as well.  

If only a small area is affected, you can remove the mulch and dispose of it.  Or you can compost it by getting the temperature to heat up to approximately 140F which will kill the fungus.  You should stack the mulch and soak with water.  Be sure to turn the pile often.  It is helpful to add a little nitrogen fertilizer to get the composting process started.

You do not want to put new uninfested mulch on top of the mulch without dealing with the problem or it will spread to the new mulch.  The fungus lives on wood and is part of the decaying process.  You can switch to composted products that are low in wood content.  Finely ground mulches are most likely to be affected by stinkhorns.  Composting these mulches will help keep out new stinkhorns, but not prevent invasion by the ones you already have.  Course woody products are less likely to have a problem unless the mulch is too deep (>2 inches).  You could also use a non wood mulch such as pebbles.  

I have seen some websites where people have tried hand removal followed by chemical treatment.  Such chemicals include bleach, salt, gasoline, listerine, etc.  It is possible that these products may provide some control, but it is also likely that the soil will be contaminated with the chemicals and it may be difficult to grow plants in the site.  Plants that are already planted may be harmed.  Use caution if you attempt one of these treatments.

It is not recommended to treat the affected area with a fungicide.  First of all, I am not aware of any fungicides that are labeled for this process.  Therefore, using a fungicide in this manner is not legal.  Secondly, stinkhorns are a specific type of fungus and the products available to homeowners are limited.  Third, the fungicide may or may not work on the stinkhorn, but will likely kill many beneficial fungi present in the soil.  This is a poor practice for the environment and may have unknown consequences.  

Good luck with your plantings!