How Mycorrhizal Fungi Help Vegetable Roots Thrive

ByStephen Albert

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Healthy roots make healthy plants—and in a regenerative garden, mycorrhizal fungi are the hidden allies that make roots truly thrive. These beneficial fungi form symbiotic partnerships with plant roots, expanding their reach into the soil and unlocking nutrients and moisture that roots alone can’t access.

What Are Mycorrhizal Fungi?

Mycorrhizae (from the Greek “fungus-root”) are microscopic fungi that connect with plant roots to form a mutualistic relationship. The fungi wrap around or even penetrate root cells, creating a living bridge between plant and soil. In exchange for plant sugars, they deliver nutrients—especially phosphorus, zinc, and copper—that plants need for strong growth.

How They Help Vegetable Plants

  1. Increased Nutrient Absorption: Mycorrhizal fungi extend far beyond the root zone, absorbing water and minerals from soil micropores.
  2. Improved Drought Resistance: Fungal networks increase a plant’s access to deep or distant moisture.
  3. Enhanced Soil Structure: Mycorrhizal hyphae bind soil particles together, improving aeration and preventing erosion.
  4. Disease Resistance: These fungi can outcompete or block harmful pathogens, acting as a natural immune system for plants.
  5. Better Transplant Success: Seedlings inoculated with mycorrhizae experience less transplant shock and establish more quickly.

My Experience

After adding mycorrhizal inoculant to transplant holes in my tomato and pepper beds, I noticed a dramatic difference—plants established faster, foliage was greener, and fruit set was earlier. Over time, the soil became easier to work, with more visible fungal threads and improved crumb structure. It’s clear that living soil, not just fertilized soil, drives lasting productivity.

How to Encourage Mycorrhizae in Your Garden

  • Avoid tilling to preserve the fungal network.
  • Skip synthetic fertilizers that can suppress mycorrhizal activity.
  • Add compost and organic matter regularly to feed fungal communities.
  • Plant cover crops and maintain living roots throughout the year.
  • Use mycorrhizal inoculants when planting perennials or transplants to establish beneficial fungi early.

The Regenerative Perspective

In regenerative vegetable gardening, mycorrhizal fungi are more than soil microbes—they’re partners in restoring soil life. By nurturing these relationships, gardeners build a living web of fertility, resilience, and abundance that endures season after season.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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