What on earth (or soil) is this!!!!!!

[Hector]

Several of these things are growing in one of my raised beds. Whatever it is is attached to the soil and has a hole on top. It feels solid and granular.
I've read Day of The Triffids, so want to be prepared.

[Hector]

[johhnyco15]

they look like wasp nest or solitary bees maybe

[Beersmith]

Just a tentative suggestion.

Some form of puffball or related fungus?

Cheers

Beersmith

[Tee Gee]

What type of soil improver have you used?

If there is any wood in it then it is one of the woodland fungi.

We get lots of these growths forming in our paths which are covered in shredded trees/ shrubs.

Nothing to worry about hoe it off!

[galina]

Hector, what happens if you pull one out?  Fungus does look like mushrooms and you can see the gills underneath.  Wasp nests are made out of a 'papery' substance and very different when you touch them.

Wasp nests look a little similar but are not attached to the soil.  They would be attached above ground where there is shelter.  For example in the shed on the ceiling or high up on the walls.  Earth wasps come out of a hole in the ground and don't make such wasp nests.   

[Deb P]

Looks like a common puffball to me.....?

[johhnyco15]

thats a great pic deb indeed it does look the same

[Hector]

Here's another pic. Great pic butq I don't think it's a puffball as it hasn't got any stalk.......and don't think it's a wasp nest as feels granular and "solid"

Teegee, it's got topsoil, well rotted horse manure, some spent hops and Multipurpose compost

[Hector]

Think I've found out what this is :) Blistered Cup Fungus

http://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/blistered-cup-fungus