Laura Smith
Side pins are a common issue for those growing mushrooms at home. They are misshapen mushrooms that grow on the sides of the substrate, the natural material in which mushrooms grow. Side pins are not dangerous and possess the same properties as normal mushrooms. Mushrooms rely on light to grow upward rather than sideways, and a lack of light can result in less potent mushrooms. However, light is a secondary trigger for pinning, and the primary cause is the microclimate. To prevent side pins, growers can use a black garbage bag or a similar covering to block out light and prevent the formation of a microclimate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Side pins are misshapen mushrooms that grow on the side of the substrate, the natural material in which mushrooms grow. |
| Cause | Side pins are caused by the perfect microclimate formed by a tiny gap between the substrate and the container. |
| Light | Light is a secondary trigger for side pinning, influencing the active phase of fruit body development. Mushrooms grown in the dark are less potent than those grown with light. |
| Prevention | To prevent side pins, growers can use a black or clear garbage bag to block the area and hinder the perfect microclimate from forming. |
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What You'll Learn
Side pins are misshapen mushrooms that grow on the side of the substrate
Side pins are not dangerous and have the same properties as normal mushrooms. However, they can cause problems for mushroom crops, and it is recommended to get rid of them and prevent them from forming in the first place. One way to prevent side pins is to use a bag to cover the sides of the substrate, blocking the area and hindering the perfect microclimate from forming.
Light plays a role in the pinning process of mushrooms. It provides directional cues, helping mushrooms grow upward rather than sideways. Mushrooms grown in the dark are less potent than those grown with light. Therefore, it is important to maintain consistent light cycles during the fruiting stage. However, excessive direct light can increase substrate temperature and reduce humidity, potentially hindering pin development.
The pinning process is part of the fruiting stage of mushroom growth. Once pins have formed, light continues to be important for the proper development of the fruiting body. Lower temperatures and high humidity can also help initiate pinning. Depending on the mushroom species, it can take 3 to 14 days for visible mushroom pins to form after placing the mushrooms in fruiting conditions.
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Mushrooms use light to know which direction to grow in
Mushrooms have specific environmental needs for optimal growth, especially when cultivated indoors. They require conditions that closely resemble their natural habitats, which typically involves a careful balance of light exposure.
Light plays a vital role in the growth and development of mushrooms. While mushrooms don't require light for photosynthesis like plants do, they still rely on light as a source of energy. Light affects many important things in plants, and it does the same in mushrooms. It helps stems grow and stretch out, it helps caps develop, and it even affects the colours of mushrooms and how they reproduce. Proper exposure to light helps mushrooms generate the energy needed to carry out essential metabolic activities. Insufficient light can result in weak and elongated stems, poorly developed caps, and reduced overall yield.
Some mushroom species require no light at all to grow, such as Psilocybe albino, which prefers almost complete darkness for high yields. Other species, such as the psychedelic Psilocybe Cubensis (Wizard naked hat), require plenty of light to develop healthy, mature fruit bodies. That said, opinions differ on how much light they really need. Some growers prefer to use special types of LED light, while others choose to use nothing but natural daylight. While the mycelium may not need light to grow, it would be a mistake to assume that fungal fruiting bodies do not. Regardless of whether the light is natural or artificially generated, it is believed that some light is necessary for it to complete the fruiting process and guide the fruiting body's growth direction.
In some mushrooms, light can influence the direction in which the fruiting bodies grow. This phenomenon, known as phototropism, involves the mushroom growing towards a light source. While not as pronounced as in plants, this directional growth helps the mushroom expose its spore-bearing surfaces optimally for spore dispersal. The quality and quantity of light can also affect the physical characteristics of the mushroom. For instance, certain species may develop larger or more robust fruiting bodies when exposed to the right type of light.
The optimal duration of light exposure varies depending on the mushroom species. Some mushrooms require as little as 4-6 hours of light, while others thrive with 10-12 hours. Consult the specific requirements of your mushroom species to determine the ideal duration. To grow mushrooms successfully, it's important to know what kind of light they need. You should do some research and try different setups to find the best light conditions for your mushrooms.
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Mushrooms grown in darkness are less potent
Mushrooms grown in darkness are believed to be just as potent as those grown with exposure to light. However, there are several factors to consider when growing mushrooms in the dark, as it may impact their size, shape, colour, and yield.
Firstly, mushrooms are light-sensitive, and exposure to light plays a role in the pinning process and the development of the fruiting body. Light provides directional cues, helping mushrooms grow upward rather than sideways or in irregular patterns. Therefore, a lack of light may result in mushrooms growing in various directions, including sideways and downwards, potentially affecting the yield.
Additionally, it is important to note that excessive direct light can increase substrate temperature and reduce humidity, potentially hindering pin development. On the other hand, complete darkness may impact the size and appearance of mushrooms. Some growers have observed that mushrooms grown in complete darkness tend to have undeveloped caps and a lack of colour, resulting in white, long mushrooms with tiny caps.
However, it is worth mentioning that one source suggests that mushrooms grown in darkness possess higher levels of certain nutrients, including vitamin D and antioxidants, which may make them more profitable from a nutritional perspective. Furthermore, growing mushrooms in dark rooms can provide protection from pests and insects, ensuring better production and yield.
To optimize mushroom growth, it is recommended to experiment with different techniques and environmental adjustments. This includes maintaining consistent light cycles and considering the use of fluorescent tubes or indirect sunlight to provide the necessary light exposure while avoiding excessive direct light. Ultimately, the specific growing conditions may vary depending on the mushroom species and the unique setup of each cultivator.
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Side pins are caused by microclimate issues
Side pins are a common problem for those growing mushrooms at home. These growths, known as side pins, can cause issues for your mushroom crop. They are often misshapen mushrooms that grow on the side of the substrate, the natural material in which the mushrooms grow. Side pins are not dangerous and possess the same properties as normal mushrooms. However, they can indicate microclimate issues.
When the substrate colonizes and pulls away as it dehydrates, a tiny gap between the cake and tub can create the perfect microclimate for side pins to develop. This space provides the ideal environment for side pins to form, as it is moist and receives enough light for growth. As a result, mushrooms may start growing upward in strange twists and turns due to the limited space.
While light is important for the proper fruiting body development of mushrooms, it is a secondary trigger for side pinning. Mushrooms use light as a directional cue to grow upward rather than sideways. However, side pins are primarily caused by microclimate conditions rather than light exposure.
To prevent side pins, growers can use a garbage bag or a similar liner to block the area and hinder the perfect microclimate from forming. These liners also limit the potential space for side pins and reduce the light that would normally hit the substrate sides. By addressing the microclimate issues, growers can effectively reduce the occurrence of side pins in their mushroom crops.
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Side pins can be prevented by blocking the gap between the cake and tub
Side pins are misshapen mushrooms that grow on the sides of the substrate, the natural material in which mushrooms grow. They are a common problem for those growing mushrooms at home. Side pins are not dangerous and have the same properties as normal mushrooms. However, they can cause problems for your mushroom crop. Therefore, it is important to get rid of them and prevent them from growing in the first place.
Side pins occur when the substrate shrinks as the mushrooms grow, creating a small gap between the substrate and the container. This gap provides the perfect microclimate for side pins to develop, as it is moist and well-lit. Mushrooms will start growing upwards in strange twists and turns due to the limited space.
To prevent side pins, it is crucial to block the gap between the cake and the tub. One effective method is to use a black garbage bag or a large, regular clear bag to line the inside of the tub. These liners hinder the perfect microclimate from forming by blocking the gap and limiting the potential space for side pins to develop. Additionally, they inhibit light from hitting the substrate sides, further reducing the risk of side pins.
By implementing this simple technique, mushroom growers can effectively prevent side pins from occurring and ensure their crop grows optimally. It is a straightforward and inexpensive solution to a common issue faced by those cultivating mushrooms at home.
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Frequently asked questions
Side pins are mushrooms that grow on the side of the substrate, which is the natural material in which mushrooms grow. They are often misshapen and are a common problem for people growing mushrooms at home.
Side pins have the same properties as normal magic mushrooms. Mushrooms grown in the dark are less potent than those grown in the light, as light provides directional cues for mushrooms to grow upward. Therefore, side pins grown in the dark may be less potent than those grown in the light.
Side pins are caused by the perfect microclimate formed between the substrate and the container. To prevent side pins, you can use a black or clear garbage bag to block the area and hinder the perfect microclimate from forming.
