The Ultimate Guide To Mushroom Flushes

The number of mushroom flushes you can expect depends on a variety of factors, including the type of mushroom, the growing method, and environmental conditions. On average, ready-to-grow mushroom kits can yield 2-3 flushes. However, with proper care and rehydration techniques, it is possible to achieve three good flushes or more from a single kit. The term flush refers to a crop of mushrooms, and the number of mushrooms in each flush can vary. Understanding the growth habits of mycelium, the substrate, and the harvesting techniques are key to maximizing the number of flushes.

Ready-to-grow kits can produce 2-3 flushes

Ready-to-grow kits are a great way to produce your own mushrooms at home. These kits are easy to use and can produce 2-3 flushes of mushrooms. A flush is a fancy word for a crop of mushrooms. The process is simple and straightforward, and you'll be able to produce multiple flushes without needing a green thumb.

To begin, you'll find a living mycelium substrate inside the growing container. This substrate acts as the foundation for growing mushrooms. After the first flush, remove any mushroom debris left on the block and let it rest for a week. Make sure not to remove the white mycelium covering as this will fruit more mushrooms. If a second flush doesn't start by itself, you can try floating the bag overnight in a bowl of water, then draining the excess water and placing it back in the box. Within 7-14 days, the mushrooms will start growing again and will be ready to pick within a week.

You can also try cutting an X on the other side of the kit immediately after the first harvest to encourage growth from that side. With each flush, the substrate will shrink as the mushrooms absorb water. By rehydrating the substrate, you can get a second, third, or even more flushes before the nutrients are spent. Dunking the substrate in water for 1-4 hours is an excellent way to rehydrate between flushes.

It's important to be patient during the harvesting process, especially with large flushes. You'll want to cut the mushrooms as close to the substrate as possible to avoid damaging the mycelium network, which is crucial for future flushes. By following these steps, you can successfully produce 2-3 flushes of mushrooms with your ready-to-grow kit.

Dunking rehydrates the substrate between flushes

Dunking is a simple yet effective technique used in mushroom cultivation to rehydrate the substrate and mycelium after a flush of mushrooms has been harvested. It is a crucial step in preparing the substrate for subsequent fruiting cycles. By submerging the colonized substrate or cakes in cold, clean water, growers can ensure that the mycelium, which acts as the underlying foundation for mushroom growth, receives the necessary hydration to recover and produce new fruiting bodies.

The process of dunking involves fully submerging the substrate or cakes in water for anywhere between 2 to 24 hours, depending on the specific needs of the mushroom species being cultivated. Distilled or boiled and cooled water is preferable to minimize the introduction of contaminants. After soaking, the excess water is drained, and the substrate is returned to fruiting conditions, stimulating the development of a new flush of mushrooms.

Dunking plays a vital role in revitalizing the mycelial network, promoting vigorous growth and healthier fruiting bodies. It helps maintain the substrate's resilience against contaminants by supporting robust mycelial growth. Additionally, dunking can significantly increase the total yield of mushrooms by enabling multiple fruiting cycles from the same substrate.

While dunking is a beneficial technique for many mushroom species, it may not be suitable for all types. It is important for growers to understand the moisture needs of the specific mushroom variety they are cultivating. Furthermore, some growers have shared their experiences with alternative methods, such as heavy misting, which can provide less trauma to the mycelium and result in better flushes with healthier-looking fruit.

Overall, dunking is a valuable technique for mushroom growers, especially when utilizing grow kits that offer an easy and straightforward way to achieve multiple flushes of quality mushrooms at home. By rehydrating the substrate between flushes, growers can extend the productive life of their mushroom substrates and maximize their yields.

The substrate shrinks as mushrooms inflate

Understanding the Basics of Mushroom Cultivation

Mushroom cultivation involves a complex interplay of various factors, and one of the most crucial aspects is the choice of substrate. The substrate serves as the foundation for mushroom growth, akin to the role of soil in plant growth. However, it's important to note that mushrooms utilise substrates differently compared to plants utilising soil. This unique process, known as "colonization," involves the mushroom mycelium rapidly devouring and decomposing the organic material within the substrate.

The Role of Substrate in Mushroom Cultivation

The substrate plays a pivotal role in providing the necessary nutrients for mushroom development. Different mushroom species have distinct preferences for substrates, highlighting the importance of pairing the right substrate with a specific mushroom variety for optimal growth. The substrate's ability to retain moisture and maintain optimal water content is essential, as mushroom bodies are composed of 70-90% water, which they derive entirely from the substrate.

Common Types of Substrates

Several materials can be used as substrates for mushroom cultivation, each with its own unique advantages:

• Straw is a popular and cost-effective option, suitable for various mushroom species. It is readily available in agricultural communities and can be purchased at farm stores or places selling animal feed or bedding. However, it tends to be messy and requires additional preparation steps such as chopping, cleaning, and pasteurisation.
• Hardwoods such as oak, beech, and maple are excellent choices for many mushroom types, especially when combined with a bran supplement. Hardwood pellets are widely available and inexpensive, making them a convenient option.
• Coffee grounds offer a simple recipe for mushroom cultivation, requiring only a combination of coffee grounds and mushroom spawn. They are easily accessible from local coffee shops, which often provide used grounds for free.
• Soy hulls and soybean hulls can be mixed with hardwood sawdust or hardwood pellets, respectively, to create effective substrates with impressive yields.
• Manure is necessary for certain mushroom types, such as common button mushrooms. It is typically mixed with coco coir and water, and the entire mixture must be sterilised before inoculation with mushroom spawn.

The Dynamic Process of Mushroom Growth

As mushrooms develop and inflate, they rely on the substrate as a source of nutrients. The mycelial biomass in the substrate increases during the growth process, peaking during the first flush and stabilising during the second flush. This dynamic process ensures that the mushrooms have the necessary resources to grow and flourish.

In summary, the substrate plays a critical role in mushroom cultivation, providing the essential nutrients and moisture that mushrooms need to thrive. By understanding the unique preferences of different mushroom species and selecting the appropriate substrate, growers can create favourable conditions for mushroom growth and maximise their yields.

Mushrooms can be twisted and pulled or sliced

When it comes to harvesting mushrooms, there are a few different methods that can be used. While some people prefer to cut mushrooms with a knife, others twist and pull them or even slice them. The technique you choose can depend on various factors, including the type of mushroom and your personal preference.

Twisting and pulling mushrooms is a popular method, especially for amateur foragers and professional harvesters. This technique involves grasping the base or stem of the mushroom gently but firmly between your thumb and fingers and then gently twisting it in a counterclockwise direction while pulling it upward. The twisting motion helps break the attachment of the mushroom from the substrate, or the material it is growing on, allowing the mushroom to come free without much resistance. This method is considered gentle and effective, balancing efficiency with care for the environment and future mushroom growth.

However, some people argue that twisting and pulling mushrooms can disturb the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of a fungus responsible for nutrient absorption and reproduction. When the mycelial network is disturbed, it can affect future mushroom growth and disrupt the ecosystem's balance. Therefore, cutting mushrooms at the base with a knife is often recommended to minimise damage to the mycelium and preserve its structure, potentially contributing to better yields in subsequent cycles.

On the other hand, some people argue that leaving the stump of the mushroom's stipe (stem) behind when cutting can deprive you of additional mushroom growth and make the fungus vulnerable to diseases due to the large open wound exposed to the air. Additionally, the stump will not produce another mushroom like a severed plant's stem but will instead rot away. While studies have shown that pulling mushrooms can slightly increase yield, they also indicate that neither cutting nor pulling significantly affects the fungus's ability to produce mushrooms in the future.

Ultimately, the decision to twist and pull, cut, or slice mushrooms may depend on your personal preference and the specific circumstances of your mushroom harvest. Each method has its advantages and considerations, and it is essential to understand the proper techniques to ensure high-quality mushrooms while maintaining the health of the fungi and the surrounding ecosystem.

Rehydrating the substrate can produce multiple flushes

The number of flushes that can be achieved from one grow kit varies but is usually around three. The subsequent growing cycles are similar to the first, and growers should set aside 2-3 weeks for each flush to grow. The first flush has a steeper increase in mycelial biomass, while the second flush levels off. The number of primordia formed at an early stage is much higher than the number of mushrooms harvested in two flushes.

To increase the effectiveness of subsequent flushes, growers can experiment with different techniques. For example, when rehydrating, some growers may soak the blocks for a few hours, while others may let the blocks dry out completely before rehydrating them. If the blocks are dried out, it is important to water them every 2-3 days to prevent them from drying out too much.

Grow kits make it easier to harvest multiple flushes of mushrooms, especially for beginners. These kits provide a straightforward and less labour-intensive process than traditional methods, allowing growers to achieve multiple flushes without a green thumb. With the right techniques and care, growers can achieve three full harvests within nine weeks at most.

Frequently asked questions