Laura Smith
Mushrooms require moisture, oxygen, and natural light to grow. Spraying is an essential part of mushroom cultivation, as mushrooms thrive in humid environments. The frequency of spraying depends on the natural humidity levels and the location of the mushrooms. Generally, mushrooms should be misted at least twice a day, and more often if the environment is dry. Spraying kits are available for mushroom growers, which typically involve spraying the kits 2-3 times a day, 5-10 sprays per visit. This process helps maintain humidity levels, and alternative methods such as humidity tents can also be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spray frequency | 2-3 times a day |
| Number of sprays per visit | 5-10 sprays |
| Spray frequency in a dry environment | Spray more often |
| Alternative to spraying | Create a humidity tent |
| Spray frequency inside a humidity tent | Once a day |
| Harvesting | Harvest 2-5 days after pins emerge |
| Harvesting after the first flush | Continue misting the block two times daily |
| Harvest storage | Store in a paper bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days |
| Encouraging more than one flush | Maintain moisture levels by continuing daily sprays |
| Alternative to spraying for small-scale mushroom cultivators | Use a layer of moist perlite in the bottom of a small fruiting chamber |
| Alternative to spraying for small fruiting chambers in dry climates | Wicking or evaporative humidifiers |
| Commercial mushroom growers | Pond misters |
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What You'll Learn
Spraying mushrooms twice a day
Mushrooms thrive in humid environments, and spraying them twice a day is a great way to maintain the humidity they need to grow. The frequency of spraying can be adjusted depending on the natural humidity of the location. If the mushrooms are in a dry climate, they may need a bit more water.
When misting, it is best to spray around the mushrooms rather than directly on them, as excess water on the mushrooms themselves can cause contamination. However, it is important to ensure that the mushrooms do not dry out, so if they start to look dry, increase the frequency of your misting.
The ideal humidity level for mushrooms is between 65-75 °F. If the temperature is cooler than 65 °F or warmer than 70-75 °F, the mushrooms may grow more slowly or quickly, respectively. To maintain the ideal humidity level, it is recommended to mist the mushrooms at least twice a day, using a spray bottle with clean tap water.
Some mushroom growers recommend misting the walls of the chamber and the growing medium before the mushrooms start to pin. Once pinning begins, it is best to avoid misting the mushrooms directly, although some indirect spray will still reach them. This technique ensures that the mushrooms have the moisture they need without risking excess water droplet formation, which can cause issues.
Spray bottles are ideal for small-scale mushroom growers, but for larger operations, other methods may be more efficient, such as wicking or evaporative humidifiers, pond misters, or high-pressure mist nozzles. These methods can help maintain consistent humidity levels with less manual labour.
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Using a spray bottle
Mushrooms require moisture, oxygen, and natural light to grow. Spray bottles are ideal for small-scale mushroom cultivation but may not be the best solution for large operations as they require manual labour and may not guarantee consistent humidity levels.
If you are using a spray bottle, it is recommended to spray your mushrooms at least twice a day, or more if you are in a dry environment. Spray bottles filled with clean tap water can be used to mist the exposed mycelium from your cut. This process should be continued daily as your mushrooms begin to grow. Mushrooms like wet conditions, so don't be afraid to add more water if your space is dry or if you are running your AC.
If you are using a mushroom kit, cut a 4"x4" 'X' into your substrate bag to allow water from misting to come in, and mushrooms to grow out while keeping an optimal microclimate. For Lion's Mane kits, cut 2-3 1"x1" 'X's' on one side of the bag. The only difference with a shiitake kit is that you should remove the bag, flip the block upside down on a plate, and start misting.
To maintain humidity levels, spray your kit at least 2-3 times a day, 5-10 sprays per visit. Alternatively, you can create a humidity tent by creating plenty of 1/2-inch ventilation holes in a plastic bag and propping it over the cut face of the kit. Do not seal the bag completely, as a humidity tent will create a microenvironment by slowing the loss of moisture while still allowing oxygen to reach the developing mushrooms. Spray inside the humidity tent once a day.
If you are growing mushrooms in an arid environment, you may need to supplement your spray bottle with a wicking or evaporative humidifier to maintain the necessary humidity levels.
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Creating a humidity tent
Choose the Right Location:
Pick a well-ventilated room with access to a window or vent to exhaust air and spores outdoors. Ensure easy access to electricity to run equipment, such as fans and humidifiers. If possible, consider placing the tent near a water line for convenient humidifier refills.
Select the Tent Type:
You can opt for ready-to-use hydroponic grow tents or mini-greenhouses, which are quick and easy to set up. Alternatively, you can build a DIY mushroom grow tent from scratch using wood and plastic sheeting. Another option is to create a Martha grow tent, which is a mid-sized grow chamber that can fit in most closets, kitchens, or basements.
Assemble the Tent:
If you're using a greenhouse tent, consider removing the bottom shelf to create more space. Reinforce the bottom of the tent to maintain its structural integrity. You can use a transparent or opaque tent, but remember that opaque tents require supplemental lighting. Place the humidifier at the bottom of the tent and install a fresh air exchange fan at the top to pull humidity through and exhaust CO2.
Dial in Environmental Controls:
Set up controls for humidity, airflow, gas exchange, and spore filtration. Monitor humidity levels and adjust as needed to create optimal fruiting conditions for your mushrooms. Ultrasonic humidifiers are a great option, as they produce a steady, visible stream of vapour and increase humidity levels faster.
Maintain and Troubleshoot:
Regularly maintain your humidity tent by cleaning and refilling the humidifier. Keep an eye out for any potential issues and refer to troubleshooting guides specific to your setup to address any problems that may arise.
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Using a humidifier
Mushrooms require high humidity levels to initiate pinning and promote healthy development. The air humidity should ideally be maintained at 95% rH. To achieve this, a humidifier can be used.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are a good choice for growing mushrooms. They use spinning discs that vaporize water droplets, which are then pumped out of the unit and into the room. The Crane Teardrop Ultrasonic Humidifier, for example, can consistently bring a small grow room to 95% humidity. Multidisc floating ultrasonic humidifiers are also an option if you want to pump up the humidity in your growing area. These humidifiers can be placed outside the chamber and piped in, or simply placed inside the fruiting area. Piping in the humidity has the added benefit of bringing in fresh air, which is important for reducing CO2 levels and developing healthy fruits.
It is important to monitor the humidity closely, especially when the humidifier is first in operation, to find the ideal pattern for your timer to achieve the desired humidity level. An on/off timer is recommended as ultrasonic humidifiers can pump out a lot of water, and mushrooms can become too wet, leading to contamination.
Warm mist humidifiers, also called steam evaporators, are another option, but they are not suitable if you have children or pets as they contain very hot water and can be dangerous if spilled or leaked. They are also not ideal for fungi that prefer cool conditions. However, they can be advantageous in a grow room that is not warm enough.
An affordable alternative to a machine humidifier is to use a spray bottle to create humidity. This method is suitable for small fruiting chambers. Simply spray the walls of the chamber and fan in some fresh air. It is recommended to mist the exposed mycelium and the area around your kit at least twice a day or whenever possible. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to increase the frequency of spraying to keep your mushrooms happy.
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Maintaining temperature and humidity
Maintaining the right temperature and humidity is crucial for growing mushrooms successfully. Mushrooms require constant, high humidity to develop properly. The ideal humidity level for mushroom cultivation is between 80% and 95%. However, this range may vary slightly depending on the species of mushroom. For example, oyster mushrooms thrive at humidity levels between 85% and 90%.
To achieve these humidity levels, growers can use various methods such as misting with spray bottles, using pond misters, fans, perlite, companion planting, or placing a humidifier in the growing area. Spraying the mushrooms and the surrounding area with water several times a day helps maintain the desired humidity levels. Additionally, a humidity sensor or a simple hygrometer can be used to monitor humidity levels and make adjustments as needed.
Temperature control is also essential for mushroom cultivation. High temperatures can cause a drop in humidity levels, so it is crucial to maintain the temperature between 18°C and 24°C for most mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms prefer a slightly wider temperature range of 15°C to 25°C. A thermometer or temperature sensor can help monitor the temperature, and adjustments can be made by using air conditioning or heating sources.
It is worth noting that a balance between humidity and temperature is crucial. While high humidity is necessary, excessive moisture can lead to the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms. Therefore, proper ventilation is essential to maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent mold issues. This can be achieved by using fans or ensuring good air circulation in the growing area.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms like wet conditions, so spray them at least twice a day, or more if you're in a dry environment.
Use a spray bottle to mist the mushrooms, but avoid spraying the substrate directly. You can also use a humidity tent to maintain humidity levels.
A humidity tent is a plastic bag with ventilation holes propped over the mushrooms. Spray inside the tent once a day.
Mushrooms require moisture, oxygen, and natural light. Make sure to maintain humidity levels, especially if you're in a dry climate.
