John Miller
Mushrooms are cultivated from substrate blocks, which are composed of tree sawdust and grains. A flush refers to a batch or crop of mushrooms. The number of flushes depends on the type of mushroom, with some mushrooms having a higher chance of second fruiting than others. The process of flushing mushrooms involves soaking the substrate in water for 12 hours, which can be done in a bucket or sink, and then allowing it to drain. This process can be repeated to achieve multiple flushes. The number of flushes affects the quality of the mushrooms, with second flush mushrooms having less discoloration than those from the first or third flush.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of "flush" | A batch or round of mushrooms |
| Mushroom growth | Occurs around the edges of prior growth |
| Substrate blocks | Mainly composed of hardwood tree sawdust and other grains |
| Spent substrate blocks | Valuable compost additive |
| Second flush | May be more susceptible to pests such as mold |
| Blue Oyster, Yellow Oyster, and Lion's Mane | Best chances of second fruiting |
| Royal Trumpets | Difficult to second fruit |
| Pioppino mushroom blocks | May grow green mold after the first flush |
| Soaking the grow block | Soak for 12 hours or place outside during the rain |
| Dunking | Soaking the substrate in water for 12 hours |
| Running faucet method | Place under a running faucet and let the water spill over |
| Number of flushes | Three good flushes from one grow kit |
| Time required | Set 2-3 weeks aside for each flush |
| Weight | Most of the weight of the mushrooms is water |
| Evaporation | Loss of 300g would be high and may indicate a dry location |
| Dunking | Soak in a bucket of water for a few hours, then make a small hole in the bottom to drain |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking or dunking the substrate in water for 12 hours
To begin the process of soaking or dunking, fully submerge the colonized substrate or mushroom cakes in water for a period of 12 hours. It is recommended to use clean, cool tap water to minimize the introduction of contaminants. Distilled water is not necessary, and there is no specific pH or purity requirement for the water. After the substrate has soaked for 12 hours, remove it from the water and allow any excess moisture to drain away. This step is crucial to prevent waterlogging and potential bacterial growth.
During the soaking process, the substrate will absorb water, making up for the loss of moisture that occurred during the previous flush. This rehydration process also helps to wash out waste products, such as acids and waste enzymes, and promotes the development of beneficial enzymes for the next flush of mushrooms. It is worth noting that some growers suggest soaking for a shorter period, such as 2 to 4 hours, as prolonged soaking may lead to fermentation issues.
After draining the excess water, return the substrate to fruiting conditions by introducing fresh air, light, and humidity. This will stimulate the development of a new flush of mushrooms. The dunking technique can significantly increase the total yield of mushrooms by enabling multiple fruiting cycles from the same substrate. It also revitalizes the mycelial network, promoting vigorous growth and healthier fruiting bodies.
Additionally, some growers recommend adding honey water or other sweeteners such as corn syrup, dextrose, or malt extract during the rehydration process. This can provide additional support for the mycelium and prolong the fruiting period. However, it is important to note that sugars can also increase the risk of bacterial or yeast contamination. Overall, the process of soaking or dunking the substrate in water for 12 hours is a valuable technique for mushroom growers to enhance the productivity and yield of their crops.
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Keeping the blocks moist and in temperate conditions
Firstly, it is important to maintain high humidity levels, especially when the blocks are exposed. Misting the blocks multiple times a day or using a humidity tent can help achieve this. If using a humidity tent, take a large trash bag or similar and cut multiple 1/2-inch holes in it. Drape this over the blocks and mist the inside daily.
Secondly, ensure the blocks are kept in an area with sufficient airflow to prevent mould growth. If growing outdoors, providing ample open air can help with airflow and reduce the likelihood of contamination.
Thirdly, monitor the moisture levels in the blocks closely. If the blocks appear dry, they may need more water or more frequent misting. Conversely, ensure that there are no pockets of moisture left in the blocks, as this can lead to contamination.
Lastly, maintain the blocks at room temperature or slightly cooler. This will help the blocks recover and prepare for the next flush.
By following these steps, you can create the ideal moist and temperate conditions for your mushroom blocks to thrive.
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Using substrate blocks to grow mushrooms
Mushrooms grow off of substrate blocks, also known as mushroom food. These blocks are mainly composed of hardwood tree sawdust and other grains. Maple, oak, and beech are great substrates for several kinds of mushrooms. However, it is important to avoid using sawdust or pellets from softwood trees. To make a 10-pound block of the substrate, you will need 10 cups of hardwood pellets and 2.8 liters of water.
Wood pellets do not need to be sterilized as they are already sterilized during the process of turning sawdust into pellets. However, most growers supplement their hardwood sawdust with bran as wood alone may not have the nutrients needed for certain types of mushrooms. Wheat or oat bran can be added to provide extra nutrients for the mycelium.
Once your substrate is pasteurized or sterilized and in its final container, it’s time to inoculate with mushroom spawn or spores to start the growing process. You will know everything has been done correctly when you start to see signs of colonization, or the mushroom’s mycelium growing and spreading throughout the substrate. The mycelium will need weeks or months to decompose the substrate and spread completely throughout it. Once colonization is finished, the entire substrate will be covered in mycelium and ready to fruit.
Substrates that are compatible with supplements include Wood Lovr (hardwood-based sterile substrate) and Mastr Mix (formulated for fruiting blocks of hardwood-loving species). Hardwood pellets, manure, compost, straw, wood chips, logs, leaf litter, and cardboard are also full of this material and make excellent bulk substrates.
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The influence of flush number and bruising on mushroom quality
The quality of cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) is influenced by the flush number and bruising. Mushrooms grow in flushes from substrate blocks, which are composed of hardwood tree sawdust and other grains. Each subsequent flush takes more time and energy, yielding fewer mushrooms.
The quality of mushrooms is assessed by their cap colour, development, and weight loss. A 10-second bruising treatment was found to discolour mushrooms, equivalent to 7 days of storage at 5°C or 2 days at 18°C. Second-flush mushrooms showed less discolouration and yellowing than the first or third flush. The first-flush mushrooms were more susceptible to yellow discolouration when bruised and stored at 18°C.
The time between harvest and bruising, the developmental stage, and the flush number influence the bruising sensitivity of mushrooms. Mechanical harvesting is more cost-efficient but cannot be used for fresh mushrooms due to their sensitivity to bruising. A reliable method to quantify bruising sensitivity is needed to develop bruising-tolerant strains.
Ultrasound-assisted freezing (UAF) technology can be used to reduce discolouration and improve textural hardness in mushrooms. UAF also reduces water loss, which affects the weight, appearance, and texture of fresh mushrooms. By reducing polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzyme activities, UAF can extend the shelf life and improve the quality of mushrooms.
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How to harvest multiple flushes from a magic mushroom grow kit
Mushroom growing kits are a great way to cultivate your own mushrooms at home, even if you're a beginner. These kits are straightforward to use and require fewer supplies and less labour than traditional methods. With the right care, you can achieve multiple flushes or harvests from a single kit, providing you with a plentiful supply of mushrooms.
Understanding Flushes
A flush refers to a crop, batch, or round of mushrooms. Most grow kits are designed to produce one full flush, but with the proper techniques, you can induce additional flushes. Each subsequent flush typically yields fewer mushrooms and takes more time and energy to produce.
Preparing for the Next Flush
After harvesting your first flush, it's important to clean your equipment and work hygienically to prevent contamination. Allow your grow block or substrate some time to recover, usually about a week. During this time, keep the block in temperate conditions (around 63-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and ensure that any cut sites remain moist.
Inducing the Next Flush
There are several methods to induce a second, third, or even fourth flush:
- Soaking or Dunking: Soak the substrate or grow block in water for 12 hours. Then, drain the water and begin the growing process again.
- Running Water Method: Instead of soaking, place the grow tray under a running faucet and let the water run through for 2 to 3 hours. This method is faster and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
- Re-cutting: If new mushroom growth is not occurring around the edges of prior growth, flip the grow block over and make a new incision in the bag.
Additional Considerations
- Evaporation: Keep an eye on the weight of your grow kit. If it loses about 70% of its water, it's time to give it a drink. Soak it in a bucket or sink of water for a few hours, then drain it by making a small hole in the bottom.
- Pests: Be aware that successive grows may be more susceptible to pests such as mould.
- Spore Release: Prevent spore release by harvesting mushrooms before the skin comes off. If spores are released, they can land on the mycelium and hinder future fruit production.
By following these steps and paying close attention to your grow kit, you can look forward to multiple flushes of magic mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Flush" is the term used to refer to a crop or batch of mushrooms.
While it depends on the species and other factors, most growers produce two flushes, and some achieve three good flushes from one kit. Each subsequent flush will result in fewer mushrooms.
Prepare the substrate blocks or "mushroom food" by soaking them in water for 12 hours. Then, place the blocks in an area with lots of airflow and mist them multiple times a day.
After harvesting the first flush, pick any leftover mushroom material from the cut site and keep the blocks in temperate conditions. You can then repeat the growing process to attempt a second flush.
To avoid mould, ensure that your blocks are placed in an area with lots of airflow. You can also crumble up the blocks and plant them around the base of trees or in your garden.
