Emma Wilson
Harvesting mushroom blocks is a rewarding process that requires patience and care. While the specific techniques may vary depending on the type of mushroom and the context, such as in the popular game Minecraft, the overall principle remains the same. Whether you're harvesting shiitake mushrooms or tending to your digital farm, the key to success lies in understanding the unique characteristics of mushroom blocks and implementing effective strategies. In the following paragraphs, we will delve into the intricacies of harvesting mushroom blocks, exploring the tools, methods, and challenges that await eager growers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvesting shiitake mushrooms | Place the block on a piece of newspaper and cut the top mushrooms off with scissors |
| Drying the block | Leave the block to dry out on a shelf with a rack for 3-4 weeks |
| Submerging the dried block | Submerge the dried block in water for approximately 12 hours |
| Minecraft mushroom blocks | Can be used in the composter with an 85% chance to make a new layer |
| Minecraft mushroom stems | Can be used in the composter with a 65% chance to make a new layer in Java Edition and an 85% chance in Bedrock Edition |
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What You'll Learn
Harvesting shiitake mushroom blocks
Shiitake mushrooms grow on artificial logs composed of sawdust, bran, and water. This mixture is called the substrate, and the mushroom is considered the fruiting body of the fungi. Harvesting shiitake mushrooms is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Initiating Fruiting
Shiitake mushrooms take longer to fruit than other gourmet mushrooms. It typically takes 2-3 months after inoculating the sawdust substrate with mycelium for the mushrooms to start forming. To initiate fruiting, create the right conditions by ensuring the shiitake has colonized the outer cylinder of available sapwood. The mycelium will then have stored enough nutrients to form mushrooms. Before a log begins producing mushrooms, you may notice elastic and spongy bark, logs that no longer make a sound when struck, and the appearance of white mycelium on log ends.
Misting the Blocks
For the first few days, open the fruiting container and spray the block with a hand mister. Ensure each side of the block is moistened, especially if it starts to dry out. In a few days, you will see mushroom pins (baby mushrooms). Continue misting the blocks daily for a few more days, and stop when the pins start to look like proper mushrooms. Avoid misting the block once the mushrooms get larger, as this will reduce their shelf life after harvesting.
Harvesting the Mushrooms
Within 7-10 days of placing the block in a container, the mushrooms should be ready for picking. Harvest all the mushrooms in a single session unless there are two pin sets at different growth stages. Place the block on a piece of newspaper and cut the top mushrooms off with scissors. Then, turn the block upside down and harvest the remaining mushrooms from the underside. You can use a knife or twist the mushrooms off, but twisting may rip large chunks of sawdust. If you don't need the stalks, cut off just the mushroom heads and leave the stalks on the block.
Drying and Rehydrating the Block
After the first harvest, leave the block to dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mould. After 3-4 weeks, the block should be completely dry. Rehydrate the block by submerging it in water for about 12 hours. Ensure the block is hydrated but not so wet that it falls apart. Remove the block from the water, gently tap it on each side, and return it to the fruiting container.
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Drying and rehydrating the block
Drying and rehydrating your mushroom block is a great way to maximise yields. After you've picked the mushrooms from your first harvest, leave the block somewhere to dry out with good airflow. You want to prevent the outside of the block from going mouldy, so a shelf with a rack is a good option. After three to four weeks, the block should be very dry.
Now, it's time to rehydrate the block. Submerge it in water for about 12 hours. You can do this by filling a bucket with water, submerging the block, and placing bricks or weights on top to keep it under the water. Be careful not to make the block too wet, or it might fall apart.
Take the block out of the water and gently hit it on each side. Then, put it back in your fruiting container and repeat the misting routine. You don't need to put it in the fridge this time.
If your block is going mouldy, it's too wet and doesn't have enough airflow. It's better to keep the block a bit drier to avoid getting mould.
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Preventing mould
Firstly, it is important to understand why mould forms and the ideal conditions for mould growth. Moulds are fungi, and they love the same growing environment as mushrooms. They thrive in warm, humid weather, particularly between 25-30 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is above 25 degrees and the humidity is high, it is more likely that mould will become an issue. Therefore, it is important to monitor humidity levels and adjust as needed. While mushrooms require humidity to flourish, it is important not to keep the growing kit constantly wet. Over-watering can lead to patchy mycelium development, which can make the kit more susceptible to mould.
To prevent mould spores from entering the growing environment, it is important to keep the area clean and minimise physical contact with the kit. Wash your hands before handling the kit, and consider using disposable gloves during the process. Ensure that any cutting tools are thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water before use, and optionally wipe them with rubbing alcohol to sterilise them effectively. If you are growing mushrooms indoors, avoid placing the kit near areas with soil, indoor plants, potting mix, or garden areas, as these can release mould spores into the air. If you live in an area that is prone to warm and humid conditions, consider placing the kit somewhere with good ventilation and cooler temperatures.
If you do encounter mould, don't be disheartened. Act swiftly and try to identify the source of the contamination. If the mould is contained within the bag, it is unlikely to affect the mushrooms themselves. You can try moving the kit to a different location with cooler temperatures, or exposing the mould to sunlight to kill the mould spores.
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Using tools to harvest
In Minecraft, players can collect mushroom blocks using tools. The type of tool used will determine the outcome of the harvest. If a player mines a huge mushroom block with a regular tool, they will typically get regular mushrooms. One giant mushroom may drop up to two mushrooms per block.
To collect the block itself, players will need to use a tool enchanted with Silk Touch. This enchantment can be added to most tools and will allow players to mine anything that doesn't typically drop itself. For example, an axe enchanted with Silk Touch will allow players to mine huge mushrooms for their blocks. Other tools that can be enchanted with Silk Touch include the pickaxe, shovel, and hoe.
Huge mushrooms can be found in a few different biomes or grown by players themselves. To grow a huge mushroom, players can use bone meal on a mushroom that is either in low lighting or on specific dirt blocks. The types of dirt blocks that allow mushrooms to grow regardless of light are podzol, mycelium, and nylium.
When farming mushrooms, players can use pistons to harvest the mushrooms and push them into a water stream. This system can be reset by deactivating the pistons, and no replanting is required. Another method is to cause the block beneath the mushrooms to change to glass, which will make the mushrooms pop off.
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Composting the block
Composting with mushroom blocks is a great way to build premium soil and improve soil fertility and structure. Mushroom blocks are easy to produce and require very little maintenance, making them an excellent form of sustainable waste management. The process of composting with mushroom blocks is relatively simple and offers several benefits over traditional composting methods.
To begin composting with mushroom blocks, you need to soak the block in water for several hours or overnight. This activates the composting process. Once the block is fully saturated, you can add it to your compost pile or bin. It is recommended to place the block on top of the material you wish to compost, such as leaves and grass clippings. You can also add other organic materials to the pile, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells, which provide additional nutrients to the soil.
After adding the mushroom block and other organic materials, cover the pile with a tarp to retain moisture and prevent pests. Turn the pile every two weeks and water it if it starts to dry out. Within a few weeks, the compost will be ready for use. The mushroom blocks help break down the organic matter quickly, resulting in rich soil that contains important micronutrients.
Mushroom blocks are made from sawdust, grains, and organic matter. They provide a great growing medium for mushrooms and can also be used as mulch or soil amendment, improving plant growth and soil quality. The finished compost from mushroom blocks is rich in nutrients, making it ideal for enhancing soil fertility in gardens and farms. It helps improve soil moisture and water retention while breaking down clay, making it a versatile and effective organic farming method.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to wait for the mycelium to fully colonize your block. You will also need to care for the "baby" mushrooms until they are ready to harvest.
Place the block on a piece of newspaper and cut the top mushrooms off with scissors. You can also twist the mushrooms off, but this may cause chunks of the block to come off as well, creating extra clean-up.
A mouldy block means it is too wet and doesn't have enough airflow. Place your block somewhere with good airflow to dry out for 3-4 weeks. Then, submerge it in water for 12 hours to rehydrate.
If your first flush is small, leave the block to dry out and then submerge it in water for 12 hours. Repeat the misting routine.
You can compost it, bury it, or add it to your worm farm.
