Harvesting Mushrooms: Mastering The Monotub Technique

Cultivating mushrooms in a monotub is a rewarding process, but it requires patience and precision. The first step is to create the ideal environment for mushroom growth by providing adequate ventilation and maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels. Once the mycelium has colonized the substrate, it's time to initiate the fruiting process by introducing a gentle flow of fresh air and carefully controlling the evaporation of moisture. This delicate balance of factors stimulates the formation of mushroom pins, which eventually develop into mature mushrooms ready for harvesting. The optimal time to harvest is just before the veil breaks, as this ensures maximum potency and prevents an unsightly release of spores. Various techniques can be employed for harvesting, including twisting, pulling, and cutting, each requiring a gentle touch to preserve the integrity of the mushrooms and the substrate for future flushes.

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When to harvest: before the veil breaks to prevent spores

The veil is a thin membrane on the underside of the mushroom cap that keeps the spores in the mushroom. When the mushroom matures, the veil tears, and the spores are released, ready to grow the next generation of mushrooms. If the spores are released onto the mycelium, it will reduce the potency of the mushroom and produce far fewer mushrooms in subsequent flushes. Therefore, it is essential to harvest the mushrooms before the veil breaks to prevent spores from being released.

The veil connects the cap of the mushroom to the stem and covers the gills. When the mushroom is ready to reproduce, the veil will break and uncover the gills, releasing spores. The spores will then cover the other mushrooms and the substrate underneath them. This process is harmless to the mushrooms and the substrate, but it will reduce the potency of the mushroom. Therefore, it is essential to harvest the mushrooms before the veil breaks and the spores are released.

The colour of the veil can indicate when it is time to harvest the mushrooms. On juvenile mushrooms, the veils are usually grey-white and fleshy. When the time comes for them to tear, they often darken and begin to sag. Therefore, it is essential to harvest the mushrooms when the veils are still lightly coloured and before they start to darken.

The size of the mushrooms can also indicate when it is time to harvest. Typically, the mushrooms will rapidly increase in size during the days leading up to the harvest. Therefore, it is important to monitor the size of the mushrooms and harvest them before they become too large and the veil breaks.

Harvesting methods: twisting, pulling, cutting, scalpel, tweezers

Harvesting mushrooms can be done in a variety of ways, including twisting, pulling, cutting, using a scalpel, or even tweezers. While some people advocate for certain methods over others, the truth is that it makes very little difference to the mushroom how it is harvested. That being said, here is some more information on each of the harvesting methods mentioned.

Twisting

Twisting the mushroom while pulling down and away is much less likely to damage the bud than pulling alone. Some people also advocate for a combination of twisting and cutting, especially if the mushrooms are too crowded to twist without destroying the substrate surface.

Pulling

Some people prefer pulling because it makes less prep work than cutting. Additionally, some species of mushrooms, such as chanterelles, hedgehog mushrooms, and winter chanterelles, tend to detach cleanly from their mycelial web when pulled. However, other species, such as wood blewits, clouded agaric, and shaggy parasols, may bring a large clod of mycelium with them when pulled.

Cutting

Those who prefer cutting argue that it minimises disturbance to the mushroom and prevents the residual stump from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, others argue that all fungi will eventually rot away, so this is not a valid concern. Additionally, cutting can open up the mushroom bed to contaminants.

Scalpel

While it is not a harvesting method on its own, some people use a scalpel to cut mushrooms. A scalpel can be useful for getting into tight spaces and making precise cuts.

Tweezers

Although not mentioned as frequently as the other methods, tweezers could be used to harvest mushrooms, especially for species that require careful handling or for which other harvesting methods are not suitable.

Rehydrating the cake: float it on water for easier harvesting

Rehydrating the cake is a crucial step in mushroom cultivation, and floating it on water is a common technique to achieve this. This method not only rehydrates the cake but also makes harvesting mushrooms from the surface more accessible.

To start, gently trickle water down the sides of your monotub. This technique gradually introduces water to the cake, allowing it to rehydrate evenly. You can use tap water for this process, but some cultivators prefer filtered water to avoid any potential contaminants. As the cake floats, it rehydrates, and you can easily harvest any mushrooms that have formed on the surface or sides. This method is especially useful for accessing bottom or side pins that may be challenging to reach otherwise.

While the cake is floating, you have the option to leave it in the water while harvesting or remove it temporarily. If you choose to leave it floating, proceed with caution as prolonged exposure to standing water can lead to potential issues. Mycelium, the vital part of the cake, cannot breathe underwater, and prolonged submersion can lead to its death. Additionally, standing water can introduce bacteria, potentially harming the healthy top layer of the cake. Therefore, it is essential to limit the time the cake spends submerged.

After harvesting, you can let the cake soak in the water for a few more hours, depending on how dry and thick the substrate is. This step ensures that the cake is adequately rehydrated. Then, carefully pour out the water or use a siphon to remove it. It is important to note that while hydration is necessary between flushes, the substrate should not remain submerged indefinitely. The water can become a vector for contamination, so it is crucial to allow the cake to dry afterward.

By following these steps and being mindful of the potential risks, floating your cake on water can be an effective technique for rehydration and easier mushroom harvesting in your monotub.

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Drying: use a dehydrator, then store in an airtight container

Drying mushrooms with a dehydrator is an excellent way to gradually and evenly remove moisture. Dehydrators use a gentle heat source and constant airflow to dry the mushrooms. This method involves an initial investment in the equipment, but it is arguably the most reliable way to ensure consistently dried mushrooms.

To dry mushrooms with a dehydrator, first, clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel, using a mushroom brush, and then giving them a quick rinse under cold running water. Then, place the mushrooms on the trays inside the dehydrator. Set the temperature to a low setting, ideally between 35°C and 40°C, to keep the psilocybin intact. Check on your mushrooms every hour or so to see how they're doing. The whole process will take between 4 and 12 hours, depending on the initial moisture content of the mushrooms. Once they snap under pressure, they're ready for storage.

Once dried, transfer the mushrooms to an airtight container for storage. It is best to store dried mushrooms away from direct light, heat, and moisture. A cool, dark, and dry location, such as a kitchen cupboard, is ideal for maximizing shelf life. You can also add a desiccant, silica packet, or some rice to the container to help absorb any remaining moisture and further extend the shelf life. Properly stored, dried mushrooms can remain potent for several months or even up to a year.

Contamination: avoid spores, bugs, and contaminants

Contamination is a common issue in monotub mushroom growing. To avoid spores, bugs, and other contaminants, it is crucial to take several preventive measures.

Firstly, ensure that you start with high-quality mushroom spores or cultures. Opt for cultures on agar or grain spawn that is pre-inoculated and contamination-free. Contaminated grain spawn can lead to issues later in the process.

Sterilization is a critical step to ward off potential contaminants. Invest in a good pressure cooker to sterilize grain bags, substrates, equipment, and the monotub itself. Maintain a clean, sterile environment with sterile work surfaces and tools. This is particularly important to prevent bacterial contamination, which often arises from unsterile conditions and contaminated water, substrates, or equipment.

To prevent mold, a common issue in monotub growing, monitor temperature and humidity levels. Mold thrives in damp, nutrient-dense conditions, so ensure proper hydration and improve fresh air exchange (FAE). Lower humidity in your monotub to prevent cobweb mold, which enjoys environments with little airflow and high humidity. If you spot cobweb mold early, spray a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution on the infected area to eliminate it without harming your mushroom mycelium.

Be vigilant for Trichoderma mold, a common and aggressive contaminant. Trichoderma can swiftly overrun your mushroom grow and is identifiable by its green appearance, contrasting with the white mycelium of mushrooms. If detected, act quickly by removing and disposing of the contaminated substrate to prevent further spread.

Additionally, be mindful of insect pests such as fungus gnats and fruit flies, which can spread mold spores. Overall, maintaining a contamination-free environment is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation in a monotub.

Frequently asked questions