Laura Smith
Mushroom pinning is the process that takes place in the first stages of mushroom formation. When a fungus has enough nutrients, specific environmental conditions will trigger the production of fruiting bodies that we know as mushrooms. These baby mushrooms are called mushroom pins because they often look like pinheads. The pinning process is complete when the fungus selects the healthiest, most viable pins, which then expand to become mature mushrooms. This growth method allows mushrooms to grow a lot faster than plants and animals. To initiate pinning, growers must signal to the mycelium that it has reached the surface and that conditions are suitable for fruiting. This involves monitoring and adjusting key environmental parameters such as CO2 levels, lighting, humidity, and temperature. While pinning, mushrooms grow towards the light, so growers must be careful to control light exposure to prevent side pinning, which can cause problems for the mushroom crop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom pinning | The process that takes place in the first stages of mushroom formation |
| Occurrence | When a fungus has enough nutrients, specific environmental conditions will trigger the production of fruiting bodies |
| Hyphal knots | The first point in a mushroom's development visible to the naked eye |
| Bumps | The first stage of mushroom pinning looks like tiny bumps starting to form on the surface of the mycelium |
| Primordia | The hyphal knots develop into primordia or baby mushrooms that growers call mushroom pins |
| Cell division | During pinning, mushrooms use cell division to form all the cells they need to mature |
| Selection | Once pinning is complete, the fungus selects the healthiest pins to expand into mature mushrooms |
| Side pinning | Side pinning occurs when mushrooms grow on the sides of the substrate, the natural material they grow out of |
| Microclimate | The space between the substrate and the container creates a perfect microclimate for side pins |
| Problems | Side pins can cause problems as they grow in a small, humid space that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mould |
| Prevention | To prevent side pins, keep the substrate moist, use a liner to block light and monitor light exposure |
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What You'll Learn
Picking mushroom pins from the top
First, it is important to understand the concept of mushroom pinning. Mushroom pinning occurs when small mushrooms, also known as pins, start to emerge from the substrate during the fruiting stage. This is a critical phase in mushroom cultivation, as it indicates the upcoming mushroom harvest. The size and quantity of the mature mushrooms can be predicted by examining the initial mushroom pins.
To encourage the growth of mushroom pins from the top, several measures can be implemented. One crucial factor is maintaining optimal moisture levels. Consistent moisture is vital for healthy mushroom growth and can help prevent side pinning. Regularly mist the substrate and the inside of the humidity dome to create a moist environment, similar to the condensation on a cold soda can on a warm day. Avoid over-saturating the substrate, as excessive moisture can lead to contamination and other issues.
Additionally, it is important to monitor environmental conditions during the fruiting stage. Key parameters to control include CO2 levels, lighting, humidity, and temperature. Aim for high humidity levels, especially during the initial pinning phase, by misting the substrate two to three times per day for the first three to four days. Ensure proper air exchange, as inadequate airflow can contribute to side pinning.
To further promote top pinning, consider using a liner. Covering the sides and bottom of the substrate with a liner, such as a black garbage bag, can effectively hinder the formation of side pins by blocking their growth and limiting light exposure. By providing only the top of the substrate as an option for mushroom growth, you can guide the mushrooms to fruit upwards.
Finally, when harvesting mushroom pins from the top, exercise caution to avoid damaging the mushroom cake. Gently twist and rock the mushrooms slightly to the sides to remove them. By following these steps, you can successfully pick mushroom pins from the top, ensuring a productive and healthy mushroom harvest.
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Side pinning and how to prevent it
Side pinning is a common occurrence in mushroom cultivation, where mushrooms begin to fruit along the sides of the substrate container instead of on the substrate surface. While side-pinned mushrooms are perfectly normal, a complete absence of pins on the top layer and the presence of side pins can indicate microclimate issues.
Side pinning occurs when the conditions along the sides of the container are more favourable for pinning than those on the top. Factors contributing to this include low humidity, poor air exchange, and the presence of light near the substrate, particularly during the colonisation phase.
To prevent side pinning, it is crucial to create ideal fruiting conditions on the top of the substrate by:
- Maintaining high humidity levels: Regularly mist the surface of the substrate and the inside of the humidity dome to encourage upward fruiting.
- Ensuring proper air exchange: Keep the fresh air exchange patch clean and unobstructed, and frequently open the container to mist as needed.
- Managing light exposure: Monitor where light is hitting the substrate and adjust the light source or container position.
- Using a liner: Cover the sides and bottom of the substrate with a liner, such as a plastic trash bag or transparent painter's plastic, to prevent mushrooms from growing out of the sides.
If side pins do occur, harvest them and adjust the fruiting conditions for subsequent flushes. Additionally, if there is significant overgrowth on the top of the substrate, use the "fork technique" to lightly break up the surface and promote better airflow.
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Bottom pinning and how to prevent it
Bottom pinning in mushrooms occurs when mushrooms begin to fruit underneath the substrate container, instead of on the substrate surface. This happens when the conditions underneath the container are more favourable for pinning than those on the top. Mushrooms are 90% water, so it makes sense that they will grow in areas with more hydration and less water loss.
To prevent bottom pinning, it is important to create ideal fruiting conditions on the top of the substrate. This can be done by:
- Maintaining high humidity levels of between 85 to 95%. Regular misting of the substrate and the inside of the humidity dome will help with this, but be careful not to oversaturate the substrate as this can lead to contamination and other issues.
- Using a humidifier or misting to regulate humidity and prevent the top layer from drying out.
- Packing the substrate down during Spawn to Bulk, especially near the tub walls, to prevent some of the bottom pinning on the initial flush.
- Using a coco coir mix or peat moss (sphagnum + lime) as a main ingredient for the top layer. These ingredients retain moisture better.
- Using an inside liner to prevent bottom pinning. A transparent painter's plastic liner is a good option as it sticks to the substrate well, is cheap and easy to work with, and you can still see if you get bottom pins or signs of contamination.
If you do end up with bottom pinning, you can flip the cake upside down to let the bottom pins grow. This will give the mushrooms more space to grow and make them more attractive and easier to harvest.
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The importance of humidity and misting
Humidity is a crucial factor in cultivating mushrooms, and maintaining the right levels can be challenging. Mushrooms require moisture at every stage of growth, but it is during the fruiting stage that humidity levels become critical. This is because mushroom fruiting bodies are extremely sensitive to humidity and rely on high moisture levels in the air to develop correctly.
To stimulate the production of pins, relative humidity levels between 95% and 100% are ideal. This encourages pinning and allows the mushrooms to begin developing properly. If the humidity is too low, small pins may dry out and fail to mature, resulting in shrivelled, undersized, or cracked mushrooms. However, excessive humidity can also lead to issues such as condensation or bacterial blotches. Therefore, it is essential to maintain optimal humidity levels throughout the pinning stage.
One of the simplest ways to increase humidity is by using a misting spray bottle. This cost-effective method involves spraying the mushrooms and the surrounding area with water to raise humidity levels. Misting can be done multiple times a day to maintain the desired humidity levels. However, it may not be feasible for large-scale cultivation due to the manual labour involved and the challenge of maintaining consistent humidity levels.
Pond misters are another popular method for controlling humidity. They provide consistent humidity levels by spraying a fine mist of water into the air, which then settles on the mushrooms and the surrounding area. While pond misters are often used in commercial cultivation, they can be expensive and require a constant supply of water, leading to increased water usage and costs.
For those seeking a more automated approach, humidifiers are an effective solution. Ultrasonic humidifiers are particularly favoured by mushroom growers as they can achieve RH levels of 95% or higher. These humidifiers use a vibrating disc to vaporise water droplets and create a fine mist. Many also come with sensors and controls to regulate humidity levels automatically, ensuring the growing space remains within the ideal humidity range.
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The role of light exposure
Light exposure plays a significant role in the pinning process of mushrooms, particularly in the active phase of fruit body development. While light is a secondary trigger for mushroom growth, it can influence the direction of growth. Mushrooms tend to grow towards the light, and excessive light exposure on the sides of the substrate can promote the formation of side pins.
To prevent side pins and encourage upward growth, it is essential to manage light exposure. One effective method is to use a liner, such as a black garbage bag, to cover the sides and bottom of the substrate. This technique blocks the light from reaching the sides and forces the mushrooms to grow out of the top. The liner shrinks with the substrate, covering all ends except the top, thus inhibiting light exposure and disrupting the perfect microclimate for side pins.
For those using a grow kit, placing the bag inside a cardboard box can help block out most of the light. Additionally, monitoring the direction of light exposure and adjusting the position of the container can help manage light influence. However, it is worth noting that light control may not be as effective as moisture management in preventing side pins.
During the fruiting stage, it is crucial to maintain optimal environmental parameters, including sufficient lighting to read comfortably. This lighting condition promotes the development of healthy mushroom pins. While high humidity and proper temperature ranges are critical, sufficient lighting also contributes to creating an ideal environment for mushroom growth.
In summary, light exposure plays a secondary but influential role in mushroom pinning. By managing light exposure, growers can prevent side pins and encourage upward growth, contributing to a successful harvest of healthy mushroom pins.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom pinning is the process that takes place in the first stages of mushroom formation. When a fungus has enough nutrients, specific environmental conditions will trigger the production of fruiting bodies that we know as mushrooms. These baby mushrooms are called mushroom pins because they often look like pinheads.
The best measure of proper environmental parameters is the mushrooms themselves. If the mushrooms look good, taste good, and store well, then the environmental parameters are great! In general, temperatures between 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit, CO2 levels below 1200, sufficient lighting to read comfortably, and humidity between 80-95% are ideal.
Twist the mushrooms by rocking them slightly to the sides and remove them gently. Put a thick surface on top of the cake. Use a lid from a tub that is smaller in size, or a ceramic plate, or a baking tray that fits the size of your cake. Put your hand on this lid/tray/plate. Flip the tub with the other hand and remove the cake from the tub. Now you can harvest all the mushrooms grown on the sides and at the bottom without cracking the cake.
