Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be cultivated or foraged. When foraging mushrooms, it is important to consider the growth cycle of the mushroom to ensure that it regrows. The mushroom is the fruit-producing part of the fungus, and its growth cycle starts with spores, which develop into mycelium, and then into the mushroom fruit. The mycelium is an invisible part of the fungus that grows below the soil. It is delicate and can be damaged, which would prevent the mushroom from regrowing. Therefore, when picking mushrooms, it is best to cut them off where they join the ground to avoid damaging the mycelium. However, some argue that twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium is better as it prevents the residual stump from rotting and infecting the mycelium. In addition to the picking technique, the timing of the mushroom collection is important. If the mushroom cap is plucked before the spores are released, the mushroom will not regrow. However, if it is plucked after the spores are released, it will not impact the regrowth of the mushroom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom "seed" | spore, spawn, or inoculum |
| What spores need | a moist and humid environment |
| What spores become | cottony structures called mycelium |
| What mycelium does | absorbs nutrients and water and manufactures food for the fungus |
| What mycelium becomes | primordia, which forms mushrooms |
| Best variety for home growing | oyster mushrooms |
| Best size for growing mushrooms from store-bought stems | 1/4 inch (6mm) |
| What to use for bedding | straw or any moistened cellulose material |
| Ideal temperature for growing mushrooms | 65-75 degrees F (18-23 degrees C) |
| Harvest time | 2-4 weeks |
| Picking techniques | cutting or twisting and pulling |
| Ideal size for picking | caps larger than 4cm in diameter |
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What You'll Learn
Picking mushrooms by cutting or twisting and pulling
There are two schools of thought on the best way to pick mushrooms: cutting and twisting/pulling. One school of thought asserts that fruit bodies should be cut off where they join the ground to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium below. The other school of thought prefers to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium, arguing that this stops the residual stump left by cutting from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, this argument has been ridiculed as all fungi will eventually rot away if left alone.
Some foragers choose their picking technique based on the type of mushroom they are harvesting. Mycorrhizal fungi, such as chanterelles, ceps, and hedgehog mushrooms, usually detach cleanly when pulled from their mycelial web. On the other hand, saprophytic fungi, such as wood blewits, clouded agaric, and shaggy parasols, tend to bring a large clod of mycelium with them when pulled. Therefore, it is recommended to cut these mushrooms rather than pull them.
Additionally, the size of the mushroom can be a factor in the picking technique. Cutting is considered a safer option for bigger mushrooms, as it does not involve any force. For small mushrooms with a cap diameter of less than 2 cm, such as chanterelles and hedgehog mushrooms, it is recommended to simply pluck them without cutting or twisting.
It is important to consider the timing of the mushroom collection. If the mushroom cap is plucked before the spores are released, it will not regrow. However, if it is plucked after the release of spores, it will not impact the regrowth of the mushroom. The presence of spores does not seem to affect the future growth of mushrooms, as some people believe. Even if spores fall on the substrate, regrowth has still been observed.
Overall, the method of picking mushrooms by cutting or twisting and pulling does not seem to significantly affect their regrowth. A 35-year study from Germany concluded that it does not matter if you cut or pull out the mushroom or compact the soil by walking on it. The regrowth of mushrooms depends more on the integrity of the mycelium and the timing of the collection rather than the picking technique.
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The importance of timing when picking mushrooms
The timing of mushroom picking is crucial for ensuring regrowth. Mushrooms are the fruit-producing part of underground fibres called mycelium. Mycelium is an invisible part of fungi, growing beneath the soil, and it is responsible for absorbing nutrients and water and manufacturing food for the fungus. Therefore, if the mycelium is damaged, the mushroom will not regrow.
When picking mushrooms, it is important to consider the life cycle of the fungus. If the mushroom cap is plucked before the spores are released, the mushroom will not regrow. However, if it is plucked after the spores are released, it will not impact the regrowth of the mushroom. The spores are essential for the transfer of the mushroom to the next breed. Therefore, if the mushroom is removed before it has finished scattering its spores, the fungus will not inhabit the same place again.
The method of picking mushrooms is also important for regrowth. There are two main methods: cutting and pulling. The cutting method involves slicing the mushroom from where it joins the ground or its growing medium. This method minimises disturbance to the surrounding area and is suitable for bigger mushrooms. The pulling method involves twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium. This method is suitable for smaller mushrooms that detach cleanly from the mycelium.
Regardless of the picking method, it is crucial to avoid damaging the mycelium. Disturbing the ground or compacting the soil can damage the mycelium and impair its ability to regrow. Therefore, it is important to be gentle and precise when picking mushrooms to ensure the mycelium remains intact.
Overall, the timing and method of mushroom picking significantly impact the regrowth of mushrooms. By allowing the mushroom to release its spores and being careful not to damage the mycelium, foragers can encourage the regrowth of mushrooms and ensure a sustainable harvest.
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How to regrow mushrooms using a kit
Mushrooms are fungi that depend on other plant material called a substrate to get their nutrients. The best variety for home growing is oyster mushrooms, though you can use any type. You can purchase mushroom grow kits that come with complete step-by-step instructions. These kits are an easy and convenient way to start growing mushrooms and can be placed on your kitchen counter or shelf.
To regrow mushrooms using a kit, you will need to submerge the mushroom block in water for about five hours to ensure it absorbs enough moisture. Then, place the wet block in a well-lit area that is not in direct sunlight. Mist the block with water once or twice a day to keep it moist. Within four days, you will see tiny mushrooms beginning to form. Over the next five days, the mushrooms will mature and be ready for picking.
After harvesting your first batch of mushrooms, you can reuse the mushroom grow kit. Allow the block to rest for two to three weeks and then begin the process again. You can get several harvests out of the grow kit until it starts to crumble. At this point, you can compost it or add it to your garden as a soil amendment for your plants.
If you are feeling creative, you can also try different methods to regrow mushrooms using the same kit. For example, you can bury the mushroom block to protect it from the elements, and the fungi can wick moisture from the nearby soil. Adding mulch or soil on top will shield the block from direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can use the kit like spawn and inoculate some containers or mulch in your garden. This process works best with oyster mushroom kits that are well-hydrated or have recently fruited.
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Using straw as a growing medium
To get started, you'll need to prepare the straw by chopping it into smaller pieces. This step is not mandatory, but it will help the mushroom spawn colonize the straw more easily. Aim for pieces around 1 to 3 inches (2.54 to 7.62 cm) in length. You can use garden shears for smaller amounts of straw or try methods like using a mower or a weed whacker for larger amounts. You might also want to wash the straw with a small amount of dish soap before moving on to the next step.
Once your straw is prepared, you'll need to pasteurize it. This can be done using a steam bath or other methods. After pasteurization, allow the straw to drain and cool to below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can then mix in the mushroom spawn. Break up the spawn into small pieces and mix it thoroughly and evenly into the straw. You can use a bag or tubing to contain the mixture, filling it and packing it well. Squeeze out as much air as possible and secure the top with a twist tie.
Poke holes on the sides of the bag or tubing every few inches—this is where the mushrooms will grow out. Keep the straw mixture damp and in a dark place with temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees F (18-23 C). Mist the medium regularly to prevent it from drying out. After about two to four weeks, the mycelium should be ready to fruit. Tent plastic over the medium to preserve moisture and allow the fungi to form. With proper care, you should be able to harvest your mushrooms in about 19 days.
Oyster mushrooms are an excellent choice for beginners, as they are easy to grow and colonize fast. They come in various forms, including blue, pink, yellow, pearl, and king oysters, each with slightly different environmental preferences. Other types of mushrooms that grow well on straw include enokitake, the garden giant, certain Agaricus species, and wine cap mushrooms.
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Choosing the right species of mushroom to regrow
Edibility and Culinary Preferences
One of the primary considerations when choosing a mushroom species to regrow is whether it is edible and aligns with your culinary preferences. Some popular edible mushroom varieties include oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and lion's mane mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms, especially the king oyster variety, are known for their meaty and crunchy texture, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Shiitake mushrooms are widely used in Asian cuisine and are valued for their rich flavour and medicinal properties.
Ease of Cultivation
When choosing a mushroom species to regrow, consider the level of difficulty involved in cultivating that particular variety. Oyster mushrooms, including the pearl oyster and pink oyster varieties, are known for their ease of cultivation and are suitable for novice mushroom growers. These species are less prone to contamination and pests, making them a more forgiving option. King oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, are slightly more challenging to grow but can provide multiple harvests from a single culture.
Growing Environment and Conditions
Different mushroom species have specific growing requirements in terms of environment and conditions. Consider the temperature, humidity, and substrate requirements of the mushroom species you choose. For example, oyster mushrooms generally prefer a moist environment with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-23 degrees Celsius). Additionally, they can grow on various substrates, including straw and sawdust. On the other hand, shiitake mushrooms grow well on hardwood logs, so you'll need to provide the appropriate growing medium for their cultivation.
Yield and Fruit Body Size
Consider the yield and size of the fruit bodies when choosing a mushroom species to regrow. Some mushroom varieties, such as the pink oyster mushroom, are prized for their ability to produce large fruiting bodies and high yields. If maximizing your harvest is a priority, selecting species with larger fruit bodies and higher yields can be advantageous.
Compatibility with Preferred Trees
If you plan to cultivate mushrooms outdoors using log inoculation, it is crucial to match the mushroom species with the correct tree species. Most edible mushrooms grow on deciduous hardwood trees, and each mushroom species has a preferred type of wood. For example, shiitake mushrooms grow well on hardwood logs, while Italian oyster mushrooms can grow on some pine family trees, although with smaller or less frequent flushes. Matching the mushroom species to the right log species will result in higher and more consistent yields.
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Frequently asked questions
You may damage the mycelium if you compact or disturb the ground or leaf litter with your feet. However, the possibility of damaging the mycelium is extremely low if you are using a mushroom growing kit, as the mycelium is more apparent and easy to spot.
There are two schools of thought. One is to cut off the fruit bodies where they join the ground so as not to damage the mycelium. The other is to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium, which some argue stops the residual stump from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, it makes very little difference to the fungus either way.
Choose fungi from organic sources. Cut the ends of the mushrooms into small pieces (about 1/4 inch or 6mm). Place the pieces into a container with moistened cellulose material such as straw or shredded cardboard. Keep the medium and mycelium damp, in the dark, and at a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees F (18-23 C). After about two to four weeks, the mycelium should be ready to fruit. Tent plastic over the medium to preserve moisture and allow the fungi to form.
