Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a delicious crop to cultivate, provided you have the right environment for them. Transplanting mushrooms involves mimicking the conditions in which they are already thriving. For example, if you're transplanting golden chanterelles, you'll need a pH level between 4 and 5.5, a lot of moisture, and shade. You can use a spade or trowel to dig out an area that's roughly two feet square by six to eight inches deep. Cover the area with a tarp to prevent the soil from drying out, then head over to the place where you found the mushrooms you want to transplant. Spread out a clean tarp and use a spade or shovel to lift out some of the mushroom-rich soil. Get a bit more than the area you dug out back at your property, so aim for just over two feet by two feet and eight to ten inches deep. You can also propagate store-bought mushrooms by growing them from ends—this process is quicker because you don't need to rely on spores and can use the mycelium already on the fungi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Chanterelle, Wine Cap, Oyster |
| Transplanting technique | Mimicking the original thriving conditions, including pH, moisture, shade, temperature, and substrate |
| Tools | Spade or trowel, tarp, shovel, cardboard box, paper bags, plastic bin |
| Preparation | Digging a hole, covering it with a tarp to retain moisture, gathering mushroom-rich soil, spreading a clean tarp at the collection site |
| Timing | Within an hour of digging the hole |
| Soil | Damp, loamy forest floor |
| Harvesting | After about 19 days |
| Growing medium | Straw, hamster bedding, shredded cardboard, or any moistened cellulose material |
| Mushroom piece | Ends or stems, cut into small pieces (1/4 inch or 6mm) |
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What You'll Learn
Mimic the original conditions
If you're transplanting wild mushrooms, the key to success is to mimic the conditions in which they're already thriving. For example, if you're transplanting golden chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius senu lato), they thrive amongst the roots of mixed hardwood and coniferous forests. In this case, the ideal location would be an area full of paper birch (Betula papyrifera), white oak (Quercus alba), and white pine (Pinus strobus) trees.
The ideal pH level for chanterelle mushrooms is between 4 and 5.5, but they can handle a neutral pH of up to 6.5 or 7. They also require a lot of moisture, such as a damp, loamy forest floor, and plenty of shade. Therefore, when transplanting chanterelles, ensure that the new location meets these pH, moisture, and shade requirements.
When transplanting mushrooms, it's essential to prepare the new site in advance. Use a spade or trowel to dig out an area that's roughly two feet square by six to eight inches deep. Cover the area with a tarp to prevent soil drying and minimise damage to the mycelial network. Prepare the new site within an hour or so of the planned transplant.
To increase the chances of a good harvest in the new location, gather soil from the original site once the mushrooms have started to deteriorate. This soil will be rich in spores, which will enhance the chances of successful mushroom growth in the new location.
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Prepare the new site
To prepare the new site for your transplanted mushrooms, you'll need to mimic the conditions in which the mushrooms are already thriving. This includes factors like the type of forest, pH levels, moisture, and shade. For example, if you're transplanting golden chanterelles, you'll want to create similar conditions to those found in mixed hardwood and coniferous forests, with a pH between 4 and 5.5, plenty of moisture, and lots of shade.
Choose an area on your property that matches these conditions as closely as possible. Use a spade or trowel to dig out a space that's roughly two feet square and six to eight inches deep. Do this within an hour or so of the planned transplant to prevent the soil from drying out. Cover the area with a tarp while you collect your mushrooms and the soil they're growing in.
When you're ready to transplant, spread out a clean tarp at the new site and use a spade or shovel to cut around and lift out some of the mushroom-rich soil. Aim for a slightly larger area than the one you initially dug out—about two feet by two feet and eight to ten inches deep.
If you're transplanting store-bought mushrooms or using mushroom ends, you can use a cardboard box, paper bags, or a plastic bin as your container. Layer the bottom with straw or another type of moistened cellulose material, such as hamster bedding or shredded cardboard. Place your mushroom end pieces in the container and add another layer of moist material until the container is full. Keep the medium and mycelium damp, dark, and at a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees F (18-23 degrees C).
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Dig out a two-foot square
Digging out a two-foot square is an important step in the process of transplanting mushrooms. This step ensures that the mushrooms have enough space to grow and thrive in their new environment. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Start by choosing an appropriate location for your mushrooms. Consider the specific requirements of the mushroom variety you plan to transplant. For example, Chanterelle mushrooms thrive in moist, shady conditions with a specific pH range. Prepare the selected site by removing any debris or obstacles and ensuring it receives indirect sunlight.
Use a spade or trowel to begin digging. Create a square-shaped hole that is approximately two feet in length and width, mirroring the dimensions of the mushroom's previous environment as closely as possible. The depth of the hole should be around six to eight inches. Work carefully to avoid disturbing any surrounding plant life or ecosystems.
As you dig, pay attention to the soil composition and structure. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained, providing an ideal environment for the mushrooms to establish their root systems. If the soil quality is poor or lacks essential nutrients, consider amending it with compost or other organic materials to create a more hospitable growing medium.
Once you've reached the desired depth and dimensions, use a tarp to line the hole temporarily. This will help prevent the soil from drying out and protect the mycelial network, which is crucial for mushroom growth. Keep the tarp handy as you'll use it again during the transplantation process.
Now, you're ready to head over to the location where you sourced your mushrooms or their spores. Remember to bring the tarp and the necessary tools, such as a spade or shovel, to collect the mushroom-rich soil or spores. By following these detailed steps for digging out a two-foot square, you're creating the foundation for a successful mushroom transplantation project.
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Gather mushroom-rich soil
To gather mushroom-rich soil, you'll need to find a patch of mushrooms in the wild. Chanterelle mushrooms, for example, thrive amongst the roots of mixed hardwood and coniferous forests. If you're gathering chanterelles, make sure they're not false chanterelles (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca), as these will cause stomach problems if consumed.
The best time to gather mushroom-rich soil is once the mushrooms have started to deteriorate. At this point, they will have released their spores into the earth, increasing your chances of a good harvest the following year.
Use a spade or trowel to dig out an area of soil that's roughly two feet square and six to eight inches deep. Cover the area with a tarp to prevent the soil from drying out. Now, head to the spot where you found your mushrooms and lay out a clean tarp. Use a spade or shovel to cut around and lift out the mushroom-rich soil, aiming for a size of just over two feet by two feet and eight to ten inches deep.
If you're planning to transplant the mushrooms, it's important to mimic the conditions in which they were thriving. Chanterelle mushrooms, for example, prefer a pH between 4 and 5.5, though they can tolerate a neutral pH of up to 6.5 or 7. They also require a damp, loamy forest floor and plenty of shade.
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Mist the medium
Misting is a vital technique in mushroom cultivation, essential for creating and maintaining the high humidity that mushrooms require to fruit successfully. Mushrooms are 90% water and need water to grow, so misting helps simulate the moist conditions in which mushrooms naturally thrive.
The frequency and volume of misting depend on several factors, including the ambient humidity, temperature, the stage of mushroom growth, and the type of mushroom being cultivated. As a rule of thumb, cultivators should ensure consistent moisture on the substrate and humidity dome surfaces, similar to that of a cold can of soda on a warm summer day. Over-misting can lead to waterlogged substrates and potential contamination issues, while under-misting may cause the substrate to dry out, hindering mushroom development. Cultivators should regularly observe the mushrooms and substrate to adjust their misting practices to the current needs of their crops.
The correct way to mist is from above, letting the mist fall onto the myc/casing layer. This keeps the integrity of the casing intact, preserving the casing layer structure and developing primordia. Misting directly at the myc/casing layer can cause "panning", which flattens and seals up the casing, destroying the casing layers' microclimate and delicate primordia.
Some growers have had success with directly misting their cakes and casings, but this method may not be suitable for all mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Oyster mushrooms are the best variety for home growing, but you can use any type.
The ideal pH for chanterelle mushrooms is between 4 and 5.5, but they can handle a neutral pH of up to 6.5 or 7.
First, dig out an area that's roughly two feet square by six to eight inches deep. Cover the area with a tarp and go get your mushrooms. When you find the mushrooms, spread out a clean tarp and use a spade or shovel to cut around and lift out the mushroom-rich soil.
The key to success is to mimic the conditions in which they’re already thriving. For example, if you're transplanting golden chanterelles, find an area with mixed hardwood and coniferous forests, such as paper birch, white oak, and white pine trees.
Mushroom "seed" is called a spore, spawn, or inoculum.
