Laura Smith
Grow kits are the easiest way to harvest mushrooms, and you can do it at home. You can even harvest multiple flushes from the same kit! The term flush refers to a batch or round of mushrooms. To increase the effectiveness of subsequent flushes, you can rehydrate the kit by soaking it in water for 12 hours or placing it under a running faucet. Another method is to mist the kit multiple times a day. Each subsequent flush takes more time and energy, and you will get fewer mushrooms, but it's still a great way to get more bang for your buck!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking Time | 12 hours to 24 hours |
| Soaking Liquid | Bottled fridge water, tap water, distilled water or water from a running faucet |
| Soaking Method | Dunking the substrate in water or placing it under a running faucet |
| Post-Soaking | Drain the kit and begin the process again |
| Misting | Mist the block multiple times a day |
| Temperature | Maintain a temperature of 63-70 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Airflow | Keep the block in an area with lots of airflow |
| Sunlight | Place the block outdoors in the sunlight |
| Time Between Flushes | Allow the block to recover for about a week after the first harvest before attempting a second flush |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking the grow block in water for 12 hours
To begin the process, remove the mushroom grow block from its packaging. You may need to weigh it down as the blocks tend to float. Submerge the block in cool tap water or bottled fridge water for 12 hours. Alternatively, some sources suggest soaking for 24 to 48 hours. During the soaking process, leave the water running at a trickle to wash away any contaminants.
After the grow block has soaked for the recommended time, drain the water and begin the mushroom-growing process anew. Place the grow block back into the plastic bag to focus on growing bigger mushrooms. Alternatively, leave the plastic bag off to allow mushrooms to grow out from all over the grow block.
It is important to note that each flush will typically result in fewer mushrooms, and the blocks may become contaminated or unable to fruit after 2-3 repetitions of this process.
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Misting the block multiple times a day
When misting the block, it is important to remember that you are aiming to rehydrate it without soaking it for an extended period. A light misting is sufficient, and you don't need to worry as much about contamination at this stage, as your mycelium should be well established. The misting process helps to keep the block moist, which is crucial for encouraging new growth.
It is worth noting that each subsequent flush generally produces fewer mushrooms and takes more time and energy to cultivate. However, with the right care, you can still achieve a bountiful second flush. After harvesting your second flush, you may even attempt a third flush by repeating the same process.
To optimise the chances of a successful second flush, ensure your block has had adequate time to recover after the first harvest. Ideally, wait around a week before beginning the process again. Additionally, maintain the block in temperate conditions, with temperatures ranging from 63 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Keeping the block in a cool, dry place after the first flush
When the temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius at night, you can attempt a second flush outdoors. This will provide fresh air and ample airflow, which is crucial for preventing mould. If you're growing pioppino mushrooms, for instance, you can try growing the second flush outdoors on your deck or patio to ensure good airflow.
During this period, it's important to keep the block moist. Mist the block multiple times a day and ensure the cut sites remain moist. The block will need time to recover from its first harvest—generally, a week is sufficient. However, each subsequent flush will take more time and energy, and the yield will likely be smaller.
Additionally, be cautious of pests and mould during successive grows. Blocks may be more susceptible to these issues, so regular inspection is advised.
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Rehydrating the cake with bottled water
One way to rehydrate the cake is to soak it in bottled water for 12 hours. This can be done by placing the cake in a tub of water or under a running faucet, allowing the water to spill over. After soaking, the cake can be drained and placed back on the shelf to begin the second flush. This method is often used for Shiitake mushrooms, which require fresh outdoor air for their second flush. By placing the Shiitake block outdoors during a rainy period, growers can effectively rehydrate the cake and induce a second flush.
Another way to rehydrate the cake is to mist it with bottled water. This method is less intensive and does not require soaking the cake. Growers can simply mist the cake multiple times a day, providing plenty of moisture to induce a second flush. This method is often used for Pioppino mushrooms, which benefit from being grown outdoors with plenty of airflow.
It is important to note that the cake should not be soaked for too long, as this can introduce bacteria and affect the growth of the mushrooms. Additionally, each subsequent flush may produce fewer mushrooms and take longer to grow. However, with the right conditions and proper rehydration techniques, growers can successfully induce a second flush of mushrooms.
Some growers have reported success with soaking their cakes in bottled fridge water, resulting in larger pins than the mature mushrooms from the first flush. This method may not be necessary for everyone, as some growers have achieved multiple flushes without needing to rehydrate the cake. However, for those who want to give their mushrooms an extra boost, rehydrating the cake with bottled water can be a simple and effective solution.
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Using a grow kit to harvest multiple flushes
Using a grow kit is an easy way to harvest multiple flushes of mushrooms at home. The kits are perfect for beginners as they are straightforward to use and require fewer supplies than traditional methods.
Each flush refers to a batch or round of mushrooms. Typically, a grow kit is meant to produce just one flush, but with the right steps, you can harvest multiple flushes from the same kit.
To achieve multiple flushes, it is important to prevent the release of spores. If the mushroom spores land on the mycelium, it can prevent the growth of further flushes. Therefore, it is crucial to harvest the mushrooms before the skin comes off and the spores are released.
There are two main methods to achieve multiple flushes:
- Soaking: Let the substrate soak in water for 12 hours. You can use bottled or tap water for this process. Then, drain the kit and begin the growing process again.
- Running Water: Place the tray with the substrate under a running faucet and let the water run through for 2 to 3 hours. This method reduces the risk of bacterial formation.
By following these methods and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, you can successfully harvest multiple flushes of mushrooms from a single grow kit.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to get a second flush of mushrooms is to soak the grow block in water for 12 hours. You can also place it under a running faucet and allow the water to spill over. After the first flush, the block should be kept in a cool, dry place with lots of airflow.
It takes around a week for the block to recover from its first harvest and begin growing again. New growth will emerge in 7-10 days.
To avoid mould, keep your grow block in an area with lots of airflow. If the weather permits, grow your second flush outdoors to provide plenty of open air.
