Michael Davis
Mushrooms are unlike plants in that they don't need to be watered like one. They are sensitive and require a delicate balance of moisture and medium. The key to a good harvest is water, and mushrooms should be watered at least twice a day, preferably three to four times a day, especially after initial growth. Mushrooms are 90% water, so it is important to maintain humidity and prevent them from drying out. This can be done by misting the area around the kit with a spray bottle or creating a mini microclimate by placing a wet tea towel around the base of the kit. When growing mushrooms outdoors, it is important to water the mushroom bed regularly, especially during droughts, and to cover it with straw or plastic sheeting to prevent the bed from drying out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water source | Spring water, well water, rainwater, boiled tap water, bottled water, distilled water |
| Watering frequency | Twice a day at a minimum, misting 3-4 times a day for a bigger crop |
| Watering method | Spray bottle, mister, gravity-fed medium, automatic system |
| Watering location | Not from above, but create a humid environment |
| Watering duration | Continue daily until harvest |
| Water temperature | Boiled water, cold water |
| Water and light | Avoid direct sunlight as it dehydrates the kit |
| Water and humidity | Spray the area around the kit to create humidity, cover with plastic to retain humidity |
| Water and substrate | Soak the substrate in water, do not let the mushroom bed dry out |
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What You'll Learn
Misting kits and blocks
Misting Techniques
Misting is a technique used in mushroom farming to maintain high humidity levels. This involves lightly spraying water over the mushroom block and any humidity enclosure, such as a humidity dome or tent, to ensure the mushrooms have the moisture they need to grow. The frequency of misting depends on factors such as ambient humidity, temperature, the growth stage, and the mushroom type. As a general rule, misting should be done at least two to four times a day, and more during the fruiting phase. It's important not to over-mist, as this can lead to waterlogged substrates.
Water Quality
Clean, fresh tap water is generally recommended for misting mushrooms. The water should be changed regularly, and the spray bottle rinsed out to avoid stagnation. It's best to avoid distilled water, as it lacks the nutrients that mushrooms need, and tap water is usually safe and provides the necessary humidity. However, some growers prefer to use boiled or distilled water to remove any chlorine or impurities, especially if they are growing magic mushrooms. If you're using tap water, it's recommended to let it sit for 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate.
Block Preparation
Before misting, you may need to prepare your mushroom block. For some mushrooms, like Lion's Mane, you'll need to cut an 'X' shape into the substrate bag to allow water from misting to come in and mushrooms to grow out. For Shiitake mushrooms, you'll want to remove the bag and mist the block directly. If your block isn't showing any growth, try scraping the mycelium with a spoon or fork to stimulate fruiting body growth. If this doesn't work, place the block in cold water for an hour, then start misting.
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Watering outdoor beds
When creating an outdoor mushroom bed, it is important to consider the water flow in your garden. Avoid areas that are prone to water pooling, as this can cause issues. Mushrooms need moisture but not overly wet environments, so ensure your mushroom bed has good drainage.
The best place for a mushroom bed is a shaded or partially shaded area with good water drainage. Mushrooms thrive in cool, shaded areas where direct sunlight doesn't dry them out. While some species can tolerate some direct sunlight, it is best to avoid areas with too much sun exposure. The ideal placement is often under trees, bushes, or other foliage, as mushrooms prefer environments that mimic natural woodland settings.
To water your outdoor mushroom bed, use a garden hose or watering can to provide consistent moisture without over-saturating it. Keep the bed moist but not waterlogged, emulating a forest floor—a damp but breathable environment. Water directly onto the base of the bed rather than onto the mushrooms themselves, as this can cause damage.
After creating your bed, keep it moist, especially during the first two weeks. Mycelium thrives in a moist environment. While mushrooms love water, don't over-saturate the bed. Give it an even watering, similar to watering a new houseplant.
You can also add a layer of mulch or straw to help retain moisture and protect the mushrooms from competitor fungi and pests. If you are located in a dry climate, cover your mushroom bed with a sheet of transparent plastic to hold in moisture.
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Rehydrating for a second harvest
After harvesting your first crop of mushrooms, it is possible to rehydrate the growing medium and prepare it for a second harvest. This process can be repeated to get several harvests from the same kit, although subsequent yields will be smaller than the first.
Firstly, remove any dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps from the growing medium. Mushrooms with inverted caps will dry up and may contaminate the next batch. Next, remove the mushroom grow block from its packaging. If you are using a mushroom kit, you will need to let the block dry out for a week before preparing it for the next harvest. Then, soak the block in water for 24 hours. After this, leave it for another day, and it will be ready to put back under the humidity tent.
If you are growing mushrooms in a bucket, you can rehydrate the growing medium by adding boiling water to cover the wood chips. Put the lid on the bucket and allow the mixture to cool down. Once it has cooled, drain the water and squeeze the excess moisture from the chips using your hands. You can then add the mushroom spawn according to the package directions.
For those growing mushrooms on hardwood logs, it is important to keep the logs moist by watering them in the absence of rain. Covering the logs with clean burlap can help to maintain moisture levels.
It is important to note that mushrooms are sensitive and require consistent humidity to survive. Therefore, it is recommended to mist the growing medium at least 2-3 times a day to maintain the necessary humidity levels.
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Watering frequency
If you are growing mushrooms outdoors, you can create a mushroom "garden" by stacking hardwood logs. Drill holes in the logs and place the plugs into the holes, then use wax to cover the holes completely. Place the log in a shaded spot and, in the absence of rain, water it to keep it moist. Covering the log with clean burlap will also help to maintain moisture levels.
If you are using a mushroom kit, you should water it at least twice a day, preferably three times a day. If the mushroom caps start to crack, they are drying out and need more water. Keep watering daily until you harvest the mushrooms.
For outdoor mushroom beds, it is critical to keep the bed moist while the mycelium colonizes. Water your bed as much as you would water a vegetable garden, and cover the wood chips with straw to help retain moisture. Once established, Wine Cap beds require little maintenance outside of occasional watering during droughts.
If you are growing mushrooms in a bucket, you will need to add enough boiling water to cover the wood chips. Let the mixture cool, then drain the water and squeeze the excess moisture from the chips. Add the mushroom spawn according to the package directions, then tightly place the lid on the bucket and store it in a cool, dry spot.
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Water type
Water is key to a good mushroom harvest. Mushrooms are 90% water, so it is important to water them at least twice a day, preferably three to four times a day. Spraying more frequently can help to grow a bigger crop, especially after initial growth.
You can use a spray bottle to create humidity, which is a key factor for successful mushroom growth. Spray the area around your kit with a few pumps of water at least two to three times a day. If you can see condensation underneath the plastic flaps, this is enough water. If the kit is looking dry, increase the frequency of spraying.
If you are growing mushrooms in a bucket, you can add boiling water to the wood chips and then wait for the mixture to cool down. Drain the water and squeeze the excess moisture from the chips using your hands. You can then add the spawn and repeat the process until the bucket is full.
If you are using a mushroom kit, you can mist the block three to four times a day with spring or well water, collected rainwater, or boiled tap water. Tap water should not be used straight from the tap, as it contains chlorine that will kill the spores, and distilled water does not contain the necessary nutrients. Cover the block with plastic after each misting to hold in the humidity.
If you are growing mushrooms outdoors, you can cover the bed with straw, which acts as a mulch layer for moisture retention. Alternatively, a tarp or other plastic sheeting can be used to prevent the bed from drying out.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms need to be watered at least twice a day, preferably three to four times a day, especially after initial growth. It is important to maintain a balance as mushrooms need a moist environment to grow, but too much water can cause problems.
Do not use tap water as it contains chlorine that will kill the spores. Spring water, well water, rainwater, boiled tap water, or bottled water are suitable options.
If the mushroom caps start to crack, they are drying out and need more water. Continue to water them daily until you harvest the mushrooms.
