Michael Davis
The growth of mushrooms depends on various factors, including the species, climate, and growing method. For outdoor cultivation, the ideal temperature for planting is above 40°F, which can occur in spring or early summer in cooler climates. Warmer climates may allow for year-round planting. Mushroom hunting and foraging can be dangerous, as some species are toxic, so it is essential to research the varieties in your area and consult experienced foragers or local resources for guidance. Oyster mushrooms, for example, fruit 3-12 months after planting, while Lion's Mane and Comb Tooth mushrooms may take up to 2 years before producing their first harvest. Chanterelle mushrooms, on the other hand, are typically harvested in late summer through December in North America.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom growing season | Spring, summer, fall, and sometimes winter |
| Ideal weather conditions | Moist, damp, cool, and rainy |
| Regions with long mushroom seasons | The United States, Europe, and Australia |
| Types of mushrooms that grow in the spring | Wine Cap, Oyster, and Shiitake |
| Types of mushrooms that grow in the summer | Chanterelles, Morels, and Lion's Mane |
| Types of mushrooms that grow in the fall | Porcini, Hen of the Woods, and Portobello |
| Types of mushrooms that grow in the winter | Cremini |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms can be grown outdoors or indoors
The ideal time to plant mushrooms depends on whether you are growing them outdoors or indoors. Indoor growing can be done all year round in a climate-controlled room. Indoor growers often plant on a scheduled cycle throughout the year to ensure a continuous mushroom crop.
Outdoor growing is more dependent on the seasons. Most mushroom varieties are perennial crops that can be planted throughout the growing season, as long as the daytime temperature is consistently 40°F or higher. In warmer climates, this means planting can be done throughout most of the year. In cooler climates, it is best to plant in spring or early summer to speed up the time from planting to picking. If your region experiences frosty winters, be sure to plant at least four weeks before the first frost. Most mushrooms go dormant during winter and begin growing again the following spring.
Spring is generally the best time to plant mushroom logs. It is best to cut logs during the dormant season before buds swell in spring. Logs can be stored and planted when the daytime temperature consistently reaches 40°F or higher. Logs should not be stored into the warmer months, so spring planting is ideal. Planting in spring allows more of the growing season for the mushroom to colonize the log. Once planted, most mushroom logs require a minimum of five months before they are capable of producing mushrooms. Spring-inoculated logs may be ready to fruit their first mushrooms as soon as autumn. If inoculated later in the year, logs are typically not ready to fruit until the following year. Larger logs and those planted with plug spawn will take longer to colonize before fruiting.
Different species of mushrooms have different growing seasons. For example, elegant golden chanterelle mushrooms are harvested in late summer through December in North America. They are typically found in coniferous forests populated with evergreen trees that are exposed to long winters. Lion's Mane and Comb Tooth mushrooms may take up to two years before they are ready to produce mushrooms, then they generally fruit in spring and autumn for several years. Olive Oysterling mushrooms typically fruit in the first autumn a full year after inoculation. Reishi mushrooms typically fruit in the first summer a full year after inoculation. They thrive in warm, humid conditions with long growing seasons.
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Outdoor growing depends on the climate and seasons
Outdoor mushroom cultivation depends on the climate and seasons. It is influenced by factors such as temperature, weather conditions, and growing techniques.
For outdoor growing, daytime temperatures play a crucial role. Most mushroom varieties can be planted when temperatures consistently reach 40°F or higher. In warmer climates, this enables planting throughout the year. However, in cooler climates, it is advisable to plant in spring or early summer to expedite the growth process. If you reside in an area with frosty winters, it is recommended to plant at least four weeks before the first frost. Mushrooms typically go dormant during the cold winter months and resume growth in the subsequent spring.
The choice of substrate, or growing medium, is another factor influenced by climate and seasonality. Outdoor beds can be made with sawdust or grain spawn, with sawdust being more commonly recommended due to its lower cost and greater resistance to contamination. The Wine Cap mushroom, for instance, thrives in straw or wood chip beds and can fruit as early as 2-3 months after planting, depending on inoculation rate and weather conditions.
Seasonal variations also impact the growth of specific mushroom varieties. Morel mushrooms, for instance, are best foraged during warm and wet early springs. On the other hand, Golden Chanterelle mushrooms are typically harvested from late summer through December in North America, favouring coniferous forests with evergreen trees exposed to long winters.
Outdoor cultivation offers advantages over indoor methods, including reduced costs, energy consumption, plastic waste, and contamination. It also enriches the soil, supports nutrient cycling, and provides food for wildlife. Garden beds, logs, and containers are all viable options for growing mushrooms outdoors, with certain species favouring specific methods. For instance, Oysters and Shiitakes grow particularly well on hardwood logs.
When growing mushrooms outdoors, it is important to consider the temperature during incubation. Temperatures exceeding 80 degrees can hinder mycelial growth, so placing the bale in shade or using shade cloth may be necessary. Additionally, the bale should be kept hydrated by watering it regularly.
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Spring is the best time to plant mushroom logs
The ideal time to plant mushrooms depends on whether they are being grown indoors or outdoors. Indoor mushrooms can be grown all year round in a climate-controlled room. Outdoor growing, on the other hand, is more dependent on the seasons.
Spring is generally the best time to plant mushroom logs. Firstly, it is best to cut logs during the dormant season before the buds swell in spring. Logs can be stored and planted when daytime temperatures reach 40°F or higher. Logs shouldn't be stored for longer, so spring is the ideal time to plant. Secondly, planting in spring allows more of the growing season for the mushrooms to colonize the log. Most mushroom logs require a minimum of 5 months before they can produce mushrooms. Spring-inoculated logs may be ready to fruit with their first mushrooms as soon as autumn. If you inoculate later in the year, the logs typically won't be ready to fruit until the following year.
For growers in warmer climates, planting can be done throughout most of the year. However, for those in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, it is best to plant in spring or early summer to speed up the time from planting to picking. If your region experiences frosty winters, be sure to plant at least 4 weeks before the first frost. Most mushrooms go dormant in winter and then begin growing again the following spring.
If you're foraging for mushrooms, be aware that they can be edible or toxic. Consult an expert or a local foraging group to familiarize yourself with the specific characteristics of each mushroom type and how to identify local edible mushrooms.
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Mushrooms can be toxic or edible
Mushrooms can be both toxic and edible, and it is important to be able to distinguish between the two. There are many edible gilled mushrooms, but some of the most poisonous ones also have gills, so it is recommended to avoid all gilled mushrooms unless you can identify them with absolute certainty.
One way to identify mushrooms is by learning which family the fungus belongs to. For example, the Agarics family has both edible and toxic members. The edible Agarics have pink to brown/black gills, a white cap, and usually a stout stem with a skirt. If you bruise the cap and it stains bright chrome yellow, it is likely poisonous; if it stains pale yellow, pink, or red, it is probably edible. However, there is a further test to be sure—smelling it. Edible Agarics smell pleasant, sometimes with hints of aniseed or almond, whereas toxic mushrooms smell of Indian ink, iodine, or chemicals. The Boletus, Suillus, and Leccinum families are also easy to identify as they don't have gills but sponge-like pores and generally stout stems.
Morchella Americana, or the Yellow Morel, is a "true morel" that fruits in the early spring, often among hardwood trees. These edible mushrooms are considered beginner-friendly due to their distinct appearance. However, its poisonous look-alike, Gyromitra spp.., contains a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical called gyromitrin, which affects the central nervous system and can lead to nausea, convulsions, coma, or even death. Luckily, the two species can be distinguished by their appearance: the true morel has a pitted cap and a smooth hollow stem, while the false morel has a wavy and crumpled cap and a nearly solid stem.
Another example of toxic and edible mushroom look-alikes is the Chanterelle and the Jack O'Lantern Mushroom. The Jack O'Lantern has true gills, while the Chanterelle has folds. The gills of the Jack O'Lantern end abruptly along the stem, while the folds of the Chanterelle run along the stem, ending unevenly at various points. These toxic mushrooms cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
The ideal time to plant mushrooms depends on whether they are being grown indoors or outdoors, and the climate. Outdoor growing is more dependent on the seasons. In warmer climates, planting can be done throughout most of the year, while in cooler climates, it is best to plant in the spring or early summer to speed up the time from planting to picking. Mushroom logs should be cut during the dormant season before the buds swell in the spring and planted when daytime temperatures reach 40°F or higher.
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Oyster mushrooms grow well on straw
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest mushrooms to grow on straw, making them a great choice for beginners. They are versatile and can be grown on a variety of substrates, including wood logs, cottonseed hulls, corn cobs, office paper, and cereal straws such as wheat and oat straw. In North America, cereal straws are the most popular choice.
To grow oyster mushrooms on straw, it is recommended to pasteurize the straw first. This can be done by soaking it for 3-4 hours and then steam-treating it, or by boiling it. The straw should then be chopped into smaller pieces, around 1 to 3 inches in length, to increase the surface area for the mushroom spawn to colonize. The spawn can be purchased from a local supplier and should be added in small bits to the straw. It is important to maintain hygiene throughout the process to prevent the growth of unwanted fungi.
Once the straw and spawn are prepared, they can be layered in a shady location out of direct sunlight. It is important to ensure that the straw remains moist but not oversaturated, as too much water can lead to mold and bacteria growth. Misting or light watering can be done to maintain the desired moisture level. During hot and dry days, thorough misting may be required once a day. Holes can also be poked in the bottom of the container to allow excess water to drain and provide airflow for the mycelium to breathe.
Oyster mushrooms grown on straw typically fruit quickly, and the first signs of fruiting can be seen within a few days to a couple of weeks. The mushrooms can be harvested within 10-12 days for pink oyster varieties and around 1-2 weeks for other types. It is important to monitor the growth closely, as contamination can occur if the substrate is too wet or dry. Additionally, the mushrooms should be stored in the fridge and consumed within a week, as they have a relatively short shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant mushrooms outdoors is in the spring or early summer. This is to speed up the time from planting to picking. However, the ideal time to plant mushrooms depends on the climate and species of mushroom.
Mushrooms grow best in climates with daytime temperatures of 40°F or higher. Mushrooms can be grown on logs, straw, or sawdust.
Mushrooms can be hunted in the spring, summer, or fall. However, it can be dangerous if you are new to hunting mushrooms as they can be toxic. It is recommended to research the varieties of mushrooms that grow in your area and consult an experienced forager before hunting for mushrooms.
