Emma Wilson
Flushing mushrooms is a term used to refer to the process of harvesting a batch or round of mushrooms. After the first harvest, the mushroom grow block needs to be rehydrated and soaked in water to eliminate contaminants. The block then needs to be kept in a cool, dry place for a week to recover from the first harvest. The second flush of mushrooms will then begin to emerge in 7-10 days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of "flush" | A batch, round, or crop of mushrooms |
| Grow kits | Can produce more than one flush of mushrooms |
| Second flush | Requires fresh, outdoor air |
| Second flush | Requires the same growing process as the first |
| Second flush | May result in fewer mushrooms |
| Second flush | May be more susceptible to pests such as mould |
| Rehydration | Soak substrate in water for 12 hours |
| Rehydration | Dunk in water for 2-3 hours |
| Rehydration | Soak in cool tap water for 3-4 hours with running water to eliminate contaminants |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking the grow block in water for 12 hours
After harvesting the first crop of mushrooms, it is essential to remove any dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps. These mushrooms can provide possible contamination points if left on the grow block. Once they are removed, the grow block can be gently submerged in cool tap water for 3 to 4 hours. This initial soaking helps to wash away any remaining contaminants.
After the initial soaking, the grow block can be placed back into the plastic bag, which helps to limit its exposure to fresh air and encourages the growth of larger mushrooms. Alternatively, the plastic bag can be left off to allow mushrooms to grow from all over the grow block.
To initiate the growth of the second flush of mushrooms, the grow block should be soaked in a bucket of cold water for 8 to 12 hours. This cold shock stimulates mushroom formation. If the ambient temperature is suitable (below 50°F and above freezing), this cold shock can also be achieved by placing the sealed block outdoors for 8 to 12 hours.
During the growth phase, which lasts 7 to 12 days, the grow block should be hydrated at least once a day, and more frequently in warm, dry conditions. This can be achieved by rinsing under a faucet, using a hose, or dunking the block in a bucket of water for 10 to 20 seconds. After the growth phase, the block enters a recharge phase of resting and drying for 7 to 12 days, followed by another overnight soak to rehydrate and initiate a new growth phase.
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Removing dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps
After harvesting your first crop of mushrooms, it is crucial to inspect the mushroom bed and identify any dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps. These mushrooms will not recover and will slowly dry up, providing possible contamination points for the rest of your crop. It is important to act quickly and remove these mushrooms as soon as possible to minimize the risk of contamination.
To remove the dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps, use sterile tools and wear gloves to protect the health of the mushroom bed. Carefully lift the mushrooms from the bed, taking care not to damage the surrounding mushrooms or the growing medium. If the mushrooms are dried and shriveled, they should lift easily from the bed. However, if they are still partially attached, use a gentle sawing motion to separate them from the growing medium without disturbing the nearby mushrooms.
Once all the dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps have been removed, dispose of them properly. Do not compost them or add them to your garden, as they may still contain spores that could contaminate future crops. Instead, burn them or dispose of them in a sealed bag to ensure that any remaining spores are destroyed.
By following these steps and removing the dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your mushroom crop. This proactive approach to contamination prevention will pay dividends in the long run, resulting in a healthier and more abundant harvest.
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Keeping the grow block in an area with lots of airflow
Ideally, grow your mushrooms outdoors, where there is an abundance of fresh air. If you choose to grow your mushrooms inside, ensure the room is well-ventilated. You can also try placing a fan in the room to increase airflow.
Another way to increase airflow is to remove the plastic covering from your grow block. This exposes the block to fresh air, which can help prevent mould. However, it's important to weigh the risks, as removing the covering may also expose the block to contaminants.
If you notice any mould on your grow block, it's important to take action immediately. First, remove any affected mushrooms and treat the block with a mild fungicide. Then, increase airflow to the block to help it dry out and prevent further mould growth.
By following these steps and maintaining adequate airflow, you can create an optimal environment for your mushrooms to thrive and help prevent common issues like mould and contamination.
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Allowing the block to dry out while waiting for warmer temperatures
If you're growing a second batch of mushrooms, or "flush", you'll need to give the block some time to recover from its first harvest. This usually takes about a week. During this time, it's important to keep the block in a cool, dry place and allow it to dry out. If your first flush is during the winter, you can place the block in a garage or somewhere cool and dry while you wait for warmer temperatures.
Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, require fresh outdoor air for their second flush. If the temperature rises above 30 degrees Celsius at night, you can attempt to grow a second flush outdoors. However, it's important to note that each subsequent flush will take more time and energy, and you will likely get fewer mushrooms.
To prepare your block for a second flush, start by removing any leftover mushroom material and dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps. These mushrooms will dry up and can provide possible contamination points. Then, gently submerge the block in cool tap water for 3 to 4 hours, allowing it to rehydrate and eliminating any contaminants. Alternatively, some growers recommend soaking the block for 12 hours or placing it under a running faucet to allow the water to spill over. This method helps prevent bacteria buildup.
After soaking, simply repeat the growing process, treating your block the same way you did during the first flush. Keep in mind that blocks may be more susceptible to pests and mould during successive grows.
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Misting the block multiple times a day
Understanding Mushroom Flushes:
Before delving into misting techniques, it's important to understand the concept of mushroom flushes. In mushroom cultivation, a "flush" refers to a batch or round of mushrooms that grow together. Each flush consists of multiple mushrooms that emerge simultaneously.
Misting for Multiple Flushes:
- Remove Dried Mushrooms: After the initial harvest, remove any dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps. These mushrooms can provide possible contamination points for the next flush.
- Soaking the Block: Take the mushroom grow block out of its packaging and gently submerge it in cool tap water. Weigh it down if necessary, as the blocks tend to float. Let the block soak for 3 to 4 hours with running water to eliminate contaminants.
- Misting Technique: Once the block has soaked and been prepared for the next flush, it's time to focus on misting. Misting the block multiple times a day helps maintain optimal moisture levels. Use a spray bottle or mister to evenly distribute water droplets onto the surface of the block.
- Frequency and Timing: Mist the block at regular intervals throughout the day. The exact frequency may vary depending on environmental conditions, but generally aim for 3 to 4 mistings per day. Ensure that the block is kept in temperate conditions (~63-70 degrees Fahrenheit) to promote healthy growth.
- New Growth Emergence: With consistent misting and proper care, you can expect new mushroom growth to emerge within 7 to 10 days. This growth will typically occur around the edges of prior growth.
- Repeat the Process: To encourage additional flushes, repeat the misting process, treating the block the same way you did during the initial growth phase. Each subsequent flush may produce slightly fewer mushrooms and take more time.
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Frequently asked questions
A flush is a batch, round, or crop of mushrooms.
While grow kits are meant to produce just one full flush, it is possible to achieve up to three good flushes from one kit.
To increase the number of flushes, you can soak or dunk the substrate in water for 12 hours. This helps to rehydrate the substrate and prevent bacteria buildup.
Allow your block to recover for about a week after harvest before attempting a new flush. Each flush will take 2-3 weeks to grow.
Each subsequent flush will result in fewer mushrooms and may be more susceptible to pests and mold. Make sure to remove any dried or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps between flushes, as they can provide possible contamination points.
