Laura Smith
The monotub tek method is a popular way to cultivate mushrooms indoors, known for its simplicity, speed, and compact setup. The optimal time to harvest mushrooms from a monotub varies depending on the desired stage of maturity and the specific mushroom species. Generally, it is recommended to harvest before the caps flatten out, twisting the mushrooms gently from their base. This process should be repeated over a few days to collect all the mushrooms in the first flush. After the initial harvest, subsequent flushes can be encouraged by rehydrating the cake and repeating the fruiting process. To ensure a successful harvest, it is crucial to maintain a clean environment and manage lighting, temperature, and moisture levels during the cultivation process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harvesting time | Before the caps have flattened out; when the mushroom transforms from a lollipop shape into an open-cap mushroom shape; just before the veil disconnects |
| Harvesting technique | Twist the mushrooms from their base; cut them at the base if there is not enough space to twist them off |
| Harvesting preparation | Wear gloves; use a liner to avoid a dirty substrate or casing |
| Dehydration | Use a food dehydrator; do not wash the mushrooms as this will reduce their potency |
| Dehydration temperature | 95°F or "low" setting |
| Dehydration duration | Rotate the mushrooms every few hours |
| Storage | Store dried mushrooms in an airtight container with a silica gel pack |
| Flushing | Harvest the first flush over a period of 2-3 days; expect 2-3 flushes per tub |
| Fanning | Perform for 30 seconds, twice per day until the substrate is no longer producing mushrooms |
| Lighting | Indirect sunlight or room light; 4-6 hours of light per day; a light source that is more direct will result in better mushroom growth |
| Temperature | 21-24°C |
| Misting | Mist the substrate once per day throughout the fruiting stage; misting every couple of days may be required if the substrate is dry |
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What You'll Learn
Harvest when the mushroom caps open and the veil tears
Harvesting Mushrooms: Timing is Key
Harvesting mushrooms at the right time is a crucial step in the cultivation process. Miss the window, and there's a risk of losing your entire crop. One of the most important indicators of the optimal harvest time is the state of the mushroom's veil.
The veil is a fleshy, light-coloured membrane located on the underside of the mushroom cap, covering the gills. As the mushroom matures, the veil will begin to darken and sag. This is a sign that the mushroom is getting ready to release its spores, and it's time to harvest.
The ideal time to harvest is just before the veil tears. When the veil tears, it will drop down the stem, detach from the cap, and reveal the concave cavity and gills. This process can happen very quickly, so it's important to keep a close eye on the mushrooms during this stage. Even a few hours can make a difference.
Once the majority of the mushroom caps have opened up, it's the perfect time to pick them. Gently twist the mushrooms from their base to free them from the cake, taking care to minimise damage to the cake. Place the mushrooms in a container with all the caps on the same side to prevent the substrate from sticking to other mushrooms.
It's important to act quickly once the veils start to open, as the mushrooms will soon start to die and rot after releasing their spores. By harvesting just before the veil tears, you can maximise future flushes and get the most out of your crop.
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Twist and pull mushrooms from their base
There are various methods for harvesting mushrooms. Some people advocate cutting mushrooms from their base, while others suggest twisting and pulling them out. The "twist and pull" method is a common way to harvest mushrooms and can be done with the following steps:
- Put on a pair of gloves and identify the mushrooms that are ready for harvesting.
- Hold the bottom of the stem of the mushroom and gently twist it until it disconnects from the mycelium cake. You can also tip the mushroom over and break it off at the base.
- Place all the mushrooms in a container with the caps on the same side to prevent the substrate at the base of each mushroom from sticking to the other mushrooms.
- Use a cutting board and knife to chop off any remaining substrate-covered base and gently brush off any residue.
- Do not wash the mushrooms as this will reduce their potency. Start the dehydration process at 95°F or on a "low" setting.
- Rotate the mushrooms in the dehydrator every few hours to ensure even drying.
While the "twist and pull" method is effective, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. Twisting and pulling can risk damaging the structure and may lead to mushrooms no longer growing in the places you pulled from. It can also introduce contaminants and dirt into the harvest. Additionally, some people find that brushing the substrate off the mushrooms after twisting and pulling takes extra time and effort.
The decision to twist and pull or cut mushrooms may depend on personal preference and the specific mushroom species being harvested. Some mushrooms, like chanterelles, tend to detach cleanly when pulled, while others may bring a large amount of mycelium with them. It is recommended to try both methods and see which one works best for the specific situation.
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Dry and store in an airtight container
Once you have harvested your Minotub mushrooms, it is important to dry them thoroughly before storing them. Drying your mushrooms will ensure they last longer and stay potent. Mushrooms can be dried in a food dehydrator or oven, but if you don't have access to either of these, they can also be air-dried. To use a dehydrator, place your mushrooms in the machine, ensuring that all the caps are facing the same way to prevent the substrate from sticking to other mushrooms. Set the temperature to 95°F or "low" and rotate the mushrooms every few hours to ensure even drying. If you don't have a dehydrator, you can use your oven by setting it to a low temperature (ideally below 140°F) and placing the mushrooms on a tray. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
Air-drying is another option, but it may not be as effective in removing all the moisture from your mushrooms. To air-dry, place the mushrooms on a tray or plate and leave them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. It is important to ensure that your mushrooms are thoroughly dried before storing them, as any remaining moisture can lead to mould or bacterial growth.
Once your mushrooms are completely dry, you can store them in an airtight container. Glass jars or containers with airtight lids are ideal for this purpose. Silica gel packs can also be placed in the container to help absorb any remaining moisture and prolong the shelf life of your mushrooms. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, dried mushrooms can last for several months.
Storing your mushrooms in airtight containers is crucial to maintain their quality and potency. Mushrooms are susceptible to moisture absorption, which can lead to spoilage. By using airtight containers, you create a barrier against external moisture and humidity, ensuring that your mushrooms remain dry. Additionally, airtight storage helps preserve the flavour and aroma of the mushrooms by preventing the escape of volatile compounds responsible for their distinctive taste and fragrance.
Another advantage of using airtight containers is the prevention of pest infestation. Insects and other pests are attracted to mushrooms, and they can quickly infest your supply if not properly protected. The airtight seal acts as a physical barrier, denying pests access to your mushrooms and ensuring that they remain safe for consumption.
Finally, airtight containers offer convenience and ease of storage. By using stackable or space-saving containers, you can efficiently organise your mushroom supply, maximising storage space. Additionally, airtight containers facilitate the preservation of mushrooms in their dried form, which is more compact and convenient than fresh mushrooms, making it easier to store larger quantities in a limited space.
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Mist the cake for consecutive flushes
The monotub tek method is a popular way to cultivate mushrooms indoors. It involves using a plastic bin with ports and fresh air exchange filters to maintain ambient humidity levels and facilitate optimal air flow for mushroom growth. One of the key steps in this process is misting the cake to promote multiple flushes or waves of mushroom growth.
Preparing the Cake for Misting
Before misting, it is important to prepare the cake properly. After harvesting the first flush of mushrooms, remove any remaining dried mushrooms or smaller mushrooms with inverted caps, as they can dry up and provide contamination points. Verify that there are no mushrooms left from the previous flush. Prepare a mixture of 1 gram of Dr. MYC with 1 litre of non-chlorinated water in a jar. Using a marinade syringe, inject the middle of each "piece of cake", distributing the mixture evenly. Push the needle halfway in to inject the liquid into the centre of the cake, rather than the bottom, to avoid pooling.
Misting Technique
Once the cake is prepared, it's time to mist. Remove the lid from the monotub and use a clean misting spray bottle to lightly mist the substrate with a fine mist. Approximately ten sprays are sufficient to maintain the correct humidity levels without soaking the substrate. If the substrate appears moist, you may skip misting for that day. The inside of the tub and lid should be covered in tiny droplets of water, indicating proper humidity levels.
Fanning
Immediately after misting, fanning is necessary to promote fresh air exchange and vent out any CO2. To fan the substrate, remove the monotub lid, fold it in half, and then in half again. Repeatedly move the folded lid back and forth in a steady motion for approximately 30 seconds, twice per day, until the substrate stops producing mushrooms.
Rehydration
In addition to misting, rehydration is crucial for consecutive flushes. After harvesting, submerge the mushroom grow block in cool, non-chlorinated or distilled water for 3 to 4 hours. This provides moisture to the mycelium and substrate material, promoting the growth of the next flush.
Maintenance
To maintain good fruiting conditions between flushes, continue to mist and fan the monotub daily. With proper care, you can expect to get 4-5 flushes before the substrate is spent, with about 7-10 days between harvests.
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Expect 2-5 flushes of mushrooms per tub
The monotub tek method is a popular way to cultivate mushrooms indoors. It is simple, quick, and does not require much space or sophisticated equipment. Monotubs are typically made from plastic bins with ports and fresh air exchange filters, maintaining ambient humidity levels for optimal colonisation, pinning, and fruiting.
When cultivating mushrooms using the monotub method, it is possible to expect multiple flushes of mushrooms per tub. A "flush" refers to a wave of mushroom growth that typically occurs over a few days. The number of flushes can vary depending on factors such as nutrients, contamination, and the growing method. On average, one can expect 2-5 flushes of mushrooms per tub, with each flush yielding a crop of mushrooms.
The first flush is typically the most abundant, with subsequent flushes yielding slightly less but larger mushrooms. The timing between flushes is important to consider. It is recommended to set aside 2-3 weeks for each flush to grow, and with proper care, one can achieve three full harvests within nine weeks.
To optimise the number of flushes, it is essential to minimise damage to the cake during harvesting. Mushrooms should be gently twisted from their base to detach them from the cake. Leaving pieces of mushroom fruit bodies on the substrate can cause rot and contamination, impacting the yield of subsequent flushes.
Additionally, it is crucial to maintain adequate humidity and airflow in the monotub. Spraying the tub daily with water and fanning the substrate regularly can help create optimal conditions for multiple flushes. With proper techniques and care, growers can maximise the number of flushes and enjoy a plentiful harvest of mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
You should harvest your mushrooms when the caps have opened up and just before the veil disconnects.
Twist the mushrooms gently from their base. If the mushrooms are too tightly packed, you can use a knife to cut them at the base.
After harvesting your mushrooms, place them in a dehydrator to dry. Do not wash the mushrooms, as this will reduce their potency.
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