Mushroom growing is a delicate and finicky process that requires time and practice. It is easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your crop.
Contamination is the leading cause of mushroom grow failures. Avoid this mistake by learning how to recognize contamination early and following recommended guidelines. Also, be sure to properly label your containers and substrates.
Substrate Issues
When growing mushrooms, you need a substrate that is nutrient rich and suitable for the species you are trying to cultivate. Some substrates are better suited for some species than others and it is important to research what kind of mushroom you are trying to grow and what type of environment they prefer. For example, shiitake mushrooms require a wood-based substrate like sawdust supplemented with bran, and other psilocybin growing supplies.
Using a substrate that is not suitable for the species you are trying to cultivate can cause contamination, slowing down or even destroying your mycelium. If you are attempting to grow a warm-temperature mushroom in cold weather, for example, your substrate will quickly be overrun with competing organisms that will rob the mycelium of nutrients.
Another common mistake is not sterilizing your substrate sufficiently. It is important to steam sterilize your substrate before adding your spawn to ensure that it is free from bacteria, molds and other harmful microorganisms. It is also important to sterilize your jars and other containers before using them for growing mushrooms.
Other mistakes that can be made during the substrate preparation process include using too little or too much spawn, and not allowing the substrate to cool adequately after being pasteurized or sterilized. Using too little spawn can slow down colonization and increase the chances of contamination, while too much spawn may cause the substrate to generate excess heat through mycelial metabolism called thermogenesis, killing the mycelium.
When adding the spawn, it is also important to use the proper ratio of spores to substrate. Using too little spawn will result in substrate overheating and potential contamination, while too much spawn can generate excess heat and overtake the substrate.
Another common problem is not allowing the substrate to fully rehydrate after being steam sterilized. This can be caused by rushing through the process or by not sterilizing your jars properly. To prevent this, you need to sterilize the jars carefully by placing them in a large cooking pot and filling it with water up to about halfway up the height of the containers. Allow the jars to steam for 1:15-1:30 hours and then to cool completely before handling.
Temperature Issues
Mushroom growing is a meticulous process that requires specific temperatures and humidity levels for successful cultivation. If these conditions are not met, it can lead to contamination and reduced yields. Contamination can be caused by bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms, and is especially likely when working with spores or liquid cultures. To avoid contamination, sterilize equipment and utensils, especially after handling spores or liquid cultures. Also be sure to work in a clean and sterile environment, as this will significantly reduce the risk of contamination.
Mushroom growers are often impatient to see the fruits of their labour, but it is important to give mushroom projects time to develop. Even inoculated kits can take up to four weeks to fruit, while log-based spawn may need months to reach maturity. Trying to speed up development is one of the most common mistakes in mushroom growing.
Humidity is essential to mushroom growth, but too much moisture can lead to mold and suffocate the mycelial colony, leading to failure. To prevent this, use a hygrometer to monitor the substrate moisture level. If it is too high, water the mushroom substrate less frequently and let the soil dry slightly between each watering.
Another issue is a lack of moisture, which can cause the mushrooms to shrivel and halt growth before they are fully mature. If you notice your mushrooms drooping or have pale gills, this is likely due to insufficient humidity, and should be addressed immediately by increasing the level of ambient moisture in the room.
It is also possible for mushrooms to become water stressed and abort, which can be a result of changing environmental conditions or a virus infection. Infected mushrooms may have long stalks, pale gills or no gills at all. This can be prevented by ensuring the grow site is at a constant temperature and misting the substrate with water occasionally to maintain humidity.
To ensure that a mushroom grows successfully, it must be inoculated with a suitable strain of mushroom spores. This can be done using a kit, an inoculated coffee grounds block or a prepared log purchased from an online supplier. It is important to choose a suitable substrate and inoculation method for the type of mushroom you want to grow, as well as ensuring that all materials are sterile before each use.
Humidity Issues
One of the biggest mistakes mushroom growers make is neglecting to maintain a proper humidity level. Mushrooms require a certain amount of moisture in order to thrive, but too much can encourage the growth of unwanted microorganisms while too little can stunt their growth and cause them to dry out. To avoid this issue, it’s crucial to understand the humidity requirements of your preferred mushroom strain and replicate those conditions as closely as possible in your grow room.
During the fruiting stage, it’s particularly important to monitor and maintain a consistent humidity level in your grow room. Using a hygrometer, you can ensure that the humidity levels remain between 80-90% throughout this process. If the humidity levels drop below this range, it can lead to a lack of flushes and decreased yields.
While it’s important to keep an eye on humidity levels, it’s equally important to regularly exchange the air in your grow room. If mushrooms are not exposed to a sufficient amount of fresh air, carbon dioxide levels can build up which causes them to fruit too early and produce long stems with small caps. This is a common problem for pink and grey oyster mushrooms, but it can also affect other strains.
In a similar vein, it’s crucial to provide your mushroom with an appropriate amount of light during the fruiting stage. Failing to provide a consistent lighting schedule can cause your crop to stall or even fail to fruit at all.
To combat this, you should use fans or open windows in your grow room to circulate the air and dissipate any excess heat. Additionally, you should keep the temperature in your growing area below 82°F to prevent excessive dehydration or contamination of your crops. Mushrooms can withstand high temperatures for short periods of time, but too much exposure can cause them to deteriorate quickly and become unripe. To prevent this from happening, you should consider investing in a high-quality humidifier to help keep the air in your grow room at optimum moisture levels.
Pest Issues
Growing mushrooms is a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s not without its problems. The process requires a high degree of diligence and patience. First-time growers often fall into common pitfalls that can derail their efforts.
Contamination with bacteria and mold is one of the biggest mushroom-growing issues. These microorganisms compete with the fungus for nutrients and can ultimately destroy a harvest. This is especially problematic in the early stages of mycelium growth, when the spores are most vulnerable. Maintaining strict sterility is essential at every stage of cultivation and must be addressed immediately if contamination is detected.
Failing to properly identify a mushroom species can also lead to a disappointing harvest. Some wild mushrooms look very similar to popular edible varieties, making misidentification easy. The result can be inedible or even toxic mushrooms. To avoid this, always use reliable sources to verify that you have correctly identified the mushroom species and label all containers and substrates clearly.
Another common problem is failing to provide sufficient light. Some mushrooms require light cues to trigger fruiting. A failure to provide consistent lighting can inhibit fruiting or delay it altogether. This is especially problematic for those cultivating enoki mushrooms, which need 12 hours of “daylight quality” light during the fruiting stage to produce their edible yield.
Lack of fresh air can also cause a mushroom to stall out. Mushrooms need oxygen to convert carbon dioxide to energy, and this isn’t always easy in sealed containers. During the fruiting phase, it’s important to open up your containers and fans regularly for fresh air exchange. You can also run a fan on a timer to promote this.
Don’t let these common mushroom-growing issues prevent you from enjoying a delicious, healthy harvest. By familiarizing yourself with the most common problems, you can avoid them and increase your chances of success.
