3 essential growing tips for your mushrooms

Interested in growing magic mushrooms? Then you know better than anyone that successfully growing these magical fungi requires quite a bit of care and attention. But with the right knowledge and techniques, you can benefit from an abundant harvest. We share three essential growing tips that can help you create optimal growing conditions, prevent contamination and safely harvest and dry your mushrooms.

Creating optimal growing conditions

To create healthy and vigorous growing magic mushrooms, you will need to ensure that you create optimal growing conditions and the instructions follows.

One of the most important aspects is the right choice of substrate. The substrate is the nutrient medium on which the mushrooms grow. A common substrate is vermiculite mixed with rice flour or rye. Make sure you use high-quality ingredients and avoid contaminants.

The substrate should contain all the necessary nutrients for the mushrooms to grow. Vermiculite^[1] and rice flour or rye can provide sufficient nutritional value in most cases. Additional nutrients are usually not needed.

Also pay close attention to temperature and lighting control

Mushrooms grow best at temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius. It is important to maintain a stable temperature during the growing process. In addition, they need indirect light: bright sunlight can be harmful. Provide a proper light source, such as a fluorescent lamp.

Mushrooms also need moisture to grow, which is why it is important to maintain the humidity in the grow room. For example, use a humidifier or place trays of water in the room. Keep the humidity between 80% and 90%.

Prevention of contamination

Contamination can be a major threat to your mushrooms. So make sure you always work in a sterile environment. For example, work in a clean room and use latex gloves to prevent contamination from bacteria or mold. Also clean all your tools thoroughly before use.

In addition, keep your growing space free of pests such as fruit flies or other insects. They can be harmful to the mushrooms and transmit diseases. Place insect traps if necessary to keep them away. Good air circulation is also essential to prevent stagnation and the growth of mold spores. Provide adequate ventilation in your grow room and avoid drafts.

Harvesting and drying

When your mushrooms are ready for harvesting, it is important to do it the right way. The ideal time to harvest mushrooms is when the hats are fully opened but the spores have not yet been released. Do not wait too long as the mushrooms will lose their potency. Pick the mushrooms carefully to avoid damage or contamination. Twist them carefully and avoid using tools that can cause infections. A breeding report can help you with this.

To store your mushrooms for a long time, it is important to dry them properly. Spread them evenly on a clean surface and let them dry in a warm, dry area. When doing so, avoid direct sunlight.

Generally, it takes about 2-3 weeks before they are fully grown and ready to be harvested. Keep experimenting and learning from each growing cycle, and before you know it you'll be an experienced paddock grower^[2]!

Sources:

^[1] https://makkelijkemoestuin.nl/kennisbank/wat-is-vermiculiet

^[2] https://www.vice.com/nl/article/3ak84j/mensen-kweken-stiekem-paddos