Summers here, how to keep growing.
Depending on where you are in the world, summer may be just around the corner, signaling the end of the typical mushroom cultivation season.
However, here are my ideas on how you can keep growing mushrooms throughout the summer period:
1. Purchase Summer Strains
Some mushroom species thrive in hotter temperatures (up to 28°C) and can be grown during the summer months. Consider trying these summer-friendly strains:
- Red Reishi
- Pink Oyster mushroom
- Turkey Tail
- Lions Mane (Heat-tolerant strain; we have LC in stock)
2. Move Grain Spawn to the Fridge
If you don't have air conditioning, use a fridge to store your grain spawn during colonization. High temperatures during early colonization can stress and slow down mycelium. Here's a setup suggestion:
- Use a wine cooler fridge that allows you to set temperatures as high as 18°C. Instead of storing wine, use the fridge to store grain spawn while it colonizes. You can fit a significant amount of spawn in there, especially if you're using bags.
- Here is a link to the Wine cooler I use.
(I get affiliate commissions from these links, which helps me keep this site going).
I'm using this for year round Cordyceps Cultivation as summer months get way to hot for Cordyceps to fruit.
Wine Cooler
- 28 Bottles (lots of spawn basically).
- 5-18c (Can be used for Grain spawn OR LC / Agar).
Tips for a Cost-Effective Setup:
- Look for a cheap tabletop fridge on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
- Buy a smart thermometer to the fridge that cuts out power at a specific temperature (set this to 18-21°C for colonization).
- Put the thermometer probe into the fridge and shut the door on the wire.
- The smart thermometer will regulate the fridge's temperature, maintaining optimal colonization conditions for your grain spawn.
Table Top Fridge.
Smart Thermometer.
(I get affiliate commissions from these links, which helps me keep this site going).
3. Fruit in Shaded Areas of Land
To protect fruiting blocks from the heat of summer, place them in shaded areas of your land or use a tarp to create a shaded space. Monitor temperatures throughout the day and ensure the fruiting blocks receive adequate moisture, fresh air to thrive and keep cool (don't put them in a greenhouse for example).
