How can you prevent side pins on mushrooms?
If you have ever grown your own magic mushrooms, you have probably seen side pins. It is a common problem. In this blog we explain what side pins are, why they are a problem and how you can get rid of them. All it takes is a few simple precautions.
The problem of side pins in magic mushrooms
Anyone who grows magic mushrooms is certainly familiar with the phenomenon of side pins. Whether you use a grow kit or have made a container with substrate yourself, side pins can always form. What happens is that the fruiting does not only take place on top, but also on the side. And that is where they can cause problems.
In principle, side pins are not harmful. They are normal mushrooms, but they grow all the way to the side of the substrate (the natural material that the mushrooms grow out of). This can happen because there is a small space between the substrate and the container or bag where you grow the mushrooms. Mushrooms grow wherever they can. If this space has the right characteristics, they can also grow there, instead of growing upwards. Even though there is much less space there than at the top.
But if they are normal mushrooms, why would this be a problem, you might ask. The problem is that they grow in such a small space. In this narrow opening between the container and the substrate, it is very humid. The mushrooms fill up the small space and press against the container. This makes it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. And these can then also start to multiply. It is therefore very important to prevent side pins in mushrooms.
Preventing side pins
As mentioned, side pins in mushrooms increase the chance of bacteria and fungi forming. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent side pins.
Block out the light
Mushrooms grow towards the light. If a lot of light falls on the sides of the substrate, this can promote the formation of side pins. For mushrooms, light is not the most important trigger for growth (that is humidity), but it can have an influence. Therefore, use a liner on the inside of the container to block out the light. The mushrooms will also have less space to grow. It can also help to ensure that the container itself is not directly in the light.
Are you growing your mushrooms in a grow kit? Then place the bag in the original cardboard box or another one that you still have. This will block out most of the light.
Pay attention to the moisture content
The space between the substrate and the container or grow bag can arise when the substrate dries out too much. That is why an important step in preventing side pins in mushrooms is to keep the substrate moist. You do this by misting it regularly. This also ensures that the mushrooms grow upwards instead of sideways.
Spray carefully slightly above the substrate, so that all the mist falls on top. Drops may appear on the surface, but make sure that no puddles are formed. If you are using a grow kit, it is better not to spray on the substrate, but on the inner walls of the grow kit.
What to do if there are already side pins on mushrooms?
Do you see that there are already side pins in your grow kit? The measures listed above are then no longer useful. In that case, it is best to leave the side pins in place and let them grow along with the rest. When it is time to harvest, you can remove them together with the other mushrooms.
Follow the instructions for use of the grow kit to harvest the mushrooms. Carefully pick each mushroom by slowly pulling it upwards. Do the same with the side pins. You can also get another flush with this substrate, you can simply put it back in the grow kit.
Can you use these side pins? In general, side pins look a lot less attractive than regular mushrooms. They are of course very moist because of the place where they grew. But they will have the same properties and can be used in principle. But check that they are free of mold. If you see strange, colored spots on the mushroom, throw it away.
Are you a novice mushroom user? Then take a good look at which mushrooms are suitable for beginners. You do not want a mushroom that causes strong effects. For example, go for the Mexican, with mild effects, or the Thai. This mushroom is also very easy to grow. If you already have some experience, the Cambodian or the B Plus are a good option.
