Growing Terminology

Substrate: The substrate refers to the material on which mushrooms grow. It serves as the nutrient-rich medium that supports fungal growth. Common substrates include hardwood sawdust, straw, coffee grounds, and agricultural waste such as corn cobs or cottonseed hulls.

Spawn: Spawn is a carrier material, usually grain or sawdust, that has been inoculated with mushroom mycelium. Mycelium is the vegetative part of the fungus and serves as the foundation for mushroom growth. Spawn is used to introduce mycelium into the substrate for colonization and eventual fruiting.

Fruiting Body: The fruiting body is the above-ground, visible part of the mushroom. It is the reproductive structure that produces spores. Fruiting bodies come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the mushroom species.

Mycelium: Mycelium refers to the dense network of thread-like structures produced by mushrooms. It serves as the vegetative body of the fungus, responsible for nutrient absorption and decomposition. Mycelium spreads throughout the substrate, breaking down organic matter and preparing it for fruiting.

Inoculation: Inoculation is the process of introducing spawn or mycelium into the substrate. It involves distributing the spawn evenly throughout the substrate material to initiate colonization.

Colonization: Colonization is the stage during which the mycelium spreads and permeates the substrate, utilizing available nutrients and establishing a strong network. It typically takes place after inoculation and before the onset of fruiting.

Pinning: Pinning, also known as primordia formation, refers to the emergence of tiny, button-like structures on the surface of the substrate. These structures are the precursors to mushroom caps and indicate that the mushrooms are entering the fruiting stage.

Fruiting Conditions: Fruiting conditions refer to the environmental factors required for mushrooms to develop and mature. These conditions typically include specific temperature, humidity, light, and air exchange levels that vary depending on the mushroom species.

Flush: A flush refers to a group or cluster of mushrooms that grow and mature together. Multiple flushes can occur over the course of a mushroom grow cycle, with each flush producing a new crop of mushrooms.

Harvesting: Harvesting is the process of carefully picking or cutting mature mushrooms from the substrate. It's important to harvest mushrooms at the right stage of maturity to ensure optimal flavor, texture, and spore production.

Sterilization: Sterilization is a technique used to eliminate or reduce microbial contamination in the substrate or equipment. It involves subjecting materials to high temperatures or using chemical agents to create a sterile environment suitable for mushroom cultivation.

Contamination: Contamination refers to the presence of unwanted microorganisms, such as molds or bacteria, in the growing environment or substrate. Contamination can inhibit mushroom growth and compromise the overall success of a cultivation project.