Three key points for winter mushroom production and preservation methods

In January, three key points should be grasped in mushroom production:

The first is to raise the temperature of the mushroom bed. January is cold, so raising the mushroom bed temperature and creating a suitable temperature for fruiting is key. Adding an extra layer of film outside the mushroom house or shed, and at night adding another covering such as straw curtains or thermal insulation quilts, can raise the mushroom house temperature by 5-10°C.

The second is replenishing water and controlling humidity. After autumn growth, shiitake and oyster mushroom logs lose 40-50% of their water, so water should be replenished in good time. Before replenishing water, the shed should be opened for ventilation for 3-4 days. Well water is preferable for replenishing water, applied as a fine spray; spray more where there are many mushrooms and less where there are few; spray more during the bud stage and less during the harvest stage. Button mushrooms basically do not need water replenishment in winter.

The third is to pay attention to ventilation and air exchange. During the bud stage, mushrooms respire vigorously, so it is necessary both to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation from inhibiting the formation and growth of fruiting bodies and to prevent cold wind from striking the mushroom room and causing dry, cold damage. Generally, ventilate for 10-20 minutes around noon when the temperature is higher, to replenish fresh air.