Are side pins always bad?

Side pins refer to the mushrooms that grow on the sides of your mushroom substrate or grow container. While they are not necessarily bad, some growers may want to manage them to ensure optimal mushroom growth. In this article, we will discuss what side pins are, why they occur, and how to deal with them.

What are side pins?

Side pins are mushrooms that grow on the sides of your mushroom substrate or grow container. They typically appear along the edges or on the sides of the substrate, rather than in the center. Side pins can be identified by their small size and shorter stem length compared to the mushrooms that grow in the center.

Why do side pins occur?

There are several reasons why side pins may occur during the mushroom growing process:

1. Uneven humidity: Side pins can result from areas of the substrate or growing environment having higher humidity levels than others. Mushroom mycelium is sensitive to changes in humidity, and when it detects a more favorable environment on the sides, it may initiate side pin formation.

2. Insufficient air exchange: Inadequate airflow within the growing environment can lead to the accumulation of carbon dioxide, which can trigger side pin formation. Proper ventilation and air exchange are crucial for optimal mushroom growth.

3. Lack of light: Mushrooms typically grow towards sources of light. If your grow container or substrate is not evenly exposed to light, side pins may form as the mushrooms attempt to reach the available light source.

4. Overmisting or excessive moisture: Excessive moisture can promote side pin formation. If the substrate or growing environment becomes too wet, the mycelium may respond by producing mushrooms on the sides rather than the center.

Managing side pins

While side pins are not necessarily bad, some growers prefer to manage them to ensure better mushroom development and easier harvesting. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Adjust humidity levels: Maintain proper humidity levels throughout the growing process. This can be achieved by monitoring and adjusting the moisture content of the substrate, as well as using a humidifier or misting system if necessary.

2. Improve air circulation: Ensure adequate air exchange and ventilation within the growing environment by using fans or an exhaust system. This helps to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and creates a favorable air flow for mushroom development.

3. Provide even lighting: Make sure that the entire grow container or substrate receives an even distribution of light. This can be achieved by using multiple light sources or reflective materials to redirect light to the sides.

4. Optimize misting techniques: Avoid overmisting or excessive moisture, as this can contribute to side pin formation. Instead, focus on misting the substrate evenly and maintaining a consistent moisture level.

5. Harvest side pins separately: If you do end up with side pins, you can choose to harvest them separately from the larger mushrooms that grow in the center. This can make harvesting easier and help improve the overall aesthetic of your mushroom crop.

Conclusion

Side pins are a common occurrence in mushroom cultivation and can be managed through proper environmental control and cultivation techniques. While they are not necessarily detrimental to mushroom growth, some growers prefer to minimize side pinning to optimize their yields. By adjusting humidity levels, improving air circulation, providing even lighting, optimizing misting techniques, and considering separate harvesting of side pins, growers can help promote more uniform mushroom development and improve overall crop quality.