I'm starting to get the itch

Robert_Conn_II_123023

It's almost that time again!!!!!!

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tshewman

yes please. :-)

Robert_Conn_II_123023

The big ones in my hand were from my yard. If you pick them, put them in water and agitate them to release the spores. Pour the spore water in an appropriate place (google is your friend) and theres a good chance they will come up next year. After about 6 or so years of Morel hunting I am learning the best spots are made....not found.

fisher23

Beautiful Morels, my favorite fungi!

tshewman

those are beautiful. make sure you include a few when you send the walnuts ;-)

Tips on growing them?

Robert_Conn_II_123023

Sure....when I bring them home I put them into a large container and agitate them, the water gets real dark. I save the water and repeat this process 3 times, the last time I include salt to chase out the bugs (dont save the salted water). You can dilute the spore water 5-10 to 1 (although Ive heard you can dilute it up to 50-1). The important part is where you pour the water....Morel like semi-shaded spots like at the edge of the woods, next to a north or south facing fence, basically anywhere that gets some direct light but as the day goes on they go into shade.

Other things to consider....

Morel like dead trees, sloping surfaces and certain trees (google search this to get a larger list). In my area the trees they like are poplar, elm, and cottonwood.

This year I am going to try something which should increase the harvest next year...

After I remove the spores into water I am going to put them in a five gallon bucket with some molasses, and woodchips/shavings from the types of trees I will spread the spore water around. Then I will put an airpump hose with a bubbler on it (from a fish tank) in the bucket and let it steep for a couple of days. This will allow the Mycelium to grow and get acclimated/trained to its future food source (the wood). I have done this when I used to grow other edible mushrooms but never bothered with it for Morel. That is the gist of it. I learned this because I used to just throw the water out in my yard, next to the woods. I was shocked when they came up there the next year and every year since.

There is far too much to tell about Morel as there are many factors that go into where and when they will grow. The more you know, the better you will be at choosing a place to spread the spore water.

Last tip...and this is the most important....DONT tell anyone about where you grow them (or someone will end up stealing them..not joking...Morel hunters are lunatics, myself included).

I take off 2-3 weeks from work every year just to hunt Morels full-time. It's an addiction.

Robert_Conn_II_123023

One last thing...if you save the spore water, be sure to use it within a couple/few days (if your not using a bubbler) or you can get anaerobic bacterial growth, which is bad mmmmK?

tshewman

Fantastic tips! I had to read it 3 times (like the rinse I guess). Seems like a fungi-sport. I'd have to try some bushes and/or fence here (no trees in our yard).

michaelnatkin

Are you sure those are morels, not verpas, which can be dangerous? (http://www.michiganmorels.com/morels2.shtml)

michaelnatkin

Actually, I take it back, looking closer I don't think they are verpas. (And of course ignore my advice in either direction, i'm no expert.)

Jawad_Al_Kahwati_288887

@Robert_Conn_II_123023 you seem like a really fungi. Har har.