Shiitakes fruiting, but below temperatures coming

We have fruiting shiitake logs due to above average temperatures.  Now the weather is turning and will be below freezing for 2 nights.  There are a few mushrooms ready to harvest but most are not mature.  Will they be fine? Should I cover them with a blanket?  Thanks!

Nathan,

Covering with a blanket is a good idea.  If you really think you need more heat, consider filling a gallon jug or a 5-gallon bucket with a lid with hot water under the blanket.  The hot water in the container will release heat slowly and steadily overnight.  But don’t get water so hot it will overheat the mushrooms.

Eric

Same thing happened here, so took them into the sunroom (which doesn’t get much sun but is above freezing) and laid over trays of water to keep them moist.  Worked great, had a beautiful flush and the high moisture kept them growing instead of drying out and shriveling up.   But that was the Plan B.  First I didn’t use the water trays and they shriveled.