They are incredibly delicious and considered a delicacy.They are more difficult to grow than other mushrooms.A lucrative agricultural venture is growing truffles.It will take at least a few years before you can harvest truffles, so grow your own now.
Step 1: If you want a lucrative crop, choose black or white.
Black and white truffles are the main types.Black truffles are more valuable than other types.The type of truffles you grow is up to you.Black and white truffles will only grow in regions that have 4 distinct seasons, so they may not grow well in the southern United States or in countries that don't get very cold during the winter.Even in harsh climate regions, some truffles grow.You will need to purchase inoculated plants.These are young trees that have been injected.Check with the company that sells the trees to find out which varieties they offer.Purchase inoculated seedlings from a certified grower to make sure they are high quality.
Step 2: If you don't have 4 distinct seasons, choose burgundy truffles.
If you live in a region that doesn't have a lot of different seasons, you may want to consider a burgundy truffle, which grows in moderate climates.To find out which variety will work best for your climate, check with the company you buy inoculated seedlings from.
Step 3: There is a large, open area to grow your truffles.
You need an open area to plant your trees.Due to the high cost of truffles, it's a good idea to plant your trees in a secure location as well as within the borders of your property.You can't easily monitor a piece of land that is near a road.
Step 4: There are trees that support growth.
You can choose which tree you want to use when you purchase your seedlings from the company.There are a number of tree varieties that support growth.The nuts are unlikely to be of high quality since most of the tree's nutrition will be diverted to the truffles.The pine is beech Birch Hornbeam.
Step 5: There is a fence around the area.
Humans and animals like to eat truffles.Humans may try to steal truffles because of the high price.A high fence around the area where you will be growing the truffles is a good way to protect the fruits of your labor.Adding barbed wire or an electric fence would give you added protection.
Step 6: The soil's pH level should be between 7.5 and 8.3.
It's best to have a high pH level.The soil should have a pH between 7.5 and 8.3.Check with local organizations.They can off free or low-cost soil testing.If the soil is acidic, you may want to grow them in a different area.It may be difficult to change the pH of the area.
Step 7: Water your trees with an efficient irrigation system.
Your trees will need a lot of water to grow and this will help them thrive.If you install an irrigation system, the trees will get 1 inch of water per week.It is possible to provide your trees with plenty of water using a long hose.A good irrigation system is a must for a larger operation.
Step 8: You can plant between 10 and 1,000 trees.
You will need a lot of trees to make sure that the fungus thrives.Try planting 10 inoculated tree seedlings within a few feet of each other if you are just experimenting with truffles.If you want to grow a larger crop of truffles, you should plant between 100 and 1,000 trees on the plot of land.Don't plant an inoculated tree near one that might host other types of fungi, such as a poplar, oak, conifer, or nut tree.
Step 9: The first couple of years were Weed with a hoe.
It's important to remove the weeds and other plants when you spot them because they pull valuable nutrients away from the truffles.It is not recommended to mow in the first 2 years.Use a hoe to dig up weeds near the base of the trees.Don't use weed killer or other toxic chemicals on the trees or surrounding areas as they may poison your truffles.
Step 10: Wait until the trees are at least 5 years old.
It will take about 5 years to harvest your first truffles.Some truffles may be ready for harvest as early as 3 years after planting, but the average is 5 years.Don't dig into the base of your trees before the truffles are ready.You could end up damaging the growing truffles and losing money.
Step 11: It's a good idea to harvest in the winter.
At the beginning of winter, you should be able to harvest your truffles.Wait for the temperatures to drop and then check to see if the truffles are ready for harvest.Before the ground starts to freeze, plan to harvest in early winter.It may be difficult to dig up the truffles if you wait too long.
Step 12: Dead grass at the base of the tree is a sign of growth.
The grass will look like it has been burned around the base of the tree.The plants around the tree are being killed off by the fungus.The base of the tree has dead grass around it.
Step 13: Consider training a dog to find food.
It's much easier to harvest truffles if you have a well-trained dog.You can train the dog to find and bring the truffles.Positive reinforcement can be used to teach your dog how to find truffles.When your dog retrieves a truffle, make sure to offer lots of praise and a treat.You can use a female pig to find truffles, but you have to keep an eye on the pig because they will eat it.