Mushroom Hunter's Calendar, July 27–August 2, 2026: Which Mushrooms to Pick and Where to Look

UA NEWS 27 July 2026 09:08

July 27–August 2 is the period when summer enters its most bountiful phase. Thanks to moderately warm nights, a mix of sunny days and localized thunderstorms, and high humidity in the forests, another wave of active mushroom fruiting begins.

Which mushrooms to look for this week

In late July, you can find a wide variety of edible mushrooms in Ukraine’s forests:

Porcini mushrooms (boletus): Look for them in coniferous and mixed forests, especially near old oaks, pines, and birches in sunlit clearings.
Chanterelles: They appear in large clusters in coniferous and deciduous forests on damp moss and under a layer of fallen leaves.
Birch boletes and aspen boletes: Common in young birch groves, aspen stands, and near forest edges.
Butter mushrooms: They grow in large numbers in young pine plantations on sandy soils after warm rains.
Milk caps and moss caps: They are found almost everywhere in mixed forests.

Favorable Days According to the Lunar Calendar

July 27–29: The waxing moon phase is considered the best time to harvest above-ground fruiting bodies. Mushrooms grow quickly and are usually less damaged by pests.
July 30–August 2: Good days for finding white mushrooms and honey mushrooms, especially in the morning when the dew keeps them fresh.

Safety Tips for Mushroom Hunting

Pick only mushrooms you know well, and if you have even the slightest doubt, leave the mushroom in the forest.
Do not pick mushrooms near highways, industrial sites, or in city parks, as they actively accumulate heavy metals.
Place mushrooms in woven baskets rather than plastic bags or buckets to prevent them from spoiling quickly or becoming mushy.