u/Future_Humor7759

So I harvested my first flush , I’ve included picture after some drying and before drying. I placed them on paper towels, sliced down the middle with a fan blowing on them and left overnight. As you can see some of them have turned very dark at the bases, which were blue yesterday. They smell fine, I don’t see any fuzzy mold, but I’m wondering if that black colour is something to worry about? I’m going to keep drying as they’re not cracker dry yet

I’m wondering if that one big mushroom looks ready to harvest, before the others? I’m going to be out for the evening and I can’t tell if it’s close to dropping spores. It has grown very fast since yesterday (see second picture for how it looked yesterday), so I’m worried if it continues at this rate it will open

So this is my first time growing and have a few questions I’d love input on.
Based on the photo, how much longer do you reckon I’ve got until first harvest?
I’ve also noticed the left side of the cake is noticeably heavier with pins than the right. Is this pretty normal, or is there something I should be doing differently next flush to even things out?

My other concern is the side pinning. I know how to prevent it in future flushes, but right now I really want to save the ones I’ve already got. I know that the microclimate on box edges is better that’s why they’re growing. My current thinking is to wait until the top ones are ready, harvest those first, and then either lay the cake on its side or remove it from the box entirely while keeping it in the bag, so the side pins have room to develop without getting squished or rotting. Then maybe they will grow out in all directions? I’m worried about contam though. Does that plan make sense or is there a better approach? Thanks !