Laura Smith
Mushrooms can be grown in bags, and there are several options for the type of bag to use. Some bags are organic and eco-friendly, while others are made of plastic. The bags come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and some have special features like self-healing injection ports and filter patches. The type of bag chosen depends on the species of mushroom being grown and the production method. Growing mushrooms in bags can be easier than other methods and can result in a larger harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Yes |
| Suitable for most mushroom species | Yes |
| Types of bags | Gusseted, pillow-shaped, lay-flat tubing |
| Materials | High-grade polypropylene plastic |
| Bag features | Self-healing injection ports, air filters, filter patches, autoclavable |
| Substrates | Straw, straw pellets, sawdust, wood chips, manure, peat moss, vermiculite, coconut coir, gypsum, coffee grounds, golden rye grain |
| Benefits | Consistent results, better yield, low startup costs |
| Downsides | Additional plastic waste |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushroom growing bags
Mushroom growing bags are plastic bags specifically designed for growing mushrooms. They are inexpensive and easy to use, making them popular among commercial mushroom farmers and hobbyists. The bags come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and the type of bag used depends on the mushroom species, substrate used, and quantity to be grown.
There are several types of mushroom growing bags available, which differ primarily in terms of size, filter type and size, and the inclusion of an injection port. The size of the bag depends on the available space and the number of mushrooms to be grown. Thicker bags are less likely to tear but are more expensive. The standard thickness for autoclavable bags ranges from 2.2 to 4 mil (56 to 100 microns).
Filter patches are small sections of the bag that permit air exchange while preventing the entry of airborne germs and spores of undesired fungi. The size of the filter determines its efficiency, with smaller filters like the 0.2-micron filter allowing only the smallest molecules to pass through. Horizontal filters are also available, which are roughly 3 inches tall and span 4-6 inches of the bag, allowing for better air circulation and fruiting conditions.
Gusseted bags have folds on the sides that allow the bag to fold flat when not in use, helping farmers stay organised. Self-healing injection ports prevent contamination by maintaining proper gas and oxygen exchange while keeping contaminants out.
The ShroomTek bag is a popular option for growing mushrooms, offering convenience, reduced contamination risk, and a controlled environment. The Magic Bag is another organic, all-in-one mushroom grow bag option, which includes a blend of organic mushroom substrate and golden rye grain to provide the perfect amount of moisture for optimum mushroom growth.
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Preparing the growing environment
Select the Right Mushroom Bag
Mushroom grow bags come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, so choose the appropriate bag size and thickness for your specific needs. Consider the amount of space you have available and the number of mushrooms you want to grow. Additionally, look for bags made of high-temperature-resistant polypropylene plastic, which is long-lasting, flexible, and transparent for easy monitoring. Gusseted bags are also a good option as they have folds that allow the bag to be roomy when in use and fold flat when not in use.
Sterilize the Growing Environment
Sterility is crucial when preparing a mushroom-growing environment. Before using your mushroom bag, sterilize it by following the manufacturer's instructions. Some bags can be sterilized in hot water, while others may require an autoclave for steam sterilization. Ensure that both the substrate and the inside of the bag are sanitized prior to inoculation to prevent contamination.
Prepare the Substrate
The substrate is the growing medium inside the mushroom bag. You can purchase pre-prepared substrates or prepare your own. If preparing your own, pasteurize the substrate before adding it to the bag. Common substrates include straw pellets, grain spawn, or a blend of composted manure, peat moss, vermiculite, coconut coir, gypsum, and coffee grounds.
Inject the Spawn or Spores
Once your substrate is ready and sterilized, it's time to inject your chosen spawn or spores into the mushroom bag. You can use commercially prepared grain or sawdust spawn, or you can create your own by injecting the appropriate spore material into specialized spawn bags containing a sterilized substrate. Ensure you match the mushroom type you want to grow with the appropriate growing medium.
Seal the Bag and Create Optimal Conditions
After injecting the spawn or spores, carefully seal the bag shut, leaving enough room for the mycelium to grow. Place the sealed bag in a cool, dark, and humid location. Maintain proper moisture content within the substrate to promote mushroom growth. You can hang the bags or place them on a flat surface, depending on your preference and the type of mushrooms you're growing.
By following these steps, you will create an optimal growing environment for mushrooms in bags, providing you with a plentiful supply of fresh fungi.
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Choosing the right substrate
Choosing the right mushroom substrate is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. The substrate is the material that the mycelium uses for energy, nutrition, and structure, and different mushroom species have different preferences. The right substrate will provide essential nutrients and create a favourable environment for mushroom growth.
When choosing a substrate, it is important to consider the species of mushroom you are growing. For example, wood-based substrates are optimal for mushrooms like reishi, lion's mane, and maitake, while oysters can grow on a wide range of substrates. The availability and ease of working with a particular substrate should also be considered. For instance, a straw-based substrate may be more accessible and easier to prepare than a hardwood substrate.
There are several key factors that make up a "good" substrate. Firstly, it should have the ability to retain moisture and have the optimal water content, as mushrooms require a specific amount of water to thrive, usually around 60-70% moisture content. The substrate should also have a suitable structure to allow for air exchange, which is necessary for the mycelium to colonize effectively. Additionally, a modest amount of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, and phosphorus should be present in the substrate, and it should have a nitrogen content of 1-2%.
Common substrates for growing mushrooms include straw, straw pellets, sawdust, sawdust pellets, sugar cane mulch, compost, manure, and coffee grounds. Straw is affordable and suitable for oyster mushrooms, while sawdust provides a great base for Shiitake and Lion's Mane. Coffee grounds are also a good option, as they are often readily available for free from local coffee shops, and the brewing process pasteurizes the grounds so you can start growing right away.
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Inoculating the substrate
Inoculation is the term for adding mushroom spawn to the substrate. Before inoculating the substrate, it is important to prepare the substrate. The substrate should be pasteurised or sterilised and placed in its final container. The substrate should also be well-drained. To test if your substrate has the right amount of hydration, pick up a handful of the hydrated substrate and squeeze it as tightly as possible, and only a few drops of water should come out. If there is no water coming out, you will need to add a little more.
It is also important to ensure that your substrate is free of competing organisms. Always thoroughly wash your hands and forearms with soap, and wipe your work area down with an antibacterial cleanser.
Once the substrate is prepared, it is time to add the mushroom spawn. Open the bag at the top and crumble the mushroom spawn into little bits from the package. Using your hands, distribute the spawn evenly throughout the substrate. For rapid growth, an even combination is essential.
If you are using a still air box (SAB), you may find it easier to work with three bags at a time, giving you enough room to manoeuvre and fill the bags with spawn. If you are using small bags, it is easier to use spawn in pint-sized jars as it can be hard to pour spawn from quart jars into the small bags. One pint jar of spawn can easily fill six bags, so try to pour an equal amount of spawn into each bag.
After inoculating the substrate, it is important to store it in a room free of germs that could cause contamination.
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Harvesting the mushrooms
The perfect time to harvest your mushrooms is when the veil—the thin membrane connecting the cap to the stem—starts to tear. Once the veil breaks, the spores will start dropping. To harvest, gently twist the mushroom base slowly at the substrate level and lightly pull. A brush can be used to remove any leftover bits. Using a knife risks damaging the delicate growing spot and may invite contamination. Harvest all the mushrooms at this stage, even the smaller ones.
After harvesting, you can prepare for a second fruiting by removing all of the remaining fruiting bodies from the block down to the myceliated substrate. This will also prevent rotting and possible contamination.
If you are using the ShroomTek method, you can add humidity to the growing environment by spraying the sides and up into the hood of the bag several times over the course of a few hours. This will give the added moisture time to be absorbed rather than pooling at the bottom. Then, close the bag by tilting the hood down around the bottom. This will trap in the CO2 and humidity needed for a second flush.
For oyster mushrooms, the ideal time to harvest is when the caps have opened up but haven't entirely flattened. Simply place your palm beneath the mushrooms and twist to harvest. If they don't come off easily, they may need more time to mature.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the brand and type of mushroom grow bag. Some bags are made from organic materials and are free of pesticides and synthetics, while others are not organic and may contain chemicals. It is important to read the label and ingredients carefully before purchasing mushroom grow bags to ensure they meet your specific requirements.
Mushroom grow bags are typically made of high-grade polypropylene plastic, which can withstand high temperatures. This material is chosen because it is durable, flexible, and able to maintain sterility during the mushroom growing process.
Mushroom grow bags offer several advantages over traditional methods like buckets or glass containers. They provide more control over the growing environment, allowing for faster and more consistent results. Grow bags are also more affordable, easier to use, and suitable for most mushroom species. Additionally, they enable better spawn removal and colonisation compared to rigid containers.
The process of using a mushroom grow bag involves several steps. First, you need to sanitise the bag and your workspace to prevent contamination. Next, you inject the bag with spores or liquid culture, which stimulates the growth of mycelium. Once the bag is completely covered in white mycelium, you cut it open to expose it to air, light, and moisture, triggering the growth of mushrooms.
There are several brands that offer mushroom grow bags, including Magic Bag, GroCycle, and North Spore. Each brand has unique features, such as organic substrates, self-healing injection ports, and spawn bags designed to maximise yield. It is worth exploring these brands and their products to find the one that best suits your needs.
