John Miller
Shoeboxes are a popular choice for cultivating mushrooms, also known as shoebox tek. They are convenient, easy to stack, and small enough to fit in a closet. While some people choose to drill holes in their shoeboxes for added ventilation, others argue that it is unnecessary as the lids provide enough air circulation. In fact, some users have reported that their shoeboxes dried out after modifying them with holes. Ultimately, it is up to the cultivator to decide whether or not to add holes to their shoeboxes, but it is important to remember that shoeboxes are designed to not be airtight, and too much modification may impact the growth of the mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do shoeboxes need holes for mushroom cultivation? | No, shoeboxes are designed to not be airtight. |
| Required volume of FAE | Shoeboxes do not need a monotub amount of FAE. |
| Size of fruits | Smaller fruiting environments may cause smaller fruits. |
| Impact of water | More water leads to larger fruits. |
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What You'll Learn
Shoeboxes with holes vs. without holes
The shoebox method is a technique used to grow mushrooms in shoeboxes or plastic containers as a fruiting chamber. The shoeboxes can be made with or without air holes.
Shoeboxes with holes provide adequate air exchange (FAE) for the mushrooms to grow. However, some people have experienced drying out of the substrate due to excessive FAE. This can be mitigated by covering the holes with micropore tape.
On the other hand, shoeboxes without holes are also a viable option. The loose-fitting lids of the shoeboxes provide sufficient FAE during the colonization stage. There is no need to modify the shoeboxes or create additional holes. This method is more hands-off and requires less maintenance.
The decision to use shoeboxes with or without holes depends on personal preference and the specific growing conditions. Some factors to consider include the humidity levels, the frequency of opening the shoeboxes, and the desired level of FAE.
It is worth noting that smaller fruiting environments, such as shoeboxes, may result in smaller mushrooms. However, this can be mitigated by providing adequate water, as the size of the mushrooms is more influenced by water availability than the size of the substrate.
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Size of holes in shoeboxes
The size and number of holes in shoeboxes for mushroom cultivation, also known as shoebox tek, depends on the volume of the shoebox and the amount of fresh air exchange (FAE) required.
Some mushroom growers claim that shoeboxes do not require any holes, as the lids provide enough FAE. They recommend simply placing a second tub on top of the shoebox, without the need for tape or holes. However, others have noted that tight-fitting lids can restrict airflow, and that additional holes may be necessary.
If holes are desired, they should be small enough to prevent insects from entering the shoebox. One source mentions using micropore tape to cover the holes, which suggests that the holes are quite small. Another source mentions using poly holes, which may refer to a specific size or type of hole, but no further details are provided.
It is important to note that too much FAE can cause the mushrooms to dry out, so the number and size of the holes should be carefully considered. The ideal size of the holes will depend on the specific conditions and requirements of the mushroom cultivation setup.
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Types of mushrooms that can be grown in shoeboxes
Shoeboxes can be used as a fruiting chamber for growing mushrooms. This technique is known as "shoebox tek". It is a cost-effective and space-efficient way to grow mushrooms, as it requires less material and takes up less space compared to larger setups.
While shoeboxes are commonly used to grow magic mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms, specifically the Psilocybe cubensis strain, other types of mushrooms can also be grown using this method. Here are some examples:
- Lion's Mane: This mushroom variety is known for its distinctive appearance and medicinal properties. It can be grown in a shoebox, as evident from kits available online.
- Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms are popular among mushroom growers and can be cultivated in shoeboxes.
- Various other varieties: According to a forum post, "virtually any mushroom that can be grown in a bulk substrate can be grown in a shoebox-sized tub, although the substrate and growing conditions will vary with species."
It is important to note that the yield from shoebox setups will be smaller compared to larger fruiting chambers. However, multiple shoeboxes can be used simultaneously to increase the overall yield. Additionally, growers should be patient during the colonization process, as it can take anywhere from 5 to 30 days for colonization to occur, depending on the growing conditions.
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How to prevent shoebox mushrooms from drying out
Growing mushrooms in a shoebox, or shoebox tek, is a technique that uses 6-16 Qt plastic shoe boxes as a fruiting chamber for mushrooms. The shoeboxes can be made with or without air holes.
If you are using a shoebox to grow mushrooms, you may encounter the problem of the shoebox drying out. This can be due to a lack of FAE (fresh air exchange). If the shoebox is drying out, you can try adding a little extra water. You can also try misting the shoebox with water. Another option is to add holes to the shoebox and use micropore tape. However, this may require daily maintenance.
If you are using a shoebox to dry mushrooms, you will want to eliminate moisture to prevent the growth of micro bacteria. One method is to use a food-grade desiccant, which absorbs moisture from the air. First, put a layer of kitchen towel inside the shoebox to help with moisture absorption. Then, place your mushrooms and the desiccant inside the shoebox and close the lid. The mushrooms are ready for storage when they become cracker dry and snap in two when folded.
Another method to dry mushrooms is to use an oven. Place the mushrooms on a baking parchment on an oven tray. Put the oven on the lowest temperature and place the tray on a low shelf. Do not shut the oven door. This method usually takes about two days, but this is variable depending on factors such as the density of the mushroom and the external environment.
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The ideal humidity for shoebox mushrooms
Maintaining the right humidity is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can grow in various environments, including inside homes, using simple equipment like shoeboxes.
The ideal humidity level for growing mushrooms is between 80-90%. This high humidity is necessary to start the formation of primordia, which are small bumps that develop into mature mushrooms. Throughout their growth, mushrooms need humidity to ensure they reach maturity.
If the humidity level drops below 80%, mushrooms may dry out and stop growing. However, excessive humidity above 90% can promote mould and harmful microorganism growth.
To control humidity in a shoebox, you can use a misting spray bottle to spray the mushrooms and the surrounding area. This cost-effective method can be repeated as needed to maintain the desired humidity. Some growers also recommend using a plastic bag, like a grocery bag with holes for FAE (fresh air exchange), over the shoebox to regulate humidity.
Additionally, you can use other methods like pond misters, fans, perlite, and companion planting to manage humidity. A humidity sensor is a valuable tool to monitor humidity levels and ensure a successful mushroom harvest.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to put holes in your shoebox. Shoeboxes are designed to not be airtight, so the lids provide just enough FAE (fresh air exchange).
If your shoebox is drying out, it may be because there is too much FAE. You can try using a loose-fitting lid or another tub on top to reduce the amount of FAE.
If you do want to put holes in your shoebox, make sure they are small. Holes that are too big can cause the shoebox to dry out and will require daily maintenance.
