Mushroom Spawn Types: Do They Make A Difference?

Mushroom spawn is the carrier that holds a specific strain of mushroom mycelium in stasis until it is ready to be transferred into a substrate. The type of spawn used is important as it determines the success rate of mushroom growth. The three most common types of spawn are grain spawn, sawdust spawn, and plug spawn, each with its own benefits and trade-offs. For example, grain spawn is typically used for commercial indoor mushroom growth, while sawdust spawn is more suitable for outdoor beds and less prone to attracting rodents. Plug spawn is durable, cost-effective, and easy for beginners to handle, making it a popular choice for small projects and cold or dry climates. Other types of spawn include popcorn spawn and wild bird seed spawn, which are commonly used by hobby growers.

Spawn is the carrier that holds a specific strain of mushroom mycelium

Spawn is a carrier that holds a specific strain of mushroom mycelium. It is the backbone of any mushroom-growing operation and is similar to how seeds are used by gardeners and farmers. Spawn is grown from selected genetics and cloned to produce a particular cultivar of mushroom consistently. This process is similar to growing apples from grafted wood instead of planting apple seeds. Grafting ensures that a particular set of genetics produces a consistent variety of apples.

There are several types of spawn, including grain spawn, sawdust spawn, and plug spawn. Grain spawn is often used for commercial indoor mushroom growing and is made with organic millet, wheat berries, or rye. It provides a nutrient boost to the substrate and is excellent at holding moisture. Sawdust spawn is formulated with hardwood pellets and organic soy hulls. It is less nutritious, making it less prone to contamination, and is ideal for outdoor beds. Plug spawn consists of wooden dowels that have been inoculated with mushroom mycelium. It is durable, easy to handle, and suitable for cold climates and stump inoculations.

The choice of spawn depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the grower. For example, plug spawn is a good option for beginners and small projects, while sawdust spawn is more affordable and suitable for inoculating multiple logs outdoors. The type of spawn also depends on the substrate being used, such as wood logs, straw, or compost.

Overall, spawn plays a critical role in mushroom cultivation by providing a controlled and consistent way to grow specific mushroom cultivars, ensuring reliable and repeatable results.

Spawn is grown from selected genetics and cloned

Spawn is the living fungal culture, called mycelium, grown onto a substrate. It is the backbone of any mushroom-growing operation and is similar to seeds used by gardeners and farmers. Unlike seeds, mushroom spawn is grown from selected genetics and cloned for consistent production of a particular mushroom cultivar. This is comparable to grafting fruit trees to ensure they produce a consistent variety of fruits due to a specific set of chosen genetics.

The process of creating spawn involves incubating specialty mushroom strains in a laboratory and then growing them into various forms such as sawdust, grain, and plugs (hardwood dowels). These forms, once colonised by mycelium, are referred to as spawn. Different types of spawn are designed for use with different substrates. For example, sawdust spawn is ideal for substrates rich in cellulose, such as wood logs, straw, and hulls. On the other hand, grain spawn is commonly used for commercial indoor mushroom cultivation and is not suitable for outdoor logs.

There are several types of grain spawn, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Rye grain is excellent at retaining moisture, processing well, and providing optimal nutrition for mushrooms. However, it may be challenging to obtain in small quantities. Wheat berries, or wheat grain, are a similar alternative that is more readily available. Popcorn spawn is another option, but it is more expensive and takes longer for the mycelium to colonise due to the larger grain size and gaps. Wild bird seed is a popular choice among hobby growers as it is inexpensive and widely available, but it is inconsistent in quality and not favoured by all mushroom species.

When selecting spawn for mushroom cultivation, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the mushroom species and the growing medium or substrate. Spawn provides the genetic foundation for mushroom cultivation, ensuring consistent results and desired traits in the cultivated mushrooms. By choosing the appropriate type of spawn and substrate, cultivators can maximise their success rates and achieve their desired outcomes.

Plug spawn is great for beginners and cold climates

Spawn is the living fungal culture, called mycelium, grown onto a substrate. It is used by mushroom growers like seeds are used by gardeners and farmers. It is the genetic material used to grow mushrooms. There are three distinct types of spawn: plug spawn, sawdust spawn, and grain spawn. Each type has its own particular use, benefits, and trade-offs.

Plug spawn is a great option for beginners as it is easy to use and relatively reliable. It is also inexpensive, making it ideal for those just starting out with mushroom cultivation. Plug spawn is typically sold in small bags at garden centres, co-ops, and farmers' markets. To use plug spawn, you need access to freshly cut hardwood logs. Holes are drilled into the logs, and the spawn plugs are hammered into the holes. The holes can then be sealed with wax to protect the mycelium while it grows. This method of cultivation is known as the "`drill and fill" method and is a great introduction to outdoor mushroom growing.

In addition to being beginner-friendly, plug spawn is also well-suited for cold climates. The plugs are made of hardwood, which can withstand colder temperatures. In cold climates, it is recommended to inoculate logs in the spring, after the last hard frost. The logs can then be left outdoors over the winter, under a layer of straw or a vapour-permeable cover to protect them from freezing temperatures. This allows the mushroom mycelium on the plug spawn time to establish itself before going into dormancy for the winter.

Overall, plug spawn offers a straightforward and cost-effective way to grow mushrooms, making it a popular choice for beginners and those in cold climates. With its ease of use and ability to withstand colder temperatures, plug spawn provides a great opportunity for anyone interested in outdoor mushroom cultivation to get started.

Grain spawn is used for commercial indoor grows

Grain spawn is a popular choice for commercial indoor mushroom cultivation. It is created by introducing spores or a mushroom culture to sterilised grain, which then grows throughout the grain, feeding off its nutrients. The mushroom culture eventually colonises the grain, turning it white. The grain spawn can then be combined with a bulk substrate, where the mycelium will continue to grow and produce mushrooms.

Grain spawn is ideal for indoor cultivation because it provides a highly nutritious, controlled environment for the mushrooms to grow in. The grain is typically rye or millet, chosen for their ability to hold water and provide nutrition for the mushrooms. These grains are also less likely to burst or get mushy when processed. Wheat berries are another option, though they are harder to source in small quantities.

Grain spawn is also used for outdoor mushroom cultivation, though it is not suitable for inoculating outdoor logs. It is often used for straw beds and outdoor beds, as it is less likely to attract rodents and other pests. Grain spawn is a popular choice for commercial growers because it is highly particulate, colonises quickly, and is more resistant to contamination than traditional grain spawn.

While grain spawn is a common choice for commercial growers, other types of spawn are also available, such as plug spawn and sawdust spawn. Plug spawn is a good option for those new to growing mushrooms, as it is straightforward and inexpensive. Sawdust spawn, on the other hand, is often used for second-generation spawn as it is less nutritious and less prone to contamination.

Sawdust spawn is cheaper and faster to colonise than plug spawn

Mushroom spawn is the genetic material used to grow mushrooms, much like seeds are used by gardeners and farmers. It is a living fungal culture, called mycelium, grown onto a substrate. The two main forms of spawn are sawdust spawn and plug spawn. Sawdust spawn is sawdust that has been inoculated with mycelia. It is usually sold in special plastic bags that have a filter patch so the mycelia can breathe but contaminants cannot enter and spoil the spawn. Sawdust spawn is also used for second-generation spawn as it is not as nutritious and therefore not as prone to contamination. It is also great for outdoor beds and less prone to attract rodents and other critters.

Plug spawn, on the other hand, is made with hardwood dowels about the diameter of a pencil and 1" long. It is the type of spawn you'll see in small bags sold at garden centres, co-ops, and farmers' markets. To use plug spawn, you need to have access to freshly cut hardwood logs. Holes are drilled in the log, spawn plugs are hammered into the holes, and melted wax is brushed over the plugged holes to seal the log. Plug spawn is ideal for small to medium-sized projects and is a great introduction to the joys of mushroom cultivation outdoors.

Sawdust spawn is cheaper than plug spawn, especially in larger quantities. It is also more reliable and colonizes faster, making it great for medium to large-scale projects and commercial operations. If you plan on inoculating logs for consecutive years, the investment in tools is offset by the lower cost of spawn. However, sawdust spawn requires an inoculation tool to insert the spawn into the drilled holes, while plug spawn is simple to use and requires no tools but a hand drill.

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