Emma Wilson
Mushroom cultivation is a profitable and sustainable business, with the global market reaching over $16 billion in 2020 and an expected increase to over $22 billion by 2028. In the UK, mushrooms are grown in purpose-built growing rooms with computer-controlled environments, ensuring constant temperatures and high humidity levels. The most common variety grown commercially is the white button mushroom, but other varieties like oyster, shiitake, and chestnut mushrooms are also cultivated. Mushroom growing is a technical process requiring dedication and a deep understanding of the fungi, and the UK industry faces challenges such as labour shortages and the environmental impact of peat usage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Species | Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus, Shiitake, Oyster |
| Growing Environment | Indoors, outdoors |
| Temperature | 18°C to 25°C |
| Relative Humidity | 90-95% |
| Substrate Composition | Straw, wheat, rye, hay, crushed corn cobs, cottonseed meal, cocoa shells, gypsum, manure, etc. |
| Spawn Production | Sterilization, mycelium addition, active mycelial growth |
| Growing Medium | Synthetic compost, manure-based compost |
| Trays/Containers | Wooden trays or beds, buckets, filter patch bags, plastic tubing |
| Harvesting | Hand-picked, continuous for 2-3 weeks |
| Production Cycle | 14 weeks |
| Commercial Challenges | High production costs, competition from large-scale farms, market saturation |
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What You'll Learn
Mushroom growing kits
Mushroom kits come in a variety of options, from simple to more advanced setups. If you're just starting, it's recommended to begin with a basic kit that doesn't require any special equipment. Spray & Grow kits or Fruiting Block kits are excellent choices for novices. These kits are easy to use and will help you get a feel for the mushroom growing process. They are typically designed for indoor countertop cultivation and come with straightforward instructions.
Once you've gained some experience, you can explore more advanced kits, such as monotubs or Martha tents for indoor growing. These provide controlled environments with optimal humidity and temperature conditions, which are crucial for mushroom growth. For outdoor cultivation, you can invest in containers, garden beds, or even utilise logs, stumps, and totems as your growing medium.
When purchasing a mushroom growing kit, it's important to buy from reputable sellers with good reviews. Some kits may be overpriced or of inferior quality, so it's worth doing your research. Additionally, look for kits that are made to order, as they tend to be fresher and more effective than pre-made kits sitting on warehouse shelves.
Mushroom growing is a fun and rewarding hobby that can provide you with delicious and healthy harvests. With the right kit and some care, you'll be well on your way to becoming a mushroom cultivator, enjoying the fruits of your labour right in your own home.
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Mushroom spawn and substrates
Mushroom spawn is the term for microscopic spores that contain the blueprint for new mushroom growth. Mushroom spawn can be bought and grown in beds or boxes filled with a suitable growing medium, known as a substrate. Substrates include compost, manure, coffee grounds, straw, or wood in the case of shiitake mushrooms.
The substrate is delivered to the grower's production units, where the mushrooms are grown and hand-picked. In Ireland, there are around 34 growers producing on 40 farms, with each farm containing an average of 12 mushroom-growing units filled with 100 tonnes of substrate per week. This is considered the minimum size required for economic sustainability.
In the UK, most button mushrooms are grown on a substrate of composted straw and animal manure. To get the edible part of the mushroom—the cap and stalk—a casing layer is needed on top of the substrate to make the fruiting bodies form. This is where peat comes in. Peat holds a lot of water and has the ideal physical and biological properties for fruiting bodies. However, the UK uses around 100,000 cubic metres of peat a year for this purpose, which is about a ninth of the peat extracted from UK landscapes annually.
Due to the environmental impact of peat bogging, there is a push to find alternative casing materials. One leading contender is coir, a fibre from coconut husks. Other options include powdered bark, composted plant material, and grass fibres made from agricultural waste.
When growing mushrooms, it is important to regulate the temperature and humidity to create the optimal conditions for mushroom growth.
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Controlled growing environments
Temperature control is vital for successful mushroom growth. In a commercial setting, the air temperature is regulated to maintain a constant temperature range between 18°C and 25°C, ensuring optimal conditions for mushroom development. This precise control of temperature influences both the number and quality of mushrooms produced, with a yield of 32 kilograms of mushrooms per square metre achieved in these conditions.
Humidity is another key factor in mushroom cultivation. Relative humidity levels should be maintained within a specific range, typically between 85% and 95%, with some sources recommending an even higher range of 90-95%. To achieve these high humidity levels, a casing layer, typically made of peat, is applied over the substrate. This casing layer acts as a water reservoir, aiding in maintaining the necessary humidity levels and promoting mushroom growth.
The combination of controlled temperature and humidity creates the ideal environment for mushrooms to thrive. In addition to these factors, light conditions also play a role in mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms are typically grown in dark conditions to save electricity costs, but they can also be grown with a few hours of light, which can be artificial if necessary.
The dedication required to manage these controlled environments is significant, often necessitating round-the-clock monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal conditions for mushroom growth. This level of commitment is one of the reasons why many mushroom farms are family-run businesses, as it takes a deep understanding of mushrooms gained from years of experience to successfully navigate the challenges of commercial mushroom cultivation.
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The impact of peat usage
The use of peat in mushroom cultivation has a significant environmental impact, especially in the UK where peatlands are a vital natural resource. Peatlands are a unique ecosystem, often referred to as "carbon sinks," as they store large amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. However, when peat is harvested for commercial use, such as in mushroom growing, this stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Peat is a preferred growing medium for mushrooms due to its ability to retain moisture and provide a sterile environment. It also has a neutral pH, which is ideal for mushroom growth. However, the extraction of peat destroys the peatland habitat, impacting biodiversity and threatening the survival of many plant and animal species. It also affects water regulation, as peatlands act as natural sponges, helping to prevent flooding and maintaining water supplies during dry periods.
The extraction process also has direct ecological consequences. Peat extraction often involves drainage, which not only damages the peatland ecosystem but also affects local water quality. The release of peat particles and nutrients into nearby water bodies can lead to eutrophication, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and negatively impacting fish and other aquatic life.
To address these environmental concerns, alternative growing media are being explored in the UK mushroom industry. While peat has been a traditional choice, there is a growing trend towards more sustainable options, such as composted wood chip, straw, and other organic materials. These alternatives can provide similar benefits to peat in mushroom cultivation while reducing the environmental footprint. Additionally, research is ongoing to develop synthetic or artificial growing media that can further reduce the industry's reliance on peat.
In conclusion, the impact of peat usage in commercial mushroom growing has led to a search for more sustainable practices in the UK. The environmental consequences of peat extraction have prompted the industry to explore alternative growing media that can mimic the benefits of peat without the associated ecological damage. This shift towards sustainability is not only environmentally responsible but also ensures the long-term viability of the mushroom industry by preserving the delicate balance of nature.
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Mushroom growing as a business
Mushroom growing is a technical and professional business that demands dedication and a strong desire to succeed. It can be a profitable and sustainable enterprise, with the global mushroom cultivation market reaching over $16 billion in profits in 2020 and a projected increase to over $22 billion by 2028.
Mushrooms are typically grown on a shelf system in purpose-built growing rooms, where the temperature and humidity are carefully controlled to create optimal growing conditions. The growing environment is often computer-controlled, with temperatures maintained between 18°C and 25°C, and relative humidity levels between 85% and 95%. A layer of casing soil, such as black peat mixed with lime, is applied over the substrate to aid water retention and mushroom growth.
Before starting a mushroom-growing business, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and develop a solid business plan. Understanding the risks involved and the dedication required is essential. Mushroom cultivation is a risky venture with the potential for loss, and the market is currently saturated, making it challenging for new entrants to gain access. Additionally, the UK market demands an exceptionally high quality of mushroom, requiring growers to possess QA, HR management, and compliance management skills.
To compete with existing growers, specialising in hard-to-find gourmet mushrooms can allow for more flexible pricing. These mushrooms are in high demand due to their year-round availability, comparatively low resource requirements, and unique health benefits. However, it is important to remember that growing gourmet mushrooms may require more advanced skills and knowledge of diverse mushroom species.
Starting a mushroom-growing business typically involves significant upfront costs for infrastructure, equipment, labour, packaging, and energy. The average-sized mushroom farm in Ireland, for example, requires an investment of over €2 million. This includes costs for ground works, structures, air handling equipment, shelving, and operational equipment.
Overall, mushroom growing as a business demands a strong passion for the craft, dedication to mastering the technical aspects, and a well-thought-out business strategy to navigate the competitive market.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common types of mushrooms grown commercially in the UK include button, portabella, and chestnut mushrooms. However, there is a growing demand for gourmet mushrooms such as oyster, shiitake, and lion's mane, which can be more profitable due to their speciality nature.
Growing mushrooms commercially is a technical and time-consuming process that requires dedication and a deep understanding of the mushrooms and the growing climate. It involves creating the right growing environment, typically in a purpose-built growing room or shed, with controlled temperature and humidity levels. Mushrooms are usually grown on shelves with a substrate, such as compost or manure, and a casing layer, often made of peat, to encourage the formation of the fruiting bodies.
One major challenge is the environmental impact of mushroom production, particularly the use of peat. There are ongoing efforts to find sustainable alternatives, such as coir (coconut husk fibre), but it is challenging to match the yield and quality of peat. Another challenge is the saturated market, with existing growers reluctant to increase capacity, making it difficult for new entrants to gain market access.
Mushroom cultivation can be a profitable and sustainable business. Mushrooms are in high demand due to their year-round availability, health benefits, and comparatively low resource requirements. They can be grown indoors, making them a reliable crop even in winter when homegrown crops are scarce.
