Michael Davis
Mushrooms are fungi, which means they require different conditions, facilities, and equipment to grow than plants. They are not farmed like other vegetables and do not require sunlight, which makes them popular with urban farmers. While some mushrooms can be cultivated artificially, others can only be found in the wild. Mushrooms can be grown indoors on a year-round cycle in a highly controlled environment, or outdoors in warehouses, former industrial spaces, basements, or forests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growing conditions | Wild mushrooms require different conditions to plants, and need specific facilities and equipment for commercial growth |
| Temperature | Some mushrooms prefer warmer temperatures, like Pink Oyster mushrooms, while others prefer cooler temperatures, like Snow Oyster mushrooms |
| Sunlight | Mushrooms do not require sunlight and can be grown indoors |
| Farming methods | Mushrooms can be grown in logs, or in large plastic bags filled with sterilized sawdust and wood chips |
| Spawn | Mushrooms are grown from spawn, which is created in a lab by inoculating sterile cereal grains with spores |
| Substrate | The spawn is mixed with a substrate, which is a nutritional balance of organic material that acts as a growth medium |
| Casing | A casing made of peat moss is spread over the mushroom bed to hold in moisture |
| Harvesting | Mushrooms are harvested by hand throughout a 16-35 day cycle |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms require different conditions and equipment to grow than plants
- They are grown indoors, in containers, on shelves, or in bags
- They grow in synthetic compost or manure-based compost
- They are harvested by hand throughout a 16-35 day cycle
- Mushroom hunting in forests can be dangerous due to poisonous varieties
Mushrooms require different conditions and equipment to grow than plants
Mushrooms are fungi and require different conditions and equipment to grow than plants. Fungi, unlike plants, do not need light to produce food for growth as they absorb nutrients from the organic matter around them. Mushrooms derive all their energy and growth materials from their growth medium, through biochemical decomposition processes. Mushrooms grow from fungal spores that thrive in damp, dark conditions and require a medium that is high in decaying plant matter. They often spring directly from dead trees.
Plants, on the other hand, grow from seeds and require plenty of sun and soil and do not thrive in overly damp environments. Mushrooms cannot be farmed in the same manner as plants. Farmers need to invest in proper equipment and facilities to grow mushrooms. Mushrooms can spring up in dense clusters, and since they don't require sunlight, they can be grown indoors and on shelves. As a result, mushrooms have become popular with urban farmers. Warehouses, former industrial spaces, and even basements can become excellent mushroom farms.
The most common method for growing mushrooms is inside large plastic bags filled with sterilized sawdust and wood chips. These bags retain moisture and help replicate natural conditions. However, this method leaves behind a lot of plastic waste. Food safety guidelines restrict the reuse of the bags, and sterilization and climate maintenance also require a lot of energy. Another traditional method of growing mushrooms is using outdoor logs, which have been done for hundreds of years. Logs provide a growing medium that is naturally sterile and, when responsibly sourced, is sustainable and self-replenishing.
Growing mushrooms also require specific temperature ranges, which vary by species. Cooler temperatures slow down colonization, while higher temperatures speed up the process but increase the chances of contamination. Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest species to grow at home, and normal room temperatures of 68-75°F (20–24°C) are ideal for them. Mushrooms also require good air circulation in the room where they are incubated to prevent the substrate from overheating.
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They are grown indoors, in containers, on shelves, or in bags
Mushrooms can be grown indoors in containers, on shelves, or in bags. This is a more controlled process than growing mushrooms in the wild, where environmental factors such as temperature, light, and humidity vary.
To begin the process of growing mushrooms indoors, one must first prepare the substrate. The substrate is the growing medium for mushroom production and typically consists of synthetic compost or manure-based compost. It is important to sterilize the substrate to kill off any microorganisms that could compete with the mushroom mycelia. This can be done through various methods, including heat, peroxide, water, or microwave treatment. For instance, the substrate can be placed in a mesh bag and submerged in hot water to pasteurize it.
Once the substrate is sterilized and sufficiently hydrated, it is combined with grain or sawdust spawn in a process called inoculation. This can be done by spreading the spawn on top of the substrate or mixing it in. The spawn rate refers to the amount of spawn added to the substrate to maximize yield. After inoculation, the container or bag should be covered and placed in a warm, dark area to facilitate colonization.
During colonization, it is crucial to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels. For most species, lowering the temperature will encourage mushrooms to start fruiting. Fresh air, humidity, light, and temperature are the main environmental factors that trigger fruiting. While mushrooms do not use light as an energy source, they require some indirect light from a window or artificial source to grow properly.
Finally, after about three weeks, the mushrooms can be harvested when they are fully grown and the caps have separated from their stems. It is recommended to rinse the mushrooms before cooking or consuming them, and they can be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
There are also all-in-one grow bag systems available, such as the ShroomTek, which is designed as a self-contained growing chamber for manure-loving species of mushrooms. With the ShroomTek, users inject their spores or live culture into the bag and wait for colonization to occur. A hole is then sliced in the bag for fresh air exchange, and the mushrooms are allowed to fruit.
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They grow in synthetic compost or manure-based compost
Mushrooms are fungi that play a role in the decomposition of organic material. They can be grown in synthetic compost or manure-based compost.
Synthetic compost is a mixture of wheat or rye straw, hay, crushed corn cobs, cottonseed meal, cocoa shells, and gypsum. This mixture of plant and animal products is converted into decayed organic matter, creating the perfect environment for mushrooms to grow. Synthetic compost can be purchased as bagged mixes of sawdust, millet, rye, and water.
Manure-based compost, on the other hand, is made from stable bedding from horse stables or poultry litter. This type of compost is traditionally made with well-rotted stable manure, but modern versions often use composted straw instead. Manure-based compost is denser and heavier than synthetic compost and needs to mature before being used, as fresh manure can harm plants.
Mushroom compost, whether synthetic or manure-based, is a valuable byproduct of mushroom farming. After mushrooms are harvested, the leftover compost is disposed of and sold as fertiliser. It is a useful soil conditioner and mulch, enriching the soil and improving its structure and water-holding capacity. However, mushroom compost should be used with caution due to its high salt content and alkalinity, which can harm certain types of plants.
Growing mushrooms in compost is a simple process. First, the compost is prepared and inoculated with mushroom spawn or mycelium. Then, it is covered with sphagnum moss and ground limestone to support mushroom growth. After three to four weeks, the mushrooms are ready to be harvested.
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They are harvested by hand throughout a 16-35 day cycle
Mushrooms are fungi, and their growth requirements differ from those of plants. They can be cultivated in a variety of settings, including warehouses, former industrial spaces, and even basements. Unlike other vegetables, they do not require sunlight and can be grown indoors on shelves, making them popular among urban farmers.
The most common method for growing mushrooms commercially is inside large plastic bags filled with sterilized sawdust and wood chips. These bags help replicate the natural conditions that mushrooms need to thrive and also retain moisture. However, this method generates a significant amount of plastic waste as the bags cannot be reused due to food safety guidelines.
An alternative method for growing mushrooms is to use synthetic logs, which are bagged mixes of sawdust, millet, rye, and water. This approach provides ongoing nourishment for the mycelium, the part of the fungus that produces mushrooms.
Regardless of the cultivation method, mushrooms are typically harvested by hand throughout a 16-35 day cycle. This harvesting period may vary depending on the specific species and growing conditions. The process of growing mushrooms involves creating a highly controlled environment to meet the unique nutritional and moisture needs of these fungi.
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Mushroom hunting in forests can be dangerous due to poisonous varieties
Mushroom hunting, mushrooming, mushroom picking, and mushroom foraging refer to the activity of gathering mushrooms in the wild. This is typically done for culinary purposes, although medicinal, psychotropic, and dyeing uses are also known. While mushroom hunting in forests can be a fun activity, it can also be dangerous due to the presence of poisonous varieties.
Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals; they are unique organisms that can be found in various environments, including forests. They have been used by humans for various purposes, including culinary, medicinal, and cultural ones, for centuries. However, the presence of poisonous mushrooms in the wild can make mushroom hunting dangerous.
Many edible and poisonous mushroom species look very similar, making it difficult for even experienced foragers to distinguish between them. While some poisonous mushrooms only cause digestive issues, others can lead to organ failure or even death. Certain species in the genus Amanita, such as the death cap (A. phalloides) and the destroying angel (A. ocreata), are responsible for most fatal mushroom poisonings. These deadly mushrooms contain amatoxins, which can cause kidney failure.
To avoid the dangers of poisonous mushrooms, it is essential to have expert knowledge for correct identification. Morphological characteristics of the caps, gills, and stems of mushrooms are often crucial for proper visual identification. Microscopy may also be necessary to eliminate similar-looking non-poisonous varieties. Additionally, it is important to follow guidelines and regulations when foraging in forests to avoid damaging the local ecology and to ensure sustainable practices.
In conclusion, while mushroom hunting in forests can be enjoyable and rewarding, it is crucial to approach this activity with caution due to the presence of poisonous varieties. Proper identification and sustainable foraging practices are essential to ensure a safe and responsible mushroom hunting experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are fungi and require different conditions to grow than plants. They don't need sunlight and can be grown indoors. They require a nutritional balance of organic material to serve as a growth medium.
Some mushrooms that can be found in the wild include the artist's conk, fly agaric, and shiitake mushrooms.
Edible mushrooms often have poisonous look-alikes. It is important to be able to identify the differences between them before consuming any mushrooms found in the wild.
