Michael Davis
The size of a mushroom lab depends on various factors, including the cultivator's budget, the space available, and the scale of their operations. The lab should be designed to minimize contamination, with smooth, washable surfaces and adequate storage space for equipment and substrates. While larger spaces can accommodate more equipment and provide better airflow, they also require more cleaning and air filtration. Small-scale growers can opt for a simple still air box or a designated room with a laminar flow hood, while larger operations may require a separate building with incubation, harvesting, and fruiting areas. Ultimately, the size of the mushroom lab should be determined by the cultivator's specific needs and resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | The size of a mushroom lab can vary depending on the scale of operations and available space and budget. While a simple "still air box" can be used for small-scale home cultivation, larger operations may require a dedicated lab space with an antechamber and incubation room. It is recommended to have a minimum of 60 square meters or 650 square feet. |
| Location | The lab should be isolated from the rest of the house/building with low foot traffic to minimize contamination risks. Outdoor space may be required for dirty and dusty activities associated with mushroom cultivation. |
| Equipment | Flow hood, laminar flow hood, tables/counters, jars, petri dishes, refrigerator, air-tight containers, etc. |
| Design | The design should support efficient workflow and minimize unnecessary movement. The fruiting room and inoculation room are central components, along with preparation space and storage. |
| Contamination Control | Clean and sterile environment is crucial. Positive pressure, air intake placement, and air filtration systems are important considerations. Antechambers and laminar flow hoods help reduce contamination. |
| Temperature and Humidity | Temperature control is necessary, especially for incubation rooms. Humidity control is also important for optimal mushroom growth. |
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Incubation room size
The size of your incubation room depends on several factors, including the species of mushroom, the amount of equipment you have, and your future business plans.
Incubation rooms can vary from very small to very large, depending on the species of mushroom. For example, a fast-growing Oyster species will only need 12 days in the incubation room, whereas a slow-growing Shiitake species will need 3-4 months. As a result, you will need to adjust the size of your incubation room depending on the species you are growing. A larger room will be necessary if you are growing a high volume of mushrooms that require a long incubation period.
The amount of equipment you have will also influence the size of your incubation room. You will need enough space for all your equipment, including a flow hood, tools, uncolonized fruiting blocks, jars, and other materials. It is beneficial to have everything in close proximity to reduce the chances of contaminating your clean space. Additionally, consider the layout of your equipment to minimize unnecessary movement and create a smooth workflow.
When deciding on the size of your incubation room, it is essential to consider your future needs and business plans. If you intend to scale up your mushroom production or expand into growing a broader range of species, you will need a larger incubation room. However, keep in mind that larger spaces require more cleaning and air filtration, so the goal is to create an efficient and contamination-free environment.
In terms of specific size recommendations, one source suggests that you need at least 4m2 or 45 square feet to incubate about 150 x 5kg mushroom blocks on a two-week cycle. This estimate includes stacking the blocks floor to ceiling with a space in between for airflow. Another source recommends a minimum of 60 square meters or 650 square feet for a successful mushroom farm, with the expectation of future expansion.
Finally, consider the placement of your incubation room in relation to other areas of your mushroom lab. Ideally, the incubation room should be close to the lab to facilitate the fast movement of inoculated bags. Additionally, the flow hood, which is typically placed in the lab, should be positioned to blow clean air outwards towards the room entrance, preventing contaminants from entering.
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Clean room design
The size of a mushroom lab or clean room depends on the scale of your business and the amount of mushrooms you want to grow each week. A larger space is not always better as it requires more cleaning and air filtration. The goal is to create an environment that minimizes the risk of contamination while providing a comfortable and efficient workspace for sterile techniques. A dedicated lab space makes it easier to create a clean environment, reducing the risk of contamination and leading to higher success rates.
A clean room for mushroom production is designed to maintain sterile conditions and precisely control atmospheric elements. Since mushrooms require specific humidity, light, and air purity to thrive, a clean room setup allows for the precise manipulation of these factors. A laminar flow hood is often used in mushroom labs, which requires a sterile airflow. To prevent contaminants from entering the room when the door is opened, many mushroom farmers use an antechamber as a transitional space between the clean room and the outside. An antechamber can include a shoe wash and an air curtain at the entrance to help remove particles from clothing.
A mushroom fruiting chamber or clean room does not need to be high-tech but should be capable of keeping temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and lighting within a desired range. A concrete floor with a drain is recommended for the damp conditions. A clean room should be designed with proper shelving to maximize space and support growth containers. Darkness is critical in the early stages of mushroom cultivation, so the clean room should be designed to accommodate dark periods without exposure to light.
To maintain the right humidity levels, a combination of equipment is needed. Humidity meters allow for accurate monitoring, while humidifiers and dehumidifiers regulate moisture levels to support various stages of mushroom growth. High-quality humidifiers and moisture monitors should be in place to ensure consistent conditions. Light is also important for mushroom growth, with artificial grow lights providing consistent illumination and promoting mycelium development. Mushrooms typically need 10–12 hours of indirect light daily to develop correctly.
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Storage space
Substrate and Material Storage:
Mushroom cultivation requires storing various substrates and materials, such as straw, sawdust, grain, bran, gypsum, and lime. These materials can take up significant space and need to be stored in airtight containers to prevent insect attraction and contamination. Adequate storage space should be allocated for these substrates, with regular inspections for insects, mould, and other potential contaminants.
Product Storage:
The storage of fresh mushrooms also requires ample space. At a small scale, one or two large refrigerators can be sufficient. However, as the operation expands, consider building a walk-in refrigerator to accommodate the increased storage needs. Mushrooms require approximately 10L of space per kg of clustered mushrooms, so planning for sufficient storage capacity is essential.
Equipment and Tool Storage:
A mushroom lab requires various equipment and tools, such as flow hoods, jars, petri dishes, and other laboratory gear. Ensure you have dedicated storage space for these items, keeping them organised and easily accessible. A well-organised storage system can help streamline your workflow and maximise the efficiency of your lab.
Incubation and Fruiting Chambers:
Incubation and fruiting chambers require sufficient space for mushroom blocks and proper airflow. Depending on the mushroom species, the size of these chambers can vary. For example, incubating 150 x 5kg mushroom blocks on a two-week cycle requires approximately 45 square feet of space, allowing for stacking and airflow. Consider the species you plan to cultivate and allocate appropriate space for their specific needs.
Outdoor Storage and Preparation:
Some aspects of mushroom cultivation, such as chipping straw and handling bulk materials like sawdust and grain, can be dusty and messy. If possible, allocate an outdoor space for these activities to minimise contamination within your lab. Additionally, consider creating an outdoor recapture space where blocks can continue producing mushrooms at a lower rate after their initial harvest. This outdoor area can provide extra mushrooms without taking up valuable lab space.
When designing your mushroom lab, remember that bigger is not always better. The goal is to create an efficient workspace that minimises contamination risks. Consider your current and future needs, the available space, and your budget when determining the optimal size for your mushroom lab's storage areas.
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Lab location
When setting up a mushroom lab, the ideal location should be isolated from the rest of the house with low foot traffic to minimize opportunities for contamination. This means keeping pets and children out of the lab space. The location should be clutter-free, with smooth and hard surfaces that are easy to clean and won't trap dust and potential contaminants.
The lab should be close to the incubation area to facilitate the fast movement of inoculated bags. If you have a positive pressure mushroom lab, consider the air intake placement, ensuring it faces away from prevailing winds carrying dust and having a higher spore load. Windy weather can also interfere with air pressure in the lab.
The size of the lab is dictated by the available space and budget. A minimum of 60 square meters (650 square feet) is recommended to start, with the expectation of future expansion. The lab should accommodate all the necessary equipment and allow for comfortable movement, including a table or workspace.
Consider the layout of the lab to optimize your workflow and minimize unnecessary movements. The fruiting room and inoculation room are central to the design. The incubation room should be insulated, with slight airflow and temperature control. Depending on the species, it can be small or large. For example, approximately 4 square meters (45 square feet) are needed to incubate 150 x 5kg mushroom blocks on a two-week cycle.
Storage space is also a crucial consideration, as substrates like straw, sawdust, grain, bran, and other materials can take up significant room. Airtight barrels are advised to prevent insects and mold. A small refrigerator is necessary for long-term storage of spore prints, liquid cultures, agar plates, and grain spawn.
Outdoor space is beneficial for dirty and dusty tasks, such as chipping straw and transferring bulk materials. If possible, create an outdoor recapture space to extend the productivity of the fruiting chamber.
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Equipment
The equipment you will need for your mushroom lab depends on your level of expertise and the scale of your operation. For instance, a beginner may start with a simple grow kit, whereas an experienced mycologist will require professional laboratory equipment. Here is a list of equipment you may need for your mushroom lab:
Basic Equipment
- Grow kits: These kits provide a simple and user-friendly way to start growing mushrooms. They are ideal for beginners and can be easily set up at home.
- Spores: Spores are the reproductive cells of fungi and are necessary for growing mushrooms.
- Spawn: Spawn is living fungal tissue that has colonized a substrate. It is typically grown on grain spawn and then mixed with a sterile "bulk" substrate to create fruiting blocks.
- Grow chambers: These are enclosed environments that provide control over environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, and air exchange.
- Monotubs: Monotubs are popular indoor growing environments that offer more control over environmental conditions than all-in-one bags. They can be outfitted with automated controls for fresh air and humidity.
- Jars: Jars can be used as a simple and cost-effective way to grow mushrooms. Small mason jars can also be used as a substitute for petri dishes.
- Pressure sterilizer: A pressure sterilizer is essential for ensuring your equipment is clean and free of contamination.
- Still air box (SAB): A SAB is a simple and affordable way to create a clean and functional mycology workspace. It is a large plastic tote with two holes in the front for your arms, allowing you to perform lab work inside while keeping the space clean and draft-free.
Advanced Equipment
- Microscope: A quality microscope is essential for identifying contaminants and studying spore characteristics.
- Flow hood: A flow hood is a piece of equipment that helps maintain a sterile environment by providing a continuous flow of filtered air. It is often used when working with grow bags to prevent contamination.
- Impulse sealer: An impulse sealer is used to seal grow bags after they have been inoculated. It uses electricity to melt the two sides of the bag together, providing a secure seal and more room at the top of the bag.
- Petri dishes: Pre-sterilized and disposable petri dishes are used to start, grow out, and store cultures. While plastic dishes are more durable and affordable, glass dishes can be reused if properly sterilized in a pressure cooker.
- Gloves and masks: Disposable nitrile gloves and surgical masks are important for preventing contamination from your hands and breath.
- Environmental automation: For larger-scale operations, integrated controllers and sensors are necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions with minimal intervention.
- Professional humidification: This equipment provides consistent moisture to your mushrooms without wetting them directly.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of a mushroom lab depends on the scale of your operation and the space and budget available. A simple "still air box" can be constructed from a plastic storage container with arm holes cut into the sides, while a laminar flow hood is more complex and will take up a large section of your lab. A table that is big enough to hold your flow hood, tools, and other equipment is also necessary. For a small-scale operation, a spare room or even a bedroom or bathroom can be used as a temporary clean space. If you're creating an antechamber, this doesn't need to be a large space—just enough room to change into a lab coat, shoes, gloves, hair cap, and mask.
Incubation rooms can be small or large, depending on the species of mushroom. They need to be insulated, have some airflow, and be temperature-controlled with an air conditioning unit. To incubate 150 x 5kg mushroom blocks on a two-week cycle, you'll need about 4m2 or 45 square feet of space.
Storage space will depend on the amount of substrate and other materials you need to store, such as straw, sawdust, grain, bran, gypsum, and lime. These materials can attract insects, so airtight barrels are recommended. For fresh mushroom storage, you'll need about 10L per kg of clustered mushrooms. For small-scale operations, one or two large fridges can suffice, while larger operations may require a walk-in fridge.
