Mushroom Container Sizing: What's The Right Size?

Growing mushrooms at home is a popular hobby, and there are a variety of containers that can be used. The size of the container depends on the type of mushroom and the quantity you want to grow. For example, a 5-gallon bucket with a lid is a good option for oyster mushrooms, while a disposable aluminium baking tray or a small plastic dishwashing tub can be used for a single cake or two. For 2-3 mushroom blocks, a plastic box of 40-80 litres is recommended, and the bigger the better. Converted shipping containers are also being used to grow mushrooms, with the ability to control temperature, airflow and humidity to mimic the seasons.

Containers for magic mushrooms

When choosing a container for growing magic mushrooms, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of mushroom, the growing technique, and the desired scale of production. Here are some guidelines and recommendations for selecting the right containers for cultivating and storing magic mushrooms:

Growing Containers

The "Bucket Tek" technique is a popular and reliable method for cultivating oyster mushrooms. This technique typically involves using 5-gallon buckets with lids, which can be purchased new or sourced for free from restaurants or food processors. Before use, the buckets should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected to reduce the risk of contamination during colonization and fruiting. Drilling holes in a diamond pattern around the bucket provides spaces for mushrooms to fruit while preventing the substrate from drying out.

The size and shape of the growing container can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the available space. For example, a disposable aluminium baking tray or a small plastic dishwashing tub can accommodate a single cake or two, while a multi-tiered mini greenhouse can house multiple kilos of mushrooms. Glass aquariums have also been praised as fruiting chambers but may require substantial modifications. The key considerations for growing containers are air circulation for gas exchange, humidity control, and a gentle light source.

Storage Containers

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness, potency, and quality of magic mushrooms. When choosing storage containers, it is essential to consider factors such as moisture, light, temperature, and oxygen exposure. Here are some recommended storage options:

• Mason jars: Glass mason jars are airtight, helping to keep moisture out and preserve the mushrooms' quality. Ensure the mushrooms are dehydrated before sealing to prevent mold growth.
• Vacuum-sealed bags: By removing air, these bags reduce oxidation and moisture degradation, making them ideal for long-term storage. Vacuum-sealed bags should be stored in a cool, dark place.
• Mylar bags: These bags block light and provide an airtight seal, making them excellent for storing magic mushrooms. An oxygen absorber can further extend shelf life.
• Airtight plastic containers: Plastic containers with airtight seals are suitable for storing magic mushrooms, especially when combined with desiccant packs to absorb moisture.

In summary, the choice of containers for magic mushrooms depends on the specific growing technique, available space, and desired scale of production. Growing containers should facilitate air circulation and humidity control, while storage containers should protect mushrooms from moisture, light, and contaminants to ensure their freshness and potency.

Bucket tek for oyster mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest mushrooms to cultivate at home. They are hardy, fast-growing, and not picky about their food source or growing conditions. The bucket tek or technique is one of the most reliable methods to grow oyster mushrooms quickly and on a predictable schedule. It is sustainable, beginner-friendly, and easy to scale up.

You can use a 5-gallon bucket with a lid, which can be purchased at your local hardware store or for free from a local business such as a restaurant or food processor. Inspect and clean your bucket thoroughly to reduce the chance of contamination during the colonisation and fruiting process. Using a 1/2-inch drill bit, drill holes in a diamond pattern around the full circumference of your bucket. This drill bit creates holes large enough for the mushrooms to fruit from but not big enough to let the substrate dry out while it is colonizing.

For the substrate or 'soil' from which the mushroom mycelium will eat and grow, you can use straw, which is inexpensive and easily purchased from farm supply and home improvement stores. You will need to pasteurize the straw by letting it soak overnight or longer so that it can get sufficiently hydrated. Remove the straw from the water and place it somewhere to drip dry for another 12 to 24 hours. Oyster mushrooms like their substrates to have a moisture level of at least 50%. If the substrate is too wet, you are likely to get anaerobic bacteria growth, but if it is too dry, the mushrooms won't grow well. Once the scale reads twice the dry weight, you have reached a good moisture level and it's time for inoculation.

Inoculating your bucket involves combining your substrate with grain or sawdust spawn. The amount of spawn you should add to your substrate to maximize yield is known as the spawn rate, and a single, 5-pound bag of grain or sawdust spawn for each 5-gallon bucket of chopped straw is more than sufficient. You can also add gypsum, or calcium sulfate, to add nutrients for a better harvest. Aim for around 5% of the dry weight of the straw.

Once the substrate is ready, it's time to incubate your buckets with mushroom spawn. You can purchase pre-made spawn from a trusted supplier, or make your own if you have some experience. Most Oyster species will work great, specifically Pink Oysters, Blue Oysters, and Pearl Oysters. You can expect to harvest your oysters within a month. You'll know it's time to harvest when the caps start to curl up, as this is when the mushrooms want to release their spores. Harvest the oysters in whole clusters instead of picking them off one by one.

After harvesting, you can rehydrate the bucket and return it to fruiting conditions for the next "flush". You may get many "flushes" of mushrooms from one bucket. Always cook before eating, and be sure to ventilate your fruiting space, as oyster spores can cause aggravation if inhaled.

Using a shipping container

Shipping containers are an increasingly popular method for growing mushrooms. They are often refrigerated and customised to fit the needs of the mushrooms. The internal temperature is maintained at about +25°C. To force the mushrooms to fruit, they are moved to a second container where the temperature is held at about +15°C, 97% humidity, with about 12 hours of daylight and air exchange every 45 minutes.

The Croydon Urban Mushrooms project is a great example of a community growing mushrooms in a shipping container. Mr Jones of Snowdonia's The Mushroom Garden also grows mushrooms in two converted shipping containers. The containers mimic the seasons with controlled temperatures, airflow and humidity levels. This method recreates the summer season for the first part of the growing process.

Converted shipping containers are also being used to grow other produce, such as herbs and salads, reducing transport costs, the need for pesticides, and water demand.

The monotub method is a simple, quick, and compact way to start cultivating mushrooms indoors. It is designed with airflow and humidity control, and there is no need for high-tech additions. The assembled size is 22.5" (L) x 15.5" (W) x 12" (H).

When choosing a container, it is important to consider the size and shape of the vessel, as well as the prerequisites for fruiting chambers. The container mouth should be at least the same size and shape as the base and body of the mycelium cakes to avoid disturbing their growth. Fruiting chambers should be large enough to allow each cake to fully flush and expand, with enough head height for the mushrooms to stretch as they grow.

Plastic boxes for a family of 3

When it comes to plastic boxes for a family of three, there are a few things to consider in terms of size and purpose. Firstly, are you looking for plastic boxes to store items or for a specific function, such as growing mushrooms?

If you are looking for storage solutions, there are many options available at stores like IKEA and Home Depot. For general storage, clear plastic boxes with lids are a popular choice as they can be easily stacked and allow you to see the contents at a glance. IKEA offers a range of sizes, from small boxes for desktops and countertops to larger bins for clothes, decorations, and out-of-season items. The SAMLA series, for example, offers stackable storage boxes with lids that are ideal for storing a lot without taking up too much space.

For toy storage, bins with wheels are a great option, and small plastic boxes are perfect for skincare and beauty products. Additionally, consider the space you have available. For instance, if you plan to store items in a closet, under the bed, or in other tucked-away areas, clear bins can help you quickly find what you need.

Now, if you're looking for plastic boxes to grow mushrooms for a family of three, the size requirements are different. A plastic box of about 40-80 quarts (40-80 liters) is recommended for 2-3 mushroom blocks, with larger sizes being better. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, require constant fresh air exchange, so consider using an air pump or fan.

Whether you're looking for storage solutions or mushroom cultivation, plastic boxes can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your family of three.

Monotub method for indoor cultivation

The monotub tek method is a popular technique for indoor mushroom cultivation, known for its simplicity, speed, and efficiency. It is often recommended for beginners due to its high success rate and ease of use. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started with the monotub method for indoor mushroom cultivation.

Selecting the Right Container

The first step is to choose an appropriate container, which serves as the foundation of your monotub setup. Clear plastic storage bins with a capacity of 20-30 liters are ideal for beginners. The transparency of the container allows you to monitor the growth of your mushrooms and provides the indirect light necessary for their development. These containers can be purchased from stores like Target or online.

Ventilation and Hole Configuration

Adequate ventilation is crucial for healthy mushroom growth. Think of the ventilation holes as the lungs of your monotub, creating a natural air exchange system. The number and placement of holes may vary depending on the species you're growing, but a general configuration includes six 2-inch holes: two holes on each long side and one hole on each end, approximately 8-10 inches from the base of the tub. Additionally, you can drill 1-inch holes about 4-4.5 inches from the base, just above the substrate.

For optimal ventilation, consider the following hole diameters and spacing:

• Lower-level holes: 1/4 inch diameter, spaced 4 inches apart
• Upper-level holes: 1/2 inch diameter, spaced 6 inches apart

Environmental Factors and Contamination Prevention

Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is essential for successful mushroom cultivation. Temperature, humidity, fresh air, and light play critical roles in the growth of various mushroom species. Incorporate adjustable LED lighting if your setup is in a dark space. Additionally, consider investing in automated monitoring systems, such as smart humidity controllers and programmable fresh air exchange systems, to achieve precise environmental control.

Contamination is a common concern among beginners. To prevent contamination, always use 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean your workspace and wear nitrile gloves during handling procedures.

Substrate Optimization

The substrate you choose can significantly impact your yield. Recent research suggests that supplementing your substrate with spent coffee grounds can increase yields by up to 30%. However, this technique requires precise sterilization methods to avoid contamination.

Benefits of the Monotub Method

The monotub method is versatile and effective for growing a wide range of mushroom species. It doesn't require a lot of space or complicated humidity and ventilation systems. With each successful harvest, you will gain more knowledge and confidence in mushroom cultivation, making it a rewarding hobby or endeavour.

Frequently asked questions