Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are the fruit of a class of fungi called agaricomycotina, which produces spores as its primary means of reproduction. These spores are often found on the gills of the mushroom, which is the ribbed structure underneath the cap. In order to grow mushrooms, you need to understand their life cycle, the conditions in which they thrive, and the challenges they might face. While mushrooms are easier to grow than plants in some ways, they require a deep, meticulous understanding of their needs. They do not require sunlight, but they do require an even, warm temperature and a good deal of moisture. They also require a substrate, or growing medium, that provides them with the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Agaricus, Bisporus, Cubes, Oysters, Shiitake, Portobello, Chanterelle |
| Mushroom spores | Dust-like, not seeds |
| Substrate | Straw, wood chips, hardwood sawdust, coffee grounds, grain, or other organic matter |
| Growing medium | Compost, logs, or a blend of compost and organic matter |
| Spawn | The tiny, thread-like, white roots that appear when spores germinate on the substrate |
| Mycelium | The tiny roots that form the spawn |
| Inoculation | Introducing mushroom spores or mycelium to a suitable substrate |
| Sterilization | Required for equipment and growing environment to prevent contamination |
| Moisture | High moisture levels are necessary, but no standing water |
| Airflow | Adequate airflow is important |
| Temperature | Warm and even temperature |
| Light | Mushrooms grow in dark places, except when growing shiitakes on logs |
| Nutrients | Sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, nitrogen |
| Harvesting | Collect mature mushrooms at the optimal time |
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What You'll Learn
Collecting spores
To collect spores, you must first obtain a spore print. This can be done by removing the cap of a mature mushroom and placing it on a sterile surface, such as paper or foil. Leave it for a while, and the spores will fall from the cap, creating a print that replicates the gill pattern of the mushroom. This print can then be used to grow new mushrooms. It is important to keep the spore print in a sealed bag and store it in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to use it.
Another method for collecting spores involves creating a spore syringe. This process requires working in a sterile environment to prevent contamination. You will need distilled water that has been boiled multiple times to ensure any bacteria have been eliminated. The syringe needle should also be sterilized by holding it in a flame for a few seconds. Once the spore syringe is prepared, you can use it to inoculate your growing medium, such as compost or substrate blocks.
It is worth noting that growing mushrooms from spores can be a complex process, and some equipment and techniques are necessary for success. Oysters are a beginner-friendly option, while Agaricus mushrooms are more challenging to cultivate.
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Choosing a substrate
Choosing the right substrate is crucial to cultivating mushrooms successfully. The substrate is akin to the soil for plants—it is where the mushrooms will obtain all their nutrients and moisture. Different mushroom species have specific substrate requirements, and the ideal conditions vary for each type of mushroom.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a substrate. Firstly, the scale of cultivation—for commercial growers or those aiming for substantial mushroom production, mixed substrates are more suitable as they offer scalability and efficiency. In contrast, single substrates are more manageable and cost-effective for hobbyists or small-scale growers.
The type of mushroom species is another critical factor. Oyster mushrooms, for example, thrive on straw, while shiitake mushrooms prefer hardwood or substrates with high-fibre content, such as coco coir or vermiculite. The substrate should also be rich in organic matter, with common ingredients including straw, wood chips, grains, manure, and even coffee grounds.
Before inoculating the substrate with spores, it is essential to prepare it properly. This includes adding water and potentially amending it with extra nutrients. Sterilisation or pasteurisation is then necessary to kill unwanted bacteria, mould, and other competitors. Sterilisation can be done through various methods, including pressure cooking, autoclaving, or oven-baking, but it may dry out the substrate, requiring rehydration with distilled water. Pasteurisation, a milder process, can be used for less nutritious substrates or those not considered food items.
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Creating a spore syringe
First, sterilise your equipment. Boil the distilled water 2-3 times to ensure any bacteria are eliminated. Allow the water to cool. Sterilise the scalpel and syringe needle by holding them in a flame for a few seconds.
Next, scrape the spores off your spore print using the scalpel into the sterile water. Draw the spore fluid up into the syringe and expel it back into the water to ensure the spores are evenly dispersed. Then, suck the spore water back into the syringe and cap it.
Finally, leave the spores to hydrate for a couple of days before using. The syringe is now ready to be used to inoculate your growing medium.
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Maintaining the right conditions
Temperature and humidity play a crucial role in mushroom cultivation. The ideal temperature range for most mushrooms is between 55°F and 75°F, with humidity levels of 80-95%. Maintaining these conditions is vital for successful mushroom growth, and any temperature swings can be detrimental to fruiting mushrooms. Therefore, it is essential to stabilize the temperature using heaters or coolers with thermostatic controls. Relative humidity can be controlled through the use of humidifiers, misting systems, and humidity domes, with the ideal range being 90-95% relative humidity to help mushrooms retain their moisture.
Light exposure is another important factor, as mushrooms prefer indirect or low-intensity light. Intense, direct light can hinder their growth. Low or no light conditions can influence the direction and density of mycelium growth, which is crucial for mushroom types that prefer the dark, such as gourmet mushrooms. To monitor light levels, gardeners can utilize timers and shade cloths to provide the ideal indirect light conditions.
Maintaining a clean environment is essential to prevent contamination. Regular sanitation and good hygiene practices throughout the growing process are necessary to maximize mushroom yield. Additionally, the substrate in which the mushrooms grow must provide the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen. Common substrates include straw, sawdust, compost, or grain.
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Harvesting mushrooms
For blue oyster mushrooms, the ideal time to harvest is when the edges of the caps of the largest mushrooms in the cluster start to uncurl and flatten out, usually about 6 to 10 days after pinning. Blue oyster mushrooms grow very fast, so the difference between harvesting too late or too early can be just a few hours.
Pink oyster mushrooms are the fastest-growing variety and produce the most spores, so they should be harvested before they cover everything in pink dust. They can be harvested in as little as 4 to 5 days from when the pins start to form, even before the caps start to flatten if they are already a good size. The younger the pink oyster mushrooms, the more tender and succulent they will be.
For shiitake mushrooms, the ideal stage to harvest is when the edges of the caps are still curled under, and 80% of the gills are exposed. However, shiitake mushrooms can be harvested at any time during their growth, regardless of size. An easy way to tell if they are ready is to check if the partial veil has broken, exposing the gills.
When harvesting wild mushrooms, it is important to consider sustainability and conservation. It is recommended to pick mushrooms that are mature enough to have distributed most of their spores so that the species can continue to prosper. Wild mushrooms are perishable and begin to deteriorate as soon as they are picked, so they should be handled carefully. When harvesting from a mossy forest floor, gently push the mushroom at the base of the stalk and pull it up. Then, trim any dirt from the base and clean off any debris. Use a basket, cloth, or recycled plastic bag for harvesting, and immediately transfer the mushrooms to a mesh-sided container or wicker basket when you return to your vehicle. Avoid storing wild mushrooms in plastic bags, as they will sweat and accelerate the decaying process.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to plant mushroom spores is to purchase a mushroom growing kit, which will provide you with a substrate and spores, as well as instructions on exactly what to do. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, are beginner-friendly.
Growing mushrooms from spores requires a bit of equipment. You will need a syringe, a glass, a bucket, a growing medium or substrate (such as straw, wood chips, or sawdust), and, of course, the spores. You will also need to ensure that you have a clean, sterile environment to work in.
To create a spore print, place the mushroom cap with the gills facing down onto a piece of paper or glass. Cover the mushroom with a bowl or glass to prevent drafts and contaminants. Leave the mushroom to sit for several hours or overnight. During this time, the mushroom will release spores, creating a spore print on the paper or slide. Once the print is visible, carefully lift the mushroom cap, revealing the spore pattern.
