Michael Davis
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, and they require adequate moisture, temperature, and limited light to grow. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, in various environments, including buckets, trays, beds, or logs. Before planting mushrooms, a substrate must be prepared using materials such as cardboard, straw, sawdust, or manure. This substrate provides the necessary nutrients for mushroom growth. Spawn or spores, which can be purchased or grown from mushrooms, are then introduced to the substrate. The spawn or spores need to be inoculated and allowed to colonize the substrate fully. With proper care and patience, mushrooms can be successfully cultivated in a variety of species, offering a rewarding and educational experience for hobbyists and gardeners alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Oyster, Shiitake, Button, Chanterelle |
| Mushroom growing kits | Spawn, spores, compost, manure, straw, sawdust, growing containers |
| Mushroom growing environment | Indoors, outdoors, garden beds, damp straw, shady areas, logs |
| Mushroom growing conditions | Warm, moist, controlled temperature and humidity, no sunlight |
| Mushroom substrate | Cardboard, compost, manure, straw, sawdust, wooden plugs, grain, coffee grounds |
| Mushroom spawn | Spores, mycelium, spawn culture, spore print, spore syringe |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a mushroom variety
The first step in choosing a mushroom variety is deciding on the type of substrate or growing medium you want to use. Common substrates include straw, sawdust, compost, manure, and logs. If you opt for a growing kit, it will usually come with a substrate tailored to the mushroom variety, such as straw for oyster mushrooms or composted manure for button mushrooms.
Once you've decided on a substrate, you can select a mushroom variety that thrives in that environment. For example, oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties to grow and are suitable for beginners. They grow well on straw, sawdust, or wooden plugs. If you're using the log method, shiitake mushrooms are also an excellent choice.
If you're feeling more adventurous, you can explore growing gourmet varieties such as shiitake, oyster, and chanterelle. These varieties may require specific conditions and substrates, so it's important to research the best methods for the type of mushroom you want to cultivate.
Additionally, consider the availability of spores or spawn for your chosen variety. You can purchase spores or spawn from reputable companies, but some varieties may be harder to source than others. Growing your own spawn from spores is an option, but it is a challenging task that requires a sterile environment and guidance from free online resources or mycological associations.
Ultimately, choosing a mushroom variety depends on your preferred substrate, the ease of cultivation, and the availability of spores or spawn. With the right variety and growing conditions, you'll be well on your way to a successful mushroom-growing experience.
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Preparing the substrate
- Choose the right substrate material: Common substrate materials include compost, manure, straw, sawdust, and hardwood logs. The type of substrate depends on the variety of mushroom you want to grow. For example, oyster mushrooms grow well on straw, while button mushrooms prefer composted manure.
- Prepare the substrate mixture: If using straw, you can purchase pasteurized straw or prepare your own by cutting corrugated cardboard into small squares, soaking them in boiling water, and then mixing with mushroom spawn. For manure, pile fresh horse manure and mix it well every couple of days for two weeks until it cools down. Then, spread the spawn across the surface and cover it with damp newspaper until white thread-like mycelium appears.
- Provide the necessary nutrients: Mushrooms require a mix of nutrients in their substrate, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen. Ensure that the substrate provides these essential elements for mushroom growth.
- Maintain moisture and temperature: Mushrooms need an even, warm temperature and moisture once they have spawned. Keep the substrate moist by misting or watering it regularly. The ideal temperature range is between 60-75 °F (15-24 °C) during the spawning phase.
- Sterilize the environment: When working with spores and spawn, it is important to create a mostly sterile environment. Clean all surfaces with a mild disinfectant and remove any fabrics that may trap dust, such as rugs or curtains.
- Research specific requirements: Different species of mushrooms have unique substrate preferences and growing conditions. Before preparing the substrate, research the specific requirements for the type of mushroom you want to cultivate.
Remember that preparing the substrate is just one part of the mushroom cultivation process. Other steps, such as inoculation, colonization, and harvesting, are also crucial for successful mushroom growth.
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Creating a controlled environment
Firstly, choose an appropriate space for growing mushrooms. A garden shed, basement, garage, or even an indoor area like under a sink can work, as long as it provides a stable temperature and protection from direct sunlight. Mushrooms thrive in the dark, so a space with minimal lighting is ideal.
Maintain an optimal temperature range of between 60-75 °F (15-24 °C). Mushrooms require a warm, even temperature to grow effectively. Ensure the growing area can be regulated to stay within this temperature range.
Control humidity and moisture levels. Mushrooms require adequate moisture for growth. Use tools like humidifiers or misters to maintain the desired humidity levels. Regularly water or mist your growing medium to keep it evenly moist.
Utilize cultivation containers or bags to create a controlled microenvironment for your mushrooms. Monotubs, bags, or outdoor beds can be used, depending on your chosen method. These containers help regulate humidity, temperature, and airflow around the mushrooms, creating a stable environment.
Remember to research the specific requirements of the mushroom variety you plan to grow, as different species have unique preferences for temperature, humidity, and light levels. By replicating their natural habitat, you can successfully cultivate a healthy crop of mushrooms in your controlled environment.
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Inoculating the substrate
Inoculation is the term for adding mushroom spawn to the substrate. Before inoculating the block with spawn, it is important to ensure that your substrate has the right amount of hydration. This is known as field capacity. To test if your substrate has the right amount of hydration, perform a squeeze test. Pick up a handful of the hydrated substrate and squeeze it as tightly as possible. Only a few drops of water should drip out. If there are still dry patches, add a little more water.
Once your substrate is ready, it is time to add your mushroom spawn. Always thoroughly wash your hands and forearms with soap, and wipe your work area down with an antibacterial cleanser to avoid contamination. If you are using a still air box, doing 3 bags at a time allows you enough room to manoeuvre and also fill the bags with spawn. One pint jar of spawn can easily do 6 bags, try to pour an approximately equal amount of spawn into each bag.
If you are inoculating a log, drill holes four to six inches into the log in rows. Use a 5/16ths or 12 mm drill bit for optimal hole size. Stagger the rows two or three inches apart from each other. Mycelium is introduced into the holes through the use of plug spawn. These are small pieces of wooden dowel that are colonized with mycelium and get hammered into the holes. Seal the holes with wax to prevent contamination.
After your bags have cooled, you’ll need to transfer them to a sterile work area to add spawn to them. You can sterilise the bags in the evening and allow them to cool overnight to inoculate the next day. A still air box (SAB) is a large container with two holes in it to put your arms through. They can be easily made by buying a large plastic storage container and then using a hole-saw attachment on a drill to make two holes for your arms to go through.
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Harvesting the mushrooms
Harvesting is all about collecting mature mushrooms at the right time. Here are some detailed steps to help you through the process:
Step 1: Identify Maturity
Firstly, identify when your mushrooms are ready to be harvested. You will notice that the caps of the mushrooms have separated from the stems. This is a good indication that they are mature and ready for harvesting.
Step 2: Twist and Turn
Once you have identified the mature mushrooms, it is now time to twist them off. Place your hand gently but firmly around the cap of the mushroom, and with a slight twist, pull the mushroom upwards. You can also use a small knife to cut the mushrooms off at the base.
Step 3: Timing is Key
Mushrooms are best harvested in the early morning or late evening. This is when they are the most hydrated and firm. The timing of your harvest will impact the quality of your mushrooms.
Step 4: Regular Checks
Regularly monitor the growth of your mushrooms. Harvesting is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Check your mushrooms every few days, and when you spot mature ones, go ahead and pick them. This ensures a constant supply of fresh mushrooms and encourages further growth.
Step 5: Post-Harvest Care
After harvesting, it is important to handle the mushrooms with care. Use a soft brush to gently remove any debris or soil that might be stuck to the mushrooms. Do not wash the mushrooms unless absolutely necessary, and store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator.
Harvesting mushrooms is a rewarding experience, and with these steps, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour. Remember to be gentle, patient, and observant throughout the process. Happy harvesting!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to plant mushrooms, including using a box, bucket, or log. You can also use a mushroom-growing kit, which is a good way to get started.
Mushrooms require a sterile environment, an even, warm temperature, and moisture once they have spawned. They also need a substrate that provides the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.
Some easy and popular mushroom species to grow at home include button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and chanterelle mushrooms.
