Organic Mushroom Farming: A Guide To Phycisyden Cultivation

Growing organic phylicyden mushrooms can be a rewarding endeavour, but it's important to note that cultivating mushrooms containing psilocybin may be considered illegal in some places. Before embarking on this journey, it's crucial to understand the legal implications and guidelines in your region. That being said, growing mushrooms can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience, even for beginners. It requires little space and no prior gardening experience. The process begins with the preparation of substrates, which provide essential nutrients and the right environment for mushroom growth. Mycelium, the scientific term for the living network of threads formed by fungal organisms, is key to mushroom cultivation. The mycelium grows throughout the substrate, eventually forming one coherent block called a cake. This is then placed into a fruiting chamber to produce mushrooms. Sanitation and regular monitoring are also crucial to successful mushroom growth.

Sanitation and maintenance

Preparing the Space:

Before you begin, choose a well-ventilated area for growing your mushrooms, as the process can involve odours that may be unpleasant in living areas. A small room or closet can be used, but ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. Start by vacuuming or sweeping the floor to remove any dirt or debris. Then, mop the floor and wipe down all surfaces, including walls, shelves, and ceiling corners, to remove dust and cobwebs. Use disinfectant sprays or wipes to ensure a sterile environment. If there are any paint chips or signs of deterioration on the walls, consider repainting to create a clean and fresh space.

Sterilising Equipment:

Any equipment you use, such as jars, syringes, or needles, should be sterilised before each use. This can be done by flaming the needle or using pressure cooking methods. For needles, hold the barrel with three fingers (pinky to middle) and rest your pointer finger on the flange. Stick the needle into the jar at an angle, with the open face towards the glass. Apply gentle pressure to the plunger, and once you see moisture, move to the next hole. You can also use isopropyl alcohol, commonly found in pharmacies, for sterilising equipment and work areas.

Personal Hygiene:

Your hands and clothing can carry numerous contaminants that may affect the growing process. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling any equipment or mushrooms, paying special attention to your fingernails. Use hand sanitiser generously, and consider wearing latex gloves for added protection. It is recommended to shower and wash your hair immediately before any lab work or handling of mushrooms to minimise the risk of contamination. Wear freshly laundered clothing, and consider donning a face mask to prevent breathing or speaking onto your work and introducing contaminants.

Maintenance:

During the growing process, maintain the cleanliness of your space by regularly vacuuming or sweeping to remove any debris or pet hair. Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant or bleach spray to prevent the growth of unwanted organisms. Ensure that your growing area remains well-ventilated and odour-controlled by using a suitable air circulation system.

By following these sanitation and maintenance steps, you can create a conducive environment for growing organic phyllouden mushrooms while minimising the risk of contamination.

Substrate preparation

Firstly, it is important to select the right type of substrate for Pholiota mushrooms. While straw and sawdust are popular choices due to their availability and ease of preparation, they may not be the best option for this specific type of mushroom. Pholiota mushrooms are typically found growing in clusters at the base of trees and stumps, particularly hardwood logs. Therefore, a hardwood substrate that mimics their natural habitat is recommended. Logs should be around 4-8 inches in diameter and 3-4 feet long, with freshly cut logs aged 2-4 weeks being ideal for inoculation. It is important to avoid softwoods like pine, cedar, and spruce as they contain resins that inhibit mushroom growth.

Once you have selected the right type of substrate, the next step is to prepare it. If you are using logs, you will need to drill holes in a diamond pattern, spaced 6 inches apart along the log. This is where the mushroom spawn will be introduced. The substrate must then be sterilized to eliminate any contaminants. This can be done through steam pasteurization, by heating the substrate to temperatures between 65-85°C for 1.5-2 hours, or 160-180°F (70-82°C) for 24 hours. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker, heating at 15 PSI for 90 minutes.

After sterilization, the substrate should be cooled to room temperature. At this point, you can introduce the mushroom spawn. Pholiota adiposa plug spawn or sawdust spawn can be used, along with a wax coating of cheese wax or beeswax, to seal the spawn in place. The substrate is then packed into grow bags or plastic containers and stored in a dark incubation chamber for 2-4 weeks.

With the right substrate and careful preparation, you can create the ideal environment for your Pholiota mushrooms to thrive and fruit abundantly.

Mycelium growth

Mycelium is the vegetative body of fungi, which produces mushroom bodies. It is a vital factor in mushroom growth, as well as plant health, nutrient intake, and growth. Mycelium begins with a spore, which, when landing on an appropriate substrate under suitable conditions, will germinate. This germination is the beginning of mycelium.

Mycelium grows by releasing enzymes from the hyphal tips, which digest the surroundings, and then absorb the nutrients. The cells will eventually branch out, creating a vast mycelial network. These enzymes guide how the mycelium grows. The mycelium of two compatible fungi can fuse together, allowing the cells to combine and their DNA to mix. After fusing, the cells end up in new spores held inside or outside the fungus' reproductive structures. This is how some fungi reproduce sexually.

The presence of mycelium and proper environmental conditions are necessary for mushrooms to grow. Temperature is one such condition, which varies depending on the growth stage and mushroom species. For example, the blue oyster mushroom can fruit in a wide range of temperatures, from 45 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the king oyster mushroom prefers cooler temperatures and will struggle to produce fruiting bodies if temperatures exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mycelium is also important in construction, with studies exploring how to cultivate it and re-use formwork in construction. It can be challenging to cultivate living material into formwork, and it is susceptible to contamination if not properly sterilized.

Inoculation

The type of substrate will determine the sterilisation process required. Substrates poor in nitrogen, such as logs, straw, and woodchips, are hard to colonise, so inoculation can be done outdoors with little concern for contamination. Nitrogen-rich substrates, such as grain or sawdust, are more prone to contamination and must be inoculated indoors in a sterile space with an air filter. If inoculating at home, all surfaces should be wiped with alcohol, and tools should be sterilised.

For straw bags or sawdust blocks, the spawn material is usually sterilised whole grains (e.g. barley, wheat, millet) that have been colonised by mycelium. For wood logs, the spawn material is typically wooden dowels that have been soaked in water, sterilised, and then inoculated with mycelium. This can be done with grain spawn or liquid mycelium cultures.

The timing of inoculation is important for successful log inoculation. The optimal time is usually early spring when the logs are fresh, but it can also be done in winter if the right conditions can be maintained. After inoculation, the substrate must be incubated, providing warmth and humidity to the mycelium as it colonises. A high humidity environment is important so that the mushrooms do not dry off or become stunted.

Once the substrate has been fully colonised by the mycelium, it is ready to be put into fruiting conditions. If given a good environment, most mushroom species will begin fruiting on their own.

Fruiting

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of certain fungi, which produce and release spores into the environment. The spores contain all the ingredients and genetics required to form a new fungus. This process is called inoculation. Germination occurs when environmental conditions are suitable, resulting in an emerging strand of hyphae from the spore, forming a mass of mycelium. The mycelium is the vegetative portion of the mushroom and can be thought of as the "'roots'" of the mushroom. The mycelium spreads through the substrate (growth medium) colonizing as much area as possible, and when conditions are right, the mycelium condenses into hyphal knots, which will develop into baby mushrooms.

To encourage fruiting, the mycelium requires specific conditions. Fungi require oxygen to respire and exhale carbon dioxide. FAE is essential for triggering their fruiting instinct, and carbon dioxide levels need to be below 1,000 ppm. Consistent, moderate temperatures (60 °F to 80 °F) with humidity levels below 80% are ideal. Fungi do not photosynthesize but respond positively to light as a directional guide, although they can grow in complete darkness. Nutrient uptake is from their preferred substrate, which can include wood pellets, straw, pasteurized manure, and coco coir.

For home growing, mushrooms can be grown indoors in a basement or under a sink, or outdoors in prepared ground or logs. Mushrooms grow best in dark, cool, and humid growing environments, with temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct heat and drafts. Enoki mushrooms, for example, grow better in cooler temperatures of about 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the mycelium has been introduced to fruiting conditions, it will begin to form mushrooms. Visible pins will form within 1-2 weeks, although the time will vary depending on environmental conditions and strain. The first flush of fruiting is typically the largest, with subsequent flushes occurring every one to two weeks.

Frequently asked questions