Sarah Brown
Growing mushrooms in a substrate jar is a rewarding process, but it requires patience and precision. The amount of mushrooms produced per jar varies depending on the mushroom strain and substrate used. For example, cordyceps strain trials yielded between 3.5 and 11.8 grams per jar, while shiitake trials on logs resulted in 0.5 to 2.3 pounds per log. The substrate, which serves as the mushroom's source of nourishment, must be carefully selected and prepared to ensure successful mushroom growth. Home growers often use mason jars or similar small containers, filling them with substrates like coffee grounds, straw, or supplemented sawdust blocks. Before introducing mushroom spawn or spores, the substrate and jars must be sterilized or pasteurized to prevent contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom substrate | A material that mushroom mycelium can grow and establish itself in. |
| Substrate preparation | Soak the substrate in a bath of hydrated lime-treated cold water for 24 hours, or sterilize by exposing it to temperatures higher than 250 degrees F under pressure. |
| Container | Commercial growers use large clear plastic bags, while home growers use mason jars or small containers. |
| Substrate type | Common substrates include coffee grounds, straw, logs, supplemented sawdust blocks, brown rice, rye grain, horse manure, cow manure, chicken manure, hay, sawdust, peat moss, coco coir, etc. |
| Substrate quantity | The amount of substrate depends on the size of the container and the desired yield. For a mason jar, fill it up to the threading where the lid goes on, about 1/2 inch from the top. |
| Mushroom spawn | The amount of spawn needed depends on the substrate and container size. For coffee grounds, a ratio of 1 kilogram of coffee grounds to 100 grams of mushroom spawn is recommended. |
| Inoculation | Inject spores into the substrate using a syringe and needle. |
| Incubation/Colonization | Place inoculated jars in a dim, warm space. Colonization time depends on the mushroom species and can take weeks or months. |
| Fruiting | After colonization, create a fruiting chamber by placing the substrate on wet paper towels in a plastic container, covering it with something that allows airflow, and spraying it with water several times a day. |
| Yield | Yields vary depending on the mushroom strain and substrate. For cordyceps in jars, yields ranged from 3.5 grams to 11.8 grams per jar. |
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What You'll Learn
Yield variables: strain and substrate type
When it comes to growing mushrooms, the strain and substrate type are crucial factors that significantly impact the yield. The strain selection is similar to choosing a plant breed, and different strains of the same mushroom species can have distinct genetic compositions and characteristics.
Various substrates, such as coffee grounds, straw, logs, supplemented sawdust blocks, brown rice, rye grain, manure, hay, and sawdust, can be used to grow mushrooms. The choice of substrate depends on the specific mushroom strain's preferences and requirements. Some mushrooms may even thrive in compost made from food-based waste products.
The interaction between the strain and substrate type plays a vital role in determining the yield. For example, Fungi Ally's research on cordyceps and shiitake mushrooms demonstrated that yield variability was influenced by the strain and substrate combination. In cordyceps strain trials, the yield ranged from 3.5 grams per jar to 11.8 grams per jar. Similarly, shiitake trials on logs yielded 0.5-2.3 pounds per log, while supplemented sawdust blocks yielded 0.3-1.4 pounds per block. These variations highlight the significance of selecting the right strain for optimal yield.
The LE-46 strain of shiitake mushrooms, for instance, yielded the best results on logs, while the 3782 strain performed optimally on sawdust blocks. Conversely, the 46 strain yielded the poorest results on sawdust. These findings underscore the importance of matching specific strains with their preferred substrates to maximize yield.
Additionally, the substrate's preparation and sterilization are essential considerations. Some substrates require sterilization through processes like pasteurization or exposure to high temperatures under pressure. Proper sterilization ensures the elimination of contaminants and creates an optimal environment for mushroom growth. Overall, the interplay between strain and substrate type, along with proper substrate preparation, are key variables that influence the yield of mushroom cultivation.
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Pasteurization and sterilisation
The amount of mushrooms in a substrate jar depends on the type of mushroom and the substrate used. For example, cordyceps strain trials in jars have yielded 3.5 grams per jar, while shiitake mushrooms grown on logs have yielded 0.5-2.3 pounds per log.
Now, to ensure the mushrooms grow without any issues, it is important to pasteurize or sterilize the substrate. This process kills contaminants and prevents them from competing with the fungus for food. Here is a detailed guide on pasteurization and sterilization:
Pasteurization
Pasteurization is the process of reducing the number of harmful competitor organisms in a mushroom substrate. It creates an environment that is toxic to certain microorganisms but leaves others unaffected. This method is ideal for beginners as it is cheaper and easier than sterilization. It does not require a sterile space for spawning and is more forgiving. However, it is limited to growing certain mushroom species, such as button, cremini, portabella, and oyster mushrooms. Additionally, pasteurized substrates are more susceptible to contamination when using substrates with more nutrients.
There are two main types of pasteurization: heat pasteurization and cold pasteurization. Heat pasteurization is the most common method, where mushroom farmers use hot water or steam to heat pasteurize substrates. For small-scale home cultivators, hot water pasteurization works well, but it can be expensive for bulk substrates. One way to pasteurize a substrate is to heat it to 180°F for 1-2 hours, allowing the spores to activate and reducing their resistance to heat.
Sterilization
Sterilization, on the other hand, aims to completely eliminate all contaminants in the substrate, both living and dormant. It involves exposing the substrate to temperatures higher than 250°F and placing it under pressure. Sterilization is more aggressive and ensures that all living organisms are killed. It is necessary for certain substrates, such as those supplemented with wheat bran or other nutritious ingredients, to prevent contamination.
To sterilize the substrate, you can use a pressure cooker or a purpose-built, programmable autoclave, which allows you to fine-tune the sterilization process. It is important to note that even after sterilization, the substrate must be handled in a sterile environment to avoid introducing new contaminants during inoculation.
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Preparing the substrate
Selecting the Substrate Material
Different types of mushrooms prefer specific types of substrates. Common substrates used for growing mushrooms include coffee grounds, straw, sawdust, and compost. Coffee grounds are a popular choice as they are easily accessible from local coffee shops and are already pasteurized due to the brewing process. Straw is another cheap and effective option that provides good air exchange and promotes faster colonization. If you're using coffee grounds, you can combine one kilogram of grounds with 100 grams of mushroom spawn, and optionally add 20% straw to the mix.
Pasteurization or Sterilization
Before placing the substrate in the jar, it is important to pasteurize or sterilize it to reduce the risk of contamination. Pasteurization can be achieved by soaking the substrate in hydrated lime-treated cold water for 24 hours, increasing the pH and killing contaminants. For sterilization, the substrate must be exposed to temperatures higher than 250 degrees Fahrenheit under pressure. This can be done using a pressure cooker or similar equipment. Alternatively, you can boil the jars for several days in a row, a process known as tyndallization or fractional sterilization.
Preparing the Mason Jar
Once your substrate is pasteurized or sterilized, it's time to fill your Mason jar. Make sure the substrate is damp, and fill the jar up to the threading where the lid goes on, about half an inch from the top. Some growers choose to create a hole in the middle of the substrate for ease of inoculation, although this is not mandatory. After filling the jar, seal the air holes in the lid with tape or aluminium foil, and sterilize the jar again using a pressure cooker or by steaming it in a covered pot on a raised rack.
Inoculation and Colonization
Inoculation is the process of introducing mushroom spawn or spores into the substrate. Using a syringe, inject the spores into the substrate through the lid's air holes. After inoculation, place your jars in a dim, warm space. The time it takes for colonization to occur will depend on the mushroom species. During this phase, the mushroom's mycelium will grow and spread throughout the substrate. Once colonization is complete, the entire substrate will be covered in mycelium, and it will be ready for fruiting.
Fruiting and Harvesting
To encourage fruiting, you can place a plastic bag over the jar and cut off a corner for air, or create a fruiting chamber by filling the bottom of a plastic container with wet paper towels and placing the substrate on top. Spray the setup with water a couple of times a day. Depending on the mushroom species, you should see well-developed mushrooms within a few weeks. Once they reach the desired size, you can harvest your crop and enjoy your freshly grown mushrooms!
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Inoculation
Prepare the Substrate
Before inoculation, you must first prepare the substrate, which serves as the mushroom's food source and provides essential nutrients, moisture, and energy for growth. Different mushroom species prefer specific substrates, so it's important to research the type of mushrooms you plan to grow. Common substrates include coffee grounds, straw, sawdust, and compost, among others. Prepare the substrate by hydrating it, ensuring it's damp but not soaked. Fill your chosen container, such as a mason jar, leaving some space at the top for the lid. You may also choose to create a hole in the middle of the substrate to facilitate inoculation, although this is optional.
Sterilize the Substrate and Container
Sterilization is a critical step to eliminate contaminants and ensure successful mushroom growth. There are several methods to sterilize your substrate and container:
- Pressure cooking: Use a pressure cooker at 15 pounds per square inch (PSI) for 45 minutes.
- Steam sterilization: Place the jars on a rack in a pot with 2 inches of simmering water, ensuring the jars don't touch the water.
- Tyndallization: Boil jars in water for a specified time over several consecutive days.
Inoculate with Spores or Spawn
Once your substrate and container are sterilized, it's time to introduce the spores or spawn. If using spores, sterilize the syringe needle by heating it with a flame until it turns red hot, then allow it to cool. Inject the spores into the substrate through the holes in the lid of your container. Seal the holes immediately after injection. If using spawn, add the spawn to the top of the substrate, allowing it to grow downward. This method is suitable for containers like mason jars that cannot be shaken.
Post-Inoculation Care
After inoculation, place your containers in a dim, warm space. The time it takes for colonization to occur depends on the mushroom species, so research the specific requirements of your chosen variety. Signs of successful inoculation include the formation of white webbing and the appearance of small mushrooms. Once colonization is complete, with the substrate fully covered by mycelium, your mushrooms will be ready for the fruiting stage.
Tips for Success
- Always sterilize your equipment, including syringes and containers, to prevent contamination.
- Research the specific requirements of your chosen mushroom strain, as different strains have varying growth rates and substrate preferences.
- Experiment with different strains and substrates to find the most successful combinations.
- Maintain a warm, dim environment for your containers after inoculation to encourage fungal growth.
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Fruiting
Once your substrate is pasteurized or sterilized and in its final container, inoculate it with mushroom spawn or spores to kickstart the growing process. You'll know everything has been done correctly when you start to see signs of colonization, or the mushroom's mycelium growing and spreading throughout the substrate. The mycelium will need weeks or even months to decompose the substrate and spread completely throughout it. Once colonization is complete, the entire substrate will be covered in mycelium, and your mushrooms will be ready to fruit.
The process of fruiting will differ depending on the type of mushroom you're growing. Some mushrooms require a lot of extra water, while others need to be introduced to oxygen. If you're growing your mushrooms in a jar, you can simply remove the cover from the holes in the lid. Alternatively, you can place a plastic bag over the jar and cut off a corner for air, or create a DIY fruiting chamber for your fungi.
To make a fruiting chamber, fill the bottom of a plastic container with wet paper towels and place the substrate on top. Cover with something that allows airflow and mist with water a couple of times a day. After a few weeks, you should see some well-developed mushrooms growing from your jar or DIY fruiting chamber.
The amount of mushrooms you can expect to grow will depend on the strain you've selected. For example, in cordyceps strain trials, yields varied from 3.5 grams per jar to 11.8 grams per jar. The best-performing strain, LE-46, produced an average yield of 2.3 pounds per log. On the other hand, the worst-performing strain, 46, yielded only 0.3-0.5 pounds per block or log.
To calculate the precise amount of substrate and spawn needed to grow mushrooms in a monotub-style container, you can use an online substrate calculator. This will help you achieve optimal yields and simplify the growing process.
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Frequently asked questions
The yield of mushrooms in a substrate jar varies depending on the strain and substrate used. For example, cordyceps strain trials yielded between 3.5 and 11.8 grams per jar, while two grows using cakes yielded 4 dry grams and 12 dry grams respectively.
A mushroom substrate is a material that mushroom mycelium can grow and establish itself in. The substrate provides mushrooms with the nutrients, moisture, and energy they need to grow and fruit. Common substrates include coffee grounds, straw, brown rice, rye grain, and manure.
First, sterilize the jar and syringe needle using a pressure cooker or by steaming in a covered pot. Then, fill the jar with the prepared substrate, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Inject the substrate with mushroom spores and seal the jar. Place the jar in a dim, warm space and wait for colonization to occur.
The time it takes for mushrooms to grow in a substrate jar depends on the species. For example, colonization time for cordyceps strains ranged from 8 to 50 weeks. After colonization, you will need to prepare the mushrooms for fruiting, which may involve introducing them to extra water or oxygen.
