Laura Smith
The amount of mushrooms yielded per quart of spawn depends on a variety of factors, including the type of mushroom, the growing technique, and environmental conditions. According to sources, the yield per quart of spawn can range from 1.5 to 4.25 oz of mushrooms, with some reporting up to 600 wet. It's important to note that the amount of spawn used is not the sole factor determining yield, and factors such as the quality of spawn, substrate preparation, and environmental conditions also play a significant role in mushroom cultivation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Yield per quart of spawn | 1.5-2 oz dry |
| Yield per quart of spawn (with clones) | Up to 3.5 oz dry |
| Yield per quart (with PE) | 600 wet |
| Yield ratio (spawn to substrate) | 1:12, 1:2, 4:48, 7:14, 4:9 or 10 |
| Yield (7:14 ratio) | Fruiting like mad and quickly |
| Yield (higher spawn ratio) | Slightly higher |
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What You'll Learn
Yielding 1.5-2 oz dry from each quart of spawn
For oyster mushrooms, a common yield range is between 1 and 2 ounces of dry mushrooms per quart of spawn. This yield is achievable with proper cultivation techniques and favourable environmental conditions. To maximize your yield, it is important to provide adequate humidity, fresh air exchange, and proper substrate preparation.
The type of substrate you use can also impact your yield. Grain spawn, for example, tends to yield higher amounts of mushrooms compared to other substrates. When using grain spawn, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a 1:3 ratio of spawn to substrate by weight. For each quart of spawn, you would typically use three quarts of substrate. This ratio provides the mushrooms with ample food sources and surface area to grow and fruit.
Environmental conditions play a crucial role in determining the yield. Mushrooms thrive in humid environments with adequate ventilation. Maintaining a relative humidity of around 80-90% during pinning and initial fruiting can significantly enhance your yields. Ensure that your growing area has good air exchange without excessive drafts, as stagnant air can hinder mushroom development.
Additionally, proper sterilization and contamination control are essential for achieving the desired yield. Contamination can reduce yields and even ruin mushroom crops. Sterilize all substrates and growing equipment before use and maintain a clean and sterile environment throughout the cultivation process.
Lastly, the species of mushroom you choose to cultivate will also impact your yield. Some species are naturally more prolific than others. Oyster mushrooms, for example, are known for their vigorous growth and high yields. Golden oyster mushrooms, in particular, can produce abundant crops, often yielding towards the higher end of the range.
By following these guidelines and providing optimal growing conditions, you can reasonably expect to achieve yields of 1.5-2 oz dry mushrooms from each quart of spawn, if not more. Remember that every species has unique requirements, so be sure to research the specific needs of the mushrooms you plan to cultivate.
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Using 4 quarts of full spawn
One user on the Shroomery forum reported an average yield of 1.5 to 2 ounces dry from each quart of spawn. They used 2 quarts of spawn with 3.5 quarts of coir/vermiculite/gypsum in 11x22 seedling trays, yielding 3 to 4 ounces over 3 flushes. Another user, who also used 4 quarts of full spawn, reported a similar yield of around 2 to 3.5 ounces dry.
It's important to note that the yield can vary depending on the depth of the substrate and the spawn: bulk ratio. Some growers recommend a 1:1 ratio of spawn to bulk substrate, while others suggest a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio. The depth of the substrate can also vary, with some growers using a 4-inch deep substrate and others opting for a shallower 2-inch thick substrate.
Additionally, the type of container and the number of flushes can impact the yield. For example, using shoebox trays or seedling trays may result in different yields compared to using monotubs or bags. The number of flushes can also vary, with some growers reporting one to three flushes before harvesting.
To optimize your yields, it's recommended to use a spawn calculator. By inputting the dimensions of your container, desired spawn: bulk ratios, and substrate components, you can determine the precise amount of spawn and substrate needed for optimal mushroom growth. This allows growers to achieve superior results, regardless of their experience level.
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Quart jars 3/4 full of grain spawn
To grow mushrooms, you need to prepare your grain spawn. First, rinse and clean the grains, then soak them in water for 12-24 hours. Next, cook the grains for 15-20 minutes so they absorb water, then drain and dry the excess moisture from the outside of the grains. Once your grains are dry, load them into your jars until they are about 2/3 to 3/4 full. The jar lids should have a breathable filter to allow for gas exchange during incubation. You can do this by drilling a 1/4" hole through the lid and pulling some synthetic pillow stuffing through the hole. Alternatively, you can drill a few holes in the lid and place a synthetic filter disc between the jar lid and the screw cap.
Cover the jar lids with tinfoil to prevent water from entering the grain and altering its moisture content. Sterilize the jars for 90 minutes at 15 PSI using a pressure cooker or autoclave. After sterilizing, leave the jars to cool for a few hours.
The weight of the grain spawn in a quart jar will depend on the type of grain, how wet it is, and how full the jar is. You can calculate the weight of the grain spawn by weighing an empty jar and then weighing your spawn jars. The difference between the two readings is the weight of the spawn.
The yield of mushrooms per quart of spawn also depends on various factors, such as the type of mushroom and growing conditions. On average, you can expect to yield 1.5 to 2 oz of dry mushrooms from each quart of spawn.
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Yielding 3-4 oz over 3 flushes
The yield of mushrooms can vary depending on a range of factors, including the type of mushroom, the growing technique, and the substrate used.
One source suggests that a yield of 3-4 oz over 3 flushes can be achieved using 2 quarts of spawn with 3.5 quarts of coir/verm/gyp in 11x22 seedling trays. This equates to around 1-1.5 oz per quart of dried mushrooms, which is within the range considered standard by another source.
However, it's important to note that yields can vary significantly depending on the specific conditions and techniques used. For example, one grower reports yields of 5 oz dry from 9 quarts of spawn, while another achieves only 1.25 oz per quart using the same number of quarts.
To increase yields, growers can experiment with different amounts of bran (wheat, oat, or rice) in a hardwood sawdust substrate. Supplementation, or adding a nitrogen-rich nutrient to the mushroom substrate, can also increase yields by providing the mycelium with a larger nutritional base. However, too much supplementation can lead to contamination and diminishing returns.
Other factors that can impact yield include the amount of spawn used, the ratio of spawn to substrate, and the surface area available for mushroom growth.
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Yielding 600 wet regardless of flushes
When cultivating mushrooms, the yield you can expect varies depending on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the substrate used, environmental conditions, and the technique employed. While it is challenging to provide a definitive answer to the yield in terms of the number of mushrooms per quart of spawn, we can discuss a strategy to achieve a target yield of 600 grams of wet mushrooms.
To achieve a yield of 600 grams of wet mushrooms, you can employ the following techniques:
- Select a productive mushroom strain: Choose a mushroom variety known for its vigorous growth and high yield potential. Some examples include Oyster mushrooms, Lion's Mane, or Shiitake. These species are renowned for their ability to produce abundant fruiting bodies.
- Use a high ratio of spawn to substrate: The amount of spawn you use in proportion to the substrate plays a crucial role in determining yield. For each quart of substrate, consider using a higher ratio of spawn, such as 1:4 or 1:3. This means for every quart of substrate, you would mix it with one-third or one-fourth spawn. This higher proportion of spawn will help maximize the number of mushrooms produced.
- Optimize substrate composition: The choice of substrate and its nutritional composition are critical for mushroom growth. Opt for a substrate that is rich in nutrients and well-balanced. Examples include straw, supplemented sawdust, or grain spawn. Ensure the substrate is properly prepared and sterilized to provide an ideal food source for the mycelium to colonize.
- Provide ideal environmental conditions: Mushrooms thrive within specific temperature, humidity, and ventilation ranges. Create an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Maintain a slightly cooler temperature, high humidity, and adequate ventilation during the fruiting process. This can be achieved through proper air exchange, misting, and using humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed.
- Implement good cultivation practices: Properly hydrate the substrate, provide adequate spacing for mushroom growth, and ensure optimal lighting conditions. Avoid contamination by using sterile techniques and maintaining a clean growing environment. Regularly inspect your mushroom bed to identify and address any potential issues promptly.
By combining these techniques, you can aim for a yield of 600 grams of wet mushrooms or more, depending on the mushroom species and other factors. Remember that yield can vary between flushes, so consistency in your practices and patience throughout the cultivation process are key to achieving your desired results.
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Frequently asked questions
The maximum yield per quart when growing mushrooms is about 600 wet.
The amount of spawn needed per quart depends on the grower. Some people use 4 quarts of spawn, while others use 5 or 6 quarts.
Yes, using more spawn can result in a better yield, as it provides more nutrients for the mushrooms to grow.
The average yield for every quart of spawn is 1.5 to 2 oz dry.
