Emily Johnson
Building an incubator for mushroom spores is a great way to grow your own mushrooms at home. A mushroom incubator, also known as a mushroom incubation chamber, is a setup that allows gardeners to grow mushrooms with limited space and money. To build a simple incubator, you will need two plastic storage totes, an aquarium heater, bricks, and a thermometer. The process involves placing one tote inside the other, creating a humid environment for the mushrooms by filling the bottom tote with water, and regulating temperature with the aquarium heater. More advanced incubators may use materials like styrofoam, heating mats, and fans to maintain optimal conditions for mushroom growth. The incubation period provides time for the mycelium to grow, and the right conditions will vary depending on the mushroom species. With proper care and maintenance, a mushroom incubator can be a rewarding project for gardeners and mushroom enthusiasts alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Styrofoam, plywood, metal, plastic, rubbermaid, tupperware, aquarium heater, bricks, thermometer, gloves, bleach, fans, humidifiers, heaters, coroplast, misting line and pump, lights, heating film/mats, clear PET plastic sheets, thick PET film, double-sided adhesive tape, spawn jars, grow bags, air temperature controller/thermostat |
| Location | Quiet, dark, undisturbed area of the home, e.g. closet, garage or basement |
| Temperature | 65-80°F (ideal for most mushrooms), 77-80°F (for some mushrooms) |
| Humidity | Wet, but not sodden substrate; water in the bottom tote should cover the bricks |
| Lighting | Similar to a cloudy autumn day |
| Size | 607040 cm or 242816 inches (can vary depending on needs) |
| Time | 4-8 weeks |
| Cleaning | Clean with a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach to avoid contamination |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
When building an incubator for mushroom spores, choosing the right materials is essential to creating the ideal conditions for mushroom growth. Here are some key considerations for selecting the appropriate components:
Insulation and Strength
Styrofoam is a popular choice for incubator walls due to its insulating properties and strength. It helps maintain a stable temperature within the chamber. However, it is important to note that styrofoam is flammable, so caution is necessary when using this material.
Transparency and Accessibility
For the front wall or door of the incubator, consider using clear PET plastic sheets or thick PET film. This allows you to observe the growth of your mushrooms without disturbing the environment. Alternatively, you can use styrofoam panels for the door, ensuring insulation while providing a clear view of the incubation process.
Temperature Control
To regulate the temperature within the incubator, you can use a heating film or heat mat. Flat heating mats are space-efficient and can be controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat turns on the heat mat when the temperature drops below the desired range and turns it off when the upper limit is reached, maintaining a consistent environment for mushroom growth.
Humidity and Ventilation
Mushrooms require specific humidity levels and adequate ventilation. Using two plastic storage totes, one placed inside the other, with water in the bottom tote, helps maintain humidity. Drilling holes in the sides of the totes or using a monotub setup provides necessary ventilation while preventing the mushrooms from getting drenched.
Air Circulation
Air circulation is crucial for maintaining optimal CO2 levels and preventing spore buildup. A fan placed inside the incubator helps circulate air, ensuring proper airflow and reducing the risk of mould or other contaminants.
By carefully selecting materials that cater to insulation, temperature control, humidity, and air circulation, you can create an effective incubator for mushroom spores, providing the ideal environment for their growth and development.
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Location and setup
When setting up your mushroom incubator, it's important to find a suitable location that meets the requirements of mushroom cultivation. Choose a quiet, dark, and undisturbed area of your home, such as a closet, garage, or basement. This location should be free from excessive light, as mushrooms only need a small amount of light in the fruiting chamber to signal that it's time to grow. Aim for lighting levels similar to a cloudy autumn day to simulate their natural growth conditions.
For the setup, you can use a variety of materials and structures depending on your needs and resources. One simple method is the Tub-in-Tub (TiT) technique, which involves using two plastic storage totes, one placed inside the other, with the inner tote slightly smaller. Drill a 1-inch hole in the end of the outer tote, about 6 inches from the top, and insert an aquarium heater near the centre, threading the power cord through the hole. Place bricks or similar structures inside the tote to elevate the inner tote, and fill the outer tote with water. The inner tote should contain your mushroom substrate, such as vermiculite or perlite, along with water to maintain humidity.
Another option is to create a monotub setup, which is a common choice for small-scale growers. This involves using a large plastic container, such as a clear plastic bin, with holes drilled in the sides for ventilation. You can modify your monotub to cultivate a wider variety of mushroom species by installing a fresh air exchange (FAE) fan to increase airflow and control CO2 levels.
If you're growing magic mushrooms, you can simply place your incubating jars in a box on top of a refrigerator to maintain a suitable temperature. However, building a more controlled incubator is recommended to optimise growing conditions and prevent contamination. This can be done using a plastic cooler with a flexible lid and an aquarium heater, ensuring a watertight seal.
For larger operations, you may consider converting entire rooms or shipping containers into fruiting chambers, as seen in some commercial setups. These chambers can be equipped with metal shelving, fans, and other equipment to control temperature, humidity, and airflow. It's important to regularly clean your setup to prevent the buildup of spores, mould, and other contaminants.
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Temperature control
The ideal temperature range for most mushrooms is between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is optimal for inoculating most types of mushrooms. However, it is important to note that different mushroom species have varying temperature requirements. For example, oyster mushrooms prefer a warmer environment compared to shiitake mushrooms. Additionally, the temperature for incubating grain spawn should ideally not exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
To achieve and maintain the desired temperature in your incubator, you can utilise various methods and equipment:
- Aquarium Heater: Place an aquarium heater inside the bottom tote of your incubator setup. Ensure the power cord is threaded through a drilled hole and plugged into an outlet.
- Heating Film or Heat Mat: Flat heating films or heat mats are space-efficient and can be affixed to the walls of the incubator with adhesive tape. Avoid placing them on the floor or ceiling of the incubator, as this can lead to direct contact with jars/bags containing the substrate or inefficient heating.
- Temperature Controller: Invest in a thermostat or temperature controller that allows you to set a specific temperature range. This enables automatic temperature regulation, turning the heating element on or off as needed to maintain the set range.
- Spawn Box: Using a spawn box with a temperature controller provides a convenient and effective solution. It eliminates the need for constant monitoring and manual adjustment of environmental conditions, ensuring a consistent and faster incubation process.
By combining these methods and equipment, you can achieve optimal temperature control for your mushroom incubator. Remember to research the specific temperature requirements of the mushroom species you intend to cultivate to tailor your temperature settings accordingly.
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Humidity and CO2 levels
Humidity is one of the fundamental parameters for the success of mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms, being made up of almost 90% water, require high humidity to ensure their growth and fruiting. A humidity of 70% is recommended during incubation, and 85% to 95% during fruiting to stimulate the formation of primordia and ensure good growth.
During the incubation phase, moderate humidity (around 70%) is sufficient to promote substrate colonisation while limiting mould development. Generally, the substrates are found in closed bags (with microfilters). In the fruiting phase, higher humidity, between 85% and 95%, is necessary to stimulate the formation of primordia and guarantee quality fruiting bodies. Insufficient humidity can slow down the development of mushrooms, cause cracks in the fruiting bodies, or even cause them to dry out prematurely.
To maintain the ideal humidity level for growing mushrooms, there are several methods to consider, including using misting spray bottles, pond misters, fans, perlite, and companion planting. One of the simplest ways to control humidity is by using a misting spray bottle. This involves spraying the mushrooms and the surrounding area with water to increase humidity levels. This method is cost-effective and easy to set up, but it may not be sufficient for large-scale mushroom cultivation as it requires a lot of manual labour and may not provide consistent humidity levels. Pond misters, on the other hand, are often used in commercial mushroom cultivation as they can provide consistent humidity levels and are easy to set up. They involve using a device that sprays a fine mist of water into the air, which then settles on the mushrooms and the surrounding area.
Carbon dioxide level control is critical in mushroom farming. Along with darkness and humidity, it is one of the most important factors in growth success. All must be tightly controlled during mushroom growth to obtain high-quality, large sizes, and overall yield. Most experts suggest CO2 levels between 10,000 and 20,000 ppm during the spawn run but no more than 1,000 ppm during the fruiting phase, preferably between 500 and 800 ppm. If CO2 concentrations are higher than 1,000 ppm during fruiting, yields will decrease.
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Lighting
When choosing a location for your mushroom incubator, look for a quiet, dark, and undisturbed area. This will help create the ideal lighting conditions for mushroom growth. You can use a room in your home, such as a closet, garage, or basement, as long as it meets these criteria.
To achieve the desired lighting conditions, you can use artificial lighting fixtures or natural light sources. If using artificial lighting, avoid bright fluorescent lights as they can be too harsh for mushrooms. Instead, opt for softer lighting options that provide enough illumination for you to work, take notes, and observe your mushrooms without being too intense.
In addition to lighting, it is crucial to consider other factors that can impact mushroom growth, such as temperature, humidity, airflow, and sanitation. Maintaining a stable temperature is essential, as mushrooms have a preferred range in which they thrive. A cooling system may be necessary to regulate temperatures, especially during the incubation period when large amounts of incubation can generate a lot of heat.
It is also important to clean your incubator regularly to prevent the build-up of spores, mould, and other contaminants. This can be done by scrubbing the walls and shelves with a diluted bleach solution between batches. By providing the right lighting and environmental conditions, you can successfully grow mushrooms in your incubator.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need two plastic storage totes, an aquarium heater, bricks, a thermometer, and gloves. You will also need a mushroom substrate such as vermiculite or perlite.
First, drill a 1-inch hole in the larger tote, roughly 6 inches from the top. Insert the aquarium heater through the hole and fill the tote with water. Place the bricks inside and put the smaller tote on top of them. Add water to the larger tote until it reaches two-thirds full. Add 4 to 8 dry quarts of mushroom substrate to the smaller tote and add water. Place the thermometer in the smaller tote and put the lid on.
The ideal temperature range for most types of mushrooms is between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this may vary depending on the specific type of mushroom.
It is important to maintain proper humidity, CO2 levels, lighting, and ventilation in the incubator. A fan can be used to circulate air, and a heater may be necessary during colder months. Clean all materials with a bleach solution before use to avoid contamination.
