John Miller
Mushroom fruiting bags are a popular way to cultivate mushrooms at home. They are convenient, cost-effective, and efficient, providing the right environment for mushrooms to thrive. The bags are typically made of gusseted autoclavable polypropylene with a filter patch, allowing for sterilisation and air circulation while preventing contamination. To care for mushroom fruiting bags, it is important to maintain optimal conditions, including temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange. The bags should be kept in complete darkness during the colonisation phase, and once fully colonised, they should be moved to a lightly lit area with good air circulation to initiate fruiting. Proper hydration is also crucial, and the bags should be checked daily, with misting or soaking as needed. With the right care, mushroom fruiting bags can provide multiple flushes of mushrooms over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of bag | Gusseted autoclavable polypropylene filter patch bag |
| Bag features | Gussets, filter patch, autoclavable |
| Bag functions | Spawn bags, sawdust fruiting blocks, pasteurization, sterilization, inoculation, fruiting, harvesting |
| Optimal time to open the bag | When the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate, i.e., when the bag appears white and fluffy with mycelium |
| Environmental factors | Temperature, humidity, light exposure, air circulation |
| Temperature | Between 55-75°F for most gourmet mushroom varieties; King oyster and pearl oyster mushrooms can tolerate slightly warmer conditions, while shiitake prefer it a bit cooler |
| Humidity | High (80-100%); mist the bags 1-3 times per day depending on humidity levels |
| Light exposure | Keep the bags in complete darkness during the mycelium colonization period; move to a lightly lit area to initiate fruiting |
| Air circulation | Avoid tightly enclosing the bags; elevate them on wire racks or wooden blocks to allow airflow underneath |
| Additional care | Keep the substrate moist; rotate the bags daily; harvest multiple flushes of mushrooms over time |
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$29.99
What You'll Learn
Optimal timing for opening the bag
The optimal timing for opening your mushroom fruiting bag is critical for achieving a successful and bountiful harvest. Opening the bag at the right time can be the difference between a successful harvest and a disappointing one. The most important sign that your bag is ready to be opened is full colonisation. The substrate inside the bag should be completely covered in white mycelium, indicating that the mycelium has established itself and is ready to support mushroom fruiting. This colonisation phase usually takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the mushroom species and environmental conditions.
Before opening the bag, it is important to ensure that your hands and workspace are clean to prevent contamination. Use gloves and sanitise any tools you may need, such as scissors or knives. Some bags come with perforated sections for easy opening. If yours does not, use sterilised scissors to cut the bag open just enough to allow airflow.
Once the bag is fully colonised, you can trigger your mushrooms into fruiting by increasing humidity. Cut a small cross or an 'X' into the front of your bag with a pair of scissors. Pull down the flaps and sprinkle the mycelium with water several times a day. It is recommended to cut a small hole on the side of the bag rather than the top. If you cut the top of the bag or open the entire top, the substrate dries out faster, and you get many small mushrooms instead of a few large groupings. Only one hole in the bag is required for every 750 grams of substrate. For most bags, one hole is sufficient. However, if you have a large bag, you may want to cut multiple holes.
Additionally, it is important to maintain the right temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange in and around the bag. Keep the substrate moist and provide light if necessary for the type of mushroom you are growing. High humidity is essential, ranging from 80% to 100%. Find an indoor spot away from direct airflow but with good air circulation. A garage, basement, or insulated shed are good options. You can also grow outdoors in a shady spot during cooler months, ensuring that temperatures do not drop below 50°F.
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Maintaining temperature, humidity and air circulation
Maintaining temperature, humidity, and air circulation
Temperature, humidity, and air circulation are key factors in successfully growing mushrooms in fruiting bags. These conditions can vary depending on your location and the season.
Mushrooms thrive in temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C). King oyster and pearl oyster mushrooms can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures, while shiitake mushrooms prefer it a bit cooler. Avoid temperatures above 80°F (27°C) or below 50°F (10°C).
High humidity is essential for mushroom growth, with optimal levels between 80-100%. To maintain humidity, keep the substrate moist and mist the bags with water once to three times per day, depending on the humidity levels. If the substrate dries out, soak the bags in cool water for 4-8 hours to rehydrate.
Mushrooms require fresh air to grow well, so adequate air exchange is crucial. Avoid tightly enclosing the fruiting bags and leave space between them if you're growing multiple bags. Elevate the bags on wire racks or wooden blocks to allow airflow underneath, and consider using small fans to circulate air gently. Rotate the bags daily so that all sides get exposure to fresh air. Opening a window for a brief period can also provide a boost of fresh air to the growing area.
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Avoiding contamination
Sterilization and Clean Environment:
Before introducing the substrate or starting the inoculation process, ensure that your growing environment, tools, and hands are clean and sterile. Sterilize the growing bag and its contents using an autoclave or a pressure cooker to reach the required sterile temperature. Autoclave tape can help indicate this by changing colour at 121°C. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-sterilized media from reputable sources to avoid under-sterilization issues.
Seal the Bag:
After filling the bag with the substrate mixture, seal it properly using a heat sealer or a similar device to prevent contaminants from entering.
Monitor Mycelium Growth:
Healthy mycelium growth is crucial and is indicated by a dense, white network of fibres throughout the substrate. Avoid opening the bag prematurely, as contamination risks are higher before full colonization. Monitor the mycelium development closely, and only introduce fresh air and humidity when it has fully colonized the substrate.
Maintain Proper Conditions:
Provide consistent temperatures, avoiding heat sources and airing cupboards. Store the bag in a dark, cool location, maintaining temperatures between 55-75°F for most gourmet mushroom varieties. Keep the substrate adequately hydrated by misting or soaking, as proper moisture encourages mushroom growth and prevents contamination.
Harvesting Techniques:
Harvesting too early or too late can impact mushroom quality. Remove the entire fruiting body to prevent contamination and possible rotting during a second flush. Use a gentle twist-and-pull method to avoid damaging the mycelium and surrounding mushrooms.
By following these steps and maintaining a sterile environment, you can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and improve the chances of a successful mushroom harvest.
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Reusing grow bags
If you choose to reuse your grow bags, it is important to take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of contamination. One way to do this is to sterilize the bags and any equipment that will come into contact with the mushrooms, such as syringes. You can also remove any plastic components from the grow bags before composting the substrate and recycling the bag. It is worth noting that not all recycling centers accept polypropylene, so it is important to check with local facilities.
Additionally, when reusing grow bags, it is important to consider the type of mushrooms you are growing. For side-fruiting mushrooms, you will need to cut the bag, while top-fruiting mushrooms can be grown in a reusable monotub or shoebox. Reusable bottles can also be used, but cleaning them between crops can be time-consuming.
Some mushroom bags are designed with reusability in mind and are made of sturdy materials that can withstand repeated use. These bags are more expensive than single-use options but are more environmentally friendly in the long run. When choosing a reusable bag, look for one with a filter patch that allows air exchange while keeping contaminants out.
Overall, reusing grow bags can be a sustainable practice, but it is important to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of contamination and to check that your bag is suitable for reuse.
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Choosing the right location
Temperature is another key factor in selecting the right location. Most gourmet mushroom varieties perform best at temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. King oyster and pearl oyster mushrooms can tolerate slightly warmer conditions, while shiitake mushrooms prefer it a bit cooler. Avoid areas where temperatures exceed 80°F or fall below 50°F.
Humidity is also essential, with ideal levels ranging from 80% to 100%. Maintaining adequate humidity is crucial for the mycelium and developing mushrooms, which require constant moisture. Check the bags daily by lifting them and feeling their weight—a well-hydrated bag should feel heavy. If the bag feels light, it's an indication that it needs to be misted or soaked. The frequency of misting can vary from once to three times per day, depending on the humidity levels in your chosen location.
When selecting a location, it's important to remember that mushrooms require darkness during the mycelium colonisation period, which typically lasts between two and four weeks. Once this period is complete, you can move the bags to a lightly lit area to initiate fruiting. Exposure to light triggers the formation of mushrooms.
Lastly, when choosing a location, consider the convenience of your setup and the amount of space you'll need. Mushroom fruiting bags come in various sizes and thicknesses, so select a space that can accommodate your setup comfortably. Additionally, hanging mushroom bags can be a great option as they allow for cutting holes in all sides, enabling mushrooms to grow in multiple directions.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom fruiting bags are pre-inoculated blocks that contain mushroom spawn embedded in a substrate like sawdust straw or wood chips. They are designed to provide a conducive environment for mushrooms to thrive.
Maintaining the right temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange in and around the bag is crucial. Keep the substrate moist and provide light if necessary for the type of mushroom you are growing.
Most gourmet mushroom varieties perform best at temperatures between 55-75°F. High humidity is also essential, ranging from 80-100%.
The most important sign that your bag is ready to be opened is full colonization. The substrate inside the bag should be completely covered in white mycelium, with no bare patches. This colonization phase usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Overlooking the importance of environmental factors such as temperature and light after opening the bag can lead to premature veil breaking or missing the optimal harvest time. Opening the bag too early can stunt growth and result in poor fruiting. Contamination is also a common issue, so it is important to keep your workspace and hands clean before opening the bag.
