John Miller
Constructing a mushroom box, or a fruiting chamber, is a great way to grow mushrooms at home. Mushroom fruiting chambers are enclosed spaces that mimic the conditions and environment in which mushrooms naturally grow, helping them to grow successfully. There are a variety of ways to construct a mushroom box, from simple kits that can be used at home to more complex, large-scale operations. The type of mushroom you want to grow will determine the design and characteristics of your mushroom box. For example, shiitake mushrooms grow on wood or hardwood sawdust, while oyster mushrooms grow on straw. In general, mushrooms require temperature stability, high humidity, airflow, and light to fruit properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Shiitake, Oyster, Lion's Mane, Button, Psilocybe Cubensis, Golden Teacher, Thai, Brazil Strains |
| Mushroom box type | Monotub, Shotgun Fruiting Chamber, Martha Grow Tent, Hydroponics Tent, Grow Tent, Grow Room, Fruiting House, Grow Kit |
| Mushroom box material | Wood, Plastic, Glass, Aluminium, Shelving, Refrigeration Containers, Reusable Containers, Buckets, Jars, Concrete |
| Mushroom growth requirements | Temperature stability, high humidity, airflow, light, moisture, fresh air, CO2 levels |
| Additional equipment | Fans, misters, digital thermometers, humidifiers, air pumps, LED lamps, water spray bottles |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a container
Size and Scale
The size of your container will depend on the scale of your operation. If you're a small-scale grower, a monotub or a small mushroom grow kit might be ideal. These typically come in sizes like 8-gallon plastic containers or 15-20 litre plastic boxes. Commercial growers or those aiming for large-scale production may opt for larger containers like shotgun fruiting chambers or even entire rooms dedicated to mushroom cultivation.
Material
Plastic containers are commonly used for mushroom cultivation due to their practicality and ease of cleaning. You can find plastic containers in various sizes, from small boxes to large bins. However, it's important to note that plastic sheeting used to cover wooden frames can be challenging to clean compared to rigid walls. Additionally, consider the impact of single-use plastic on the environment and explore alternatives if possible.
Environmental Conditions
Different mushroom species have specific environmental requirements. Some mushrooms, like Oyster mushrooms, thrive in high CO2 environments, while others, like Lion's Mane, are less particular about CO2 levels but sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Choose a container that allows you to control these factors effectively. For example, glass panel walls can help maintain humidity while providing good airflow, but you'll need to ensure proper ventilation to manage CO2 levels.
Reusability and Sustainability
Consider using reusable containers such as buckets and jars, especially if you're concerned about sustainability. Additionally, explore using waste materials like sawdust, straw, spent coffee grounds, or recycled refrigeration shipping containers as your growing medium. This approach reduces waste and provides an eco-friendly alternative to single-use materials.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Mushroom fruiting chambers can be damp places with high humidity, so choose a container that is easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning is essential to minimise contaminants like mould. Avoid materials that are prone to damage from damp conditions, such as wood, drywall, or carpet. Opt for materials that can withstand regular disinfection and sterilisation to prevent bacteria and pests from affecting your mushroom crop.
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Preparing the substrate
Choosing the Right Substrate
Different types of mushrooms require different substrates to grow. For example, shiitake mushrooms thrive on wood or hardwood sawdust, oyster mushrooms favour straw, and button mushrooms grow well on composted manure. Using the right substrate is essential to ensure successful mushroom cultivation.
Sterilizing the Substrate
To prevent contamination and the growth of unwanted bacteria, it is crucial to sterilize the substrate before use. This can be achieved by pasteurizing the substrate, especially when using materials like straw or sawdust. Alternatively, you can opt for store-bought sterilized substrates available in the form of jars or cakes, which are ready for inoculation.
Moisture and Humidity
Maintaining optimal moisture and humidity levels is vital for mushroom growth. Before placing the substrate in the mushroom box, ensure it is slightly moist. Mist the substrate with distilled water, but be careful not to over-mist, as this can lead to mould formation. The ideal humidity for mushroom fruiting is around 90%, which can be achieved through various methods, such as using a humidifier or evaporating water within the mushroom box.
Air Exchange and Ventilation
Mushrooms require ample fresh air exchange (FAE) and ventilation to grow properly. Create air holes in your mushroom box to facilitate air exchange and connect an air pump for automatic ventilation. You can also place a jar of water with an air pump stone near the mushroom cakes to filter the incoming air and maintain humidity.
Temperature Control
Mushrooms prefer stable temperatures, although the optimal temperature varies depending on the species. Aim for temperature stability by creating an insulated environment. For cold-loving mushrooms like shiitake, maintain cooler temperatures, while warm-loving mushrooms like psilocybin mushrooms require a tropical or subtropical climate.
Light Conditions
Mushrooms need light to fruit properly, but direct sunlight should be avoided. Provide low to moderate light conditions, similar to normal daylight hours. A weak LED lamp in the blue range or a fluorescent light can be used to achieve the desired light conditions without overpowering the mushrooms.
Remember, preparing the substrate is a delicate process that requires attention to detail. Each step must be carefully executed to create the optimal environment for mushroom growth. By following these instructions and adapting them to your specific mushroom variety, you'll be well on your way to a successful mushroom cultivation experience.
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Maintaining humidity
Misting the growing area with distilled water is a common practice to maintain humidity. This involves spraying a fine mist of water onto the growing medium, such as cakes or compost, without over-saturating them. Misting the walls or lid of the growing container can also help increase humidity. However, it is important to avoid excessive moisture, as it can lead to mould growth.
Another method to maintain humidity is to use a humidifier. A centrifugal humidifier can be mounted in a plastic tub within the growing chamber, with a water inlet connected to a water source. A plastic toilet float valve can be used to control the water level and prevent flooding. An alternative low-tech approach is to pour a small amount of chilled boiled water into the grow box, which will evaporate and maintain humidity.
Air exchange is crucial when maintaining humidity. Mushrooms require fresh air and good airflow to fruit properly, but this can be challenging when trying to maintain high humidity. Creating air holes in the growing container or using fans can facilitate air exchange while maintaining humidity. Additionally, certain mushrooms, like Oyster mushrooms, prefer a lot of fresh air and will grow smaller caps in high CO2 environments.
Temperature also plays a role in maintaining humidity. Mushrooms require temperature stability, with some species having specific temperature preferences. For example, Shiitake mushrooms prefer colder temperatures, while Oyster mushrooms thrive in warmer climates. Adjusting the temperature can help regulate humidity levels within the growing chamber.
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Air circulation
First, it is important to understand the specific requirements of the mushroom variety you intend to grow. Oyster mushrooms, for instance, thrive with ample fresh air and will produce smaller caps in high CO2 environments. On the other hand, Lion's Mane mushrooms are less sensitive to CO2 levels but are particular about temperature and humidity fluctuations.
When constructing your mushroom box, ensure it has adequate ventilation holes. You can achieve this by drilling a row of air holes along the sides of the container, positioned about three inches down from the brim. Use a power drill with a one-eighth-inch bit, spacing the holes about two inches apart. Repeat this process on the opposite side, ensuring a consistent distance between holes. This step facilitates air circulation and allows for the exchange of gases, mimicking the natural environment mushrooms would typically grow in.
Additionally, consider incorporating an air pump for automatic fresh air exchange. This can be achieved by connecting an aquarium air pump to your mushroom box, with a hose running into the box through a separate hole. You can also place a stone at the end of the hose, submerging it in a jar of water, to filter the incoming air and maintain humidity. This setup will provide continuous fresh air to your mushrooms while helping to regulate moisture levels.
Maintain a consistent airflow in your mushroom box by regularly fanning the chamber. This can be done using a simple storage bin cover or an electric fan, especially if the room feels stuffy. The goal is to replicate the environment of a shady, wet forest with good airflow and light.
Finally, misting your mushroom box with distilled water is an effective way to regulate humidity and airflow. Misting should be done no more than twice a day, and it's important not to over-mist to avoid mould. Hold the bottle away from and above the mushrooms, creating a fine mist that evenly coats the mushrooms and the lid of your container. If water starts dripping from the lid, wipe it off, and remove some of the perlite at the bottom of the box to reduce humidity.
By following these steps and paying close attention to air circulation, you'll create an optimal environment for your mushrooms to thrive.
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Lighting
Mushrooms require some light as an indication that it's time to grow. While they don't photosynthesize like plants, mushrooms grow towards the sun in nature. However, too much light can be detrimental. Intense or harsh lighting can dry out mushrooms or stunt their growth. Therefore, it's essential to find the right balance. A modest amount of light is sufficient for mushrooms to thrive.
There are a few options to consider when it comes to lighting for your mushroom box:
- LED Lighting: LED lights are a popular choice for mushroom cultivation. They provide adequate illumination without being overwhelming. LED strips can be placed inside the box to offer just enough light for mushrooms to grow and for you to work comfortably. Additionally, LED lights are energy-efficient and can be set on timers for convenience.
- Fluorescent Lighting: Some growers prefer fluorescent lighting, specifically CFL (compact fluorescent lights) or daylight fluorescent tubes, for their mushroom boxes. These lights emit a brighter light in the 6,000–7,000 Kelvin range, which is closer to natural daylight.
- Natural Lighting: Natural daylight or indirect sunlight is another option for lighting your mushroom box. Many growers believe that placing the box near a window provides mushrooms with the necessary light exposure. However, direct sunlight should be avoided, especially during the initial stages of growth.
When setting up the lighting in your mushroom box, consider the following:
- Light Intensity: The intensity of the light should be gentle and not too harsh. Avoid using incandescent light bulbs, as they emit a "red" light in the low range of about 3,000–3,500 Kelvin, which is not ideal for mushroom growth.
- Light Direction: Ensure that the lighting is directed towards the mushrooms and not shining directly on them, which can cause excessive drying.
- Light Schedule: Some growers prefer to use LED or CFL lights on a 12-hour schedule to mimic natural daylight cycles. This can be achieved by setting timers for your LED lights or by utilizing natural daylight through a window.
In addition to functional lighting for mushroom growth, you may also consider adding lighting for aesthetic purposes:
- LED Mushroom Lights: You can create enchanting mushroom lights by embedding LEDs inside hand-molded mushroom caps made from silicone. These lights can be controlled via Bluetooth, and the colour can be changed using a microcontroller.
- Mushroom Lamps: Another option is to construct a magical mushroom lamp using cardboard, LED strips, and decorative elements. These lamps can be illuminated in various colours and add a whimsical touch to your mushroom box.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms thrive in a room with some light but not direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is in the low to mid-seventies with good air exchange that doesn't get too stuffy or dirty. The humidity should be around 35%, but this varies depending on the type of mushroom.
You will need a plastic container, aquarium, or terrarium with a volume of about 30 liters. You will also need an air pump for ventilation and a humidifier to create humidity. Drill a row of air holes across the side of the container to allow for airflow.
First, you need to thoroughly wash your container with a disinfectant detergent or bleach solution to sterilize the growing area. Next, connect the air pump hose and place a stone at the end of the hose in a jar with water to filter the incoming air. Then, create a layer of moist perlite at the bottom of the box and place your mushroom cakes on top. Finally, turn on the LED lamp and maintain the humidity by misting the cakes with distilled water.
It is important to maintain temperature stability and consistent humidity levels. Avoid touching the cakes to prevent contamination. Mist your cakes regularly, but be careful not to over-mist as this can cause mould.
