Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a fun and easy-to-grow addition to any meal, providing a unique flavor and a myriad of health benefits. They are also known for their medicinal properties, such as protection against cancer and their potential in treating mental health conditions. However, creating mushrooms at home requires careful attention to detail, as some varieties can be dangerous if not prepared correctly. In this guide, we will explore the steps to create mushrooms at home, including important safety considerations to ensure a successful and safe harvest. From preparing the substrate to maintaining the ideal environment, we will cover everything you need to know to become a master mushroom cultivator, creating delicious and safe mushrooms for your next meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growing Environment | Dark, cool, and humid |
| Temperature | 55-60°F (12-15°C) |
| Light | Low light |
| Substrate | Compost, straw, wood chips, cardboard, sawdust, grain, manure, etc. |
| Spawn | Mycelium starter used for mushroom production |
| Sterilization | Substrate must be sterilized before inoculation |
| Boiling Water Temperature | 212°F (100°C) |
| Microorganism Death Temperature | 149°F (65°C) |
| Spawn Bag Injection Port | Wiped with isopropyl alcohol |
| Inoculation Temperature | Room temperature |
| Harvest Time | 15-21 days after casing; 7-8 weeks after composting |
| Cropping Cycle | 7-10 days |
| Pasteurization | Steam used to pasteurize substrate after harvest |
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What You'll Learn
Sterilise the substrate
Sterilising the substrate is a crucial step in mushroom cultivation, as it minimises the risk of contamination that can lead to growth issues or sickness in the mushrooms. While pasteurisation is sufficient for some mushroom types, sterilisation is necessary for slow-growing mushrooms that require nutrient-rich substrates.
The process of sterilisation involves heating the substrate to a temperature that kills all bacteria and pathogens. This temperature is typically above 120°C, and it is achieved through the use of steam and pressure. At sea level, water boils at 100°C, and to reach the required temperature for sterilisation, additional pressure is needed. The temperature of 121°C (250°F) is commonly used and requires a pressure of 15 PSI. It is important to note that boiling water alone will not achieve the required temperature for sterilisation.
There are several methods for sterilising mushroom substrates. One popular method is the "bucket technique," which involves using a heavy-duty 5-gallon bucket with a locking lid. The process begins by cleaning the workstation and filling the bucket with the substrate of choice, such as straw, wood pellets, or coffee grounds. Then, bring 3/4 to 1 gallon of water to a boil and add it to the bucket with the substrate. Allow the substrate to sit in the hot water for some time before letting it cool overnight.
Another method is to use a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot®. Before using this method, ensure that your pressure cooker is in good condition and all components are functioning properly. Look for any signs of damage, such as dents, bulges, or cracks, especially in the rubber seals. Make sure the vent pipe is clear, and all screws are tightened securely. Then, add your substrate to the pressure cooker and follow the instructions for maintaining the desired temperature and pressure settings.
For larger and bulkier substrates, such as wood chips or straw, fermentation is a natural and low-tech technique that requires only water. This method involves submerging the substrate in water for at least a week, allowing the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which can only survive without oxygen.
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Prepare the spawn
Preparing the spawn is a crucial step in the mushroom-growing process. It involves creating a substance called spawn, which is a mixture of mycelium and a growing medium such as grain or straw. The spawn acts as a starter for mushroom growth, similar to how a sourdough starter is used to make bread.
To prepare the spawn, you'll first need to sterilize the growing medium to prevent unwanted bacteria from inhibiting mushroom growth. This can be done using the "`bucket technique," where you mix the growing medium with boiling water in a sealed bucket to create a pressurized environment that kills microorganisms. Let the mixture cool overnight before proceeding to the next step.
The next step is to inoculate the sterilized growing medium with mushroom spores or mycelium. This can be done using a spawn bag with an injection port or by simply mixing the spores or mycelium into the growing medium. If using a spawn bag, ensure that the injection port and your work area are thoroughly cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to prevent contamination.
For grain spawn, a traditional method is to start with sterilized grain and a slice of mushroom culture from a Petri dish. Small pieces of pure culture mycelium are placed in small batches of grain and grown at room temperature (22-24°C). As the mycelium colonizes the grain, it is used to inoculate larger batches, eventually resulting in a sufficient amount of spawn.
It's important to note that preparing spawn can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for beginners. It may take multiple attempts to perfect the technique, and failures due to mold contamination or other issues are common. As an alternative, you can purchase spawn from a supplier, which allows you to focus on the fun part of growing mushrooms without the tedious preparation process.
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Maintain humidity
Maintaining humidity is crucial for cultivating mushrooms, as they require high humidity levels to grow and mature. Here are some detailed instructions on how to achieve and maintain the necessary humidity:
Understanding Humidity Requirements
Different mushroom species have varying humidity needs, but most require high humidity levels. Generally, the ideal humidity range for growing mushrooms is between 70% to 90%. Humidity below this range can cause mushrooms to dry out and stall their growth, while excessive humidity can promote mould and harmful microorganism growth.
Choosing the Right Environment
Select a growing environment that can maintain the desired humidity levels. Basements or spots under the sink are common choices for indoor cultivation. If you opt for a greenhouse, ensure it has adequate humidity control features. Additionally, consider the climate and weather patterns in your location. If you live in a humid area, you may need to take steps to reduce humidity, while in arid regions, you'll focus on increasing and maintaining humidity.
Using Humidifiers
One effective way to increase and maintain humidity is by using a humidifier designed for mushroom cultivation. Ultrasonic, cool mist, and warm mist humidifiers are some options to consider. Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency vibrations to create a fine mist, while cool mist humidifiers employ a fan blowing through a wet filter. Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, boil water to release steam.
Spray Bottles and Misting
Spray bottles filled with water are a simple and cost-effective way to increase humidity. Spray the mushrooms and the surrounding area with a fine mist several times a day. This method is particularly useful for smaller-scale operations. However, avoid directly misting the mushroom fruits to prevent potential contamination and bacterial blotch.
Containers and Air Circulation
Use containers made of materials that retain moisture, such as plastic, glass, or polyethylene bags. Ensure the containers are large enough to allow for proper air circulation, as stagnant air can lead to deformed mushrooms. Balance humidity with fresh air exchange by using fans, but avoid blowing directly onto the mushrooms, as this can cause rapid drying.
Humidity Sensors and Monitoring
Invest in a humidity sensor to consistently monitor and regulate humidity levels. Digital sensors provide precise readings and are easier to interpret, while analog sensors are typically more affordable. Place the sensors correctly within the growing environment to ensure accurate readings.
Dew-Point Considerations
Understand the relationship between humidity and temperature, known as the dew point. Lower humidity after reaching the dew point to allow water to evaporate. Keep mushrooms slightly cooler than the surrounding air to facilitate condensation on the mushroom caps, which is a crucial aspect of successful mushroom cultivation.
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Provide nutrients
Providing the right nutrients is essential to creating an environment where mushrooms can thrive and spread. Mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they require external nutrients to grow. This is where the mushroom substrate comes in—it acts as the foundational material that supports the growth of mycelium (the vegetative part of the fungi) and provides essential nutrients for the development of healthy mushrooms.
The substrate composition will vary depending on the type of mushroom being cultivated. Common materials used include straw, sawdust, agricultural waste, compost, and coffee grounds. The substrate should offer a rich environment with the right balance of nutrients, moisture, and aeration to facilitate the colonisation of mycelium and the eventual fruiting of mushrooms.
To create the optimal environment for mushroom growth, it is crucial to maintain the correct pH levels in the substrate, usually between 5.5 and 7.0. This prevents contamination issues as certain contaminants thrive in acidic or alkaline conditions. Sterilising the mushroom substrate effectively eliminates contaminants and ensures a clean environment for mycelium development.
Supplementing the substrate with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supports the mycelium's development and leads to robust and healthy growth. Calcium and magnesium are also important, contributing to the overall substrate structure and maintaining the pH balance. Micronutrients like iron and zinc can further enhance the quality of mushrooms by improving their texture and nutritional content.
In addition to these nutrients, mushrooms also require food sources like carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins for their growth and maturation. Carbohydrates, in particular sawdust, provide the necessary energy for mycelium expansion. Proteins aid in cell growth, repair, and overall development, contributing to the synthesis of important molecules that regulate growth. Vitamins such as B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12) are also essential for the health and maturation of the mycelium.
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Harvest and pasteurise
Harvesting and pasteurising are the final steps in mushroom cultivation. The process of growing mushrooms takes about 14 weeks, and the harvest begins 15 to 21 days after casing, which is 7 to 8 weeks after composting starts. Mushrooms are picked over a period of 2 to 4 days in a 7- to 10-day cropping cycle, also known as a flush or break. Once the mature mushrooms are picked, the next flush moves towards maturity. Flush timing is managed through water, CO2, and temperature control.
Before removing the mushrooms, the spent mushroom substrate is pasteurised with steam. This post-crop pasteurisation, or steam-off, ensures that there are no pests or disease-causing pathogens that can contaminate neighbouring or subsequent crops.
Mushrooms are versatile and can be harvested within a few weeks. They are fat-free and filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They grow from spores, which are so tiny that they cannot be seen by the naked eye. In the wild, mushrooms grow on soil and other substrates like wood, but no soil is necessary for growing them at home. Instead, they can grow on materials like sawdust, grain, straw, or wood chips for nourishment.
To collect mushroom spores, gently remove a cap from a mature mushroom and place it on a sterile surface, such as paper or foil. Leave it to release spores, which settle into a spore print. Grow mushrooms from a spore print by inoculating a prepared substrate (like compost or substrate blocks) with the collected spores. Keep conditions humid and dark to encourage growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms grow best in dark, cool, and humid environments. A basement or garden shed is ideal, but a spot under the sink could also work. Maintain a high moisture level and some airflow.
Mushrooms can grow on many types of common materials, including straw, cardboard, logs, wood chips, compost, kitty litter, and cardboard boxes. The substrate should provide the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.
To collect mushroom spores, gently remove the cap from a mature mushroom and place it on a sterile surface, such as paper or foil. Leave it to release spores, which will settle into a spore print. You can then use the spore print to create a spore syringe and inoculate your growing medium.
