Sarah Brown
Growing mushrooms indoors is a fun and educational project for any gardener or food enthusiast. Mushrooms are a unique life form, more closely related to humans than plants, and are a healthy addition to any diet, being low in calories and fat, and high in fibre, potassium, selenium, and antioxidants. Cultivating mushrooms indoors is a matter of managing their growing conditions carefully, and there are several methods to choose from, depending on your goals and resources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom growing kits | Available online and in stores, with prices ranging from $16 to $20 |
| Mushroom spawn | Can be purchased from online retailers, gardening supply stores, or specialty mushroom cultivators |
| Mushroom type | Oyster, white button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest to grow at home |
| Growing conditions | Temperature, light, and humidity control |
| Substrate | Straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds |
| Environment | A cool, dimly-lit room with high moisture and airflow |
| Mushroom development | Triggered by environmental adjustments |
| Harvesting | Collect mature mushrooms at the optimal time |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right substrate
There are various substrates that can be used for mushroom cultivation, ranging from simple to complex. Simple substrates include straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds, while more complex substrates may involve specific types of wood pellets or other organic materials. The type of substrate used will depend on the species of mushroom being cultivated, as each species has its own unique requirements. For example, oyster mushrooms, a common species for indoor cultivation, can thrive in substrates made of coffee grounds and straw.
When choosing a substrate, it is important to consider the level of control and customisation desired. Buying pre-made blocks or kits can reduce labour and infrastructure costs, but they may be more expensive and may not offer the same level of customisation as creating your own blocks. Making your own blocks allows for greater control over substrate materials, timing, and logistics, and can help reduce costs over time.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the substrate is properly sterilised and inoculated to prevent contamination and ensure successful mushroom growth. This process can be time-consuming and tedious, so it is often recommended to purchase pre-made kits where this step has already been completed. However, for those who want to create their own blocks, it is important to follow proper sterilisation and inoculation procedures to ensure a healthy growing environment for the mushrooms.
Overall, choosing the right substrate for indoor mushroom cultivation involves considering the species of mushroom, the desired level of customisation and control, and the time and resources available for the project. By selecting a suitable substrate and providing the necessary nutrients, growers can create an optimal environment for mushroom development and success.
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Maintaining environmental conditions
Maintaining the right environmental conditions is crucial for successfully cultivating mushrooms indoors. Mushrooms require specific temperature, humidity, light, and airflow conditions to grow, and these can vary depending on the mushroom species.
Temperature control is important for mushroom cultivation. In a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) system, temperatures can be consistently maintained within a range of 65 to 75 °F. For certain species, like Oyster mushrooms, the temperature requirements during incubation and fruiting can be more flexible. To initiate the fruiting process, the temperature should be lowered once the substrate is covered in white fuzz.
Humidity is another critical factor. High humidity levels can be maintained by routinely misting the substrate with water. This can also be achieved by placing the mushrooms in a dimly lit, cool room and loosely tenting them with clear plastic to preserve moisture while maintaining airflow.
Mushrooms also require limited light conditions. They should be kept in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. During the fruiting process, light conditions may need to be adjusted, along with temperature, humidity, and airflow.
By replicating the natural habitat of the mushrooms and providing the necessary environmental conditions, various mushroom species can be successfully cultivated indoors.
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Buying vs making blocks
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or make your own mushroom blocks. Buying blocks can reduce the labour and infrastructure required, as you don't need to source the materials and put the blocks together yourself. However, buying blocks can increase costs due to shipping and the need to rely on a supplier, who may have their own issues and delays. Making your own blocks gives you more control over the substrate materials, timing, and logistics, and can potentially reduce costs per block over time. However, it will also increase labour and infrastructure costs, as you will need to source and prepare the materials yourself.
If you're a beginner, it's generally recommended to buy blocks or a ready-made grow kit. These kits typically include a bag of sterilized and inoculated straw or soil, which you can simply mist with water daily to maintain humidity. Oyster mushrooms are often recommended for first-time growers, as they grow quickly and can thrive in substrates like coffee grounds and straw. Ready-made kits are also a good option if you want to try out mushroom cultivation before committing to purchasing equipment, as they are typically designed to be user-friendly and don't require additional tools or knowledge.
On the other hand, making your own blocks can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you plan on cultivating mushrooms regularly. By sourcing your own materials and creating your own blocks, you can save money on shipping and potentially get a higher yield. Additionally, making your own blocks allows for more customisation and control over the growing process, including the type of substrate used and the timing of fruiting. However, it's important to note that making your own blocks requires more knowledge and time investment, as you'll need to learn about sterilisation and inoculation processes to ensure successful mushroom growth.
Ultimately, the decision to buy or make mushroom blocks depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you're short on time and just starting out, buying blocks or ready-made kits can be a convenient and relatively low-cost option. But if you're looking for more customisation, control, and potential cost savings in the long run, making your own blocks may be a better choice.
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Harvesting at the right time
Harvesting your mushrooms at the right time is key to getting a good yield with the best possible flavour and texture. The ideal time to harvest varies depending on the mushroom variety, and it's something you'll learn through experience.
Oyster mushrooms, for example, should be harvested when the edges of the caps are still slightly curled under. It can be hard to judge at first, but with practice, you'll learn when they're ready. If you wait too long, they might stop growing in size, start drying out, or release a lot of fine, white spores. You can still eat these very mature mushrooms, but their texture may not be as good, and they won't last as long after harvest. Harvesting oyster mushrooms when the edges of their caps are still slightly curled under limits the number of spores they release, which is beneficial when growing them indoors. The ideal time to harvest blue oyster mushrooms is when the edges of the caps of the largest mushrooms in the cluster start to uncurl and flatten out. For pink oyster mushrooms, the best time to harvest is when the cap is flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up. They are the fastest-growing of all oyster mushrooms and produce the most spores, so it's important to harvest them before they cover everything in pink dust.
Shiitake mushrooms are typically grown on logs, and you can start harvesting three days after you see the first signs of growth. The ideal stage to harvest shiitake mushrooms is when the edges of the caps are still curled under, and 80% of the gills are exposed. However, you can harvest them at any time during their growth, regardless of size. An easy way to tell if they're ready is to check if the partial veil has broken, exposing the gills.
When it comes to magic mushrooms, careful observation of the veil of each mushroom is necessary to know when to pick them. A general rule is that it's better to harvest too soon than too late. Harvest just before the veil tears. Until you gain some experience, harvest while the veils are still lightly coloured. As soon as you notice any darkening, it's time to harvest.
There is some debate among mushroom growers about whether to cut or pull mushrooms. Those who favour cutting believe it causes less damage to the mushroom mycelium and reduces cleaning time. On the other hand, pulling out the entire mushroom signals to the fungus that it's gone, so it can divert energy into producing more mushrooms. Studies have shown that, in terms of future mushroom production, it makes little difference whether you cut or pull.
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Picking the right species
Climate and Location
The climate and location of your indoor growing space will influence the species you choose. Consider the temperature range and humidity levels that can be maintained in your growing environment. Some mushrooms, such as Oyster mushrooms, have a great range of flexibility in terms of temperature requirements and the materials they can grow on.
Available Infrastructure
The infrastructure and resources available for cultivation will also play a role in species selection. Some mushrooms may require more specialized equipment or growing mediums than others. For example, certain mushrooms may prefer growing on substrates like straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds, while others might require more specific conditions.
Experience Level
Your level of experience in mushroom cultivation should be considered when choosing a species. Oyster, White Button, and Shiitake mushrooms are often recommended for beginners because they are relatively easy to grow and have a similar growing process. More exotic mushrooms, such as Morels or Black Truffles, may require more advanced techniques and conditions that are difficult to replicate on a small scale.
Desired Characteristics
Consider the characteristics of the mushrooms you want to cultivate, such as flavour, texture, nutritional value, or even psychedelic properties. Different species will offer varying benefits, so selecting a species that aligns with your desired outcomes is essential.
Accessibility of Spawn or Spores
Mushroom cultivation begins with either spawn or spores. Ensure that the species you select has readily available and high-quality spawn or spores from reputable suppliers. Growing from spores can be more challenging and is often recommended for more seasoned growers.
Remember, successful mushroom cultivation is about creating an environment that matches the specific needs of the species you choose. By understanding the unique requirements of each species, you can make an informed decision when picking the right mushroom variety for your indoor cultivation.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to grow mushrooms indoors is to purchase a ready-made grow kit. Open the bag of sterilized, inoculated straw or soil included in the kit, then place it in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Mist the material with water daily to keep the humidity high, and in 7-10 days you'll have homegrown mushrooms!
Oyster, white button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest to grow at home.
Mushrooms need a dark, cool place to grow, such as a basement or crawl space. A dark drawer or cabinet will also do. Mushrooms also require humidity and airflow.
You will need a plastic tub or baking pan, mushroom spawn, growing substrate (such as compost, straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds), a damp towel, and a spray bottle.
