John Miller
Mushrooms are a fleshy fungus species that spawn from spores. They are not plants and are not dependent on sunlight to grow. Instead, they require a consistently cool, moist climate, which is easier to control indoors. The ideal growing temperature is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Mushrooms can be grown using kits, which simplify the process by providing sterilized and inoculated substrates. The substrate in which mushrooms grow must provide them with the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom growing methods | In a box, in a bucket, or on a log |
| Mushroom growing kits | Mushroom block filled with oat bran, sawdust, or other substrate material coated with mushroom spores |
| Misting frequency | Three or four times a day with spring or well water or collected rainwater |
| Harvesting | Collecting mature mushrooms at the optimal time; typically 10-21 days after casing |
| Substrates | Materials like hardwood sawdust or straw that support mycelial growth |
| Spawn | The fungal material needed to initiate cultivation; made from stored culture (millet, rye, wheat) |
| Cultivation containers | Monotubs, bags, or outdoor beds |
| Environmental controls | Tools to maintain humidity, temperature, and airflow |
| Liquid culture | A nutrient-rich solution that promotes the growth of mushroom mycelium; offers faster colonization and more predictable outcomes than spore inoculation |
| Liquid culture ingredients | Sugar source (light malt extract, dextrose, or honey), water, canning jar, airport lid, aluminum foil, pressure cooker, liquid culture syringe, isopropyl alcohol |
| Liquid culture preparation | Dissolve sugar in water, sterilize the solution in a pressure cooker, cool, and inoculate with mushroom mycelium using a sterile technique |
| Liquid culture storage | Store in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator or basement, but not the freezer; use within a few weeks for optimal viability |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a mushroom type
The growing conditions for mushrooms can vary widely from species to species, and some aren't viable at a small scale. For example, you aren't likely to grow morels or black truffles at home—this is why they are so expensive. However, other mushroom varieties, like oyster mushrooms, maitakes, and reishi, are all within the realm of possibility. Oyster mushrooms are the easiest variety for first-time growers as they grow fast and can easily thrive in substrates made of things like coffee grounds and straw, making them relatively low maintenance.
Shiitake mushrooms are another variety that is famed for its inclusion in Japanese cuisine. They have a meaty texture and release an earthy, umami flavor when cooked. They can be sautéed, fried, stir-fried, roasted, used as toppings on pizza, or added to soups. Shiitake mushrooms can be grown in hardwood sawdust.
White button mushrooms can be grown in composted manure, while oyster mushrooms can be grown in straw or coffee grounds.
When choosing a mushroom type, it is important to consider the growing conditions that each variety requires and whether those conditions can be replicated in your home.
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Growing mediums
Mushrooms are fungi, not plants, and therefore do not require sunlight to grow. They thrive in a consistently cool, moist climate, which is easier to control indoors. The ideal temperature range for mushroom growth is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, although keeping them at around 70 degrees for the first few days can speed up the growing process.
Mushrooms require a growing medium, also known as a substrate, to provide them with the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen. Unlike plants, mushrooms do not grow well in potting soil. Instead, they favour growing mediums such as wood chips, hardwood sawdust, composted manure, straw, or coffee grounds. The growing medium should be placed in a container at least six inches deep to allow the mushroom mycelium to spread freely.
There are multiple growing mediums that can be used successfully, and the ideal conditions will vary for each type of mushroom. For example, shiitake mushrooms grow well in hardwood sawdust, while white button mushrooms thrive in composted manure, and oyster mushrooms do well in straw or coffee grounds.
Oyster mushrooms are often recommended for first-time growers as they grow quickly and can thrive in a variety of substrates. Mushroom growing kits are also available, which can simplify the process by providing a pre-inoculated substrate. These kits typically include a block of substrate inoculated with mushroom spores, sealed within a spawn bag with a small filter patch to allow for airflow.
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Inoculation
Preparing the Substrate
The substrate is the material where your mushrooms will grow. It can be logs, stumps, woodchips, straw, sawdust, coco coir, or even coffee grounds. The substrate should be prepared by ensuring optimal moisture content and cleanliness, and it can be placed into a bag. Low-nitrogen, carbon-rich substrates like logs, woodchips, and straw can be inoculated outdoors without much concern for contamination. However, nitrogen-rich substrates require a more careful, sterile process, preferably indoors.
Timing
The optimal time for inoculating logs is in early spring when they are fresh. However, it is possible to inoculate logs during winter if the right conditions can be maintained. The inoculation process can take a few weeks, and the length varies depending on the mushroom type, substrate, and conditions.
Liquid Culture
Liquid culture is an alternative method that offers faster colonisation and more predictable outcomes than spore inoculation. It is a nutrient-rich solution that promotes the growth of mushroom mycelium and allows for the inoculation of grain. Liquid culture is a more accessible option as it does not require specialised equipment or lab-grade skills. To create liquid culture, mix a sugar source (like light malt extract or honey) with water, sterilise the solution, and then introduce mushroom mycelium.
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Environmental conditions
Temperature control is essential for successful mushroom growth. Different mushroom varieties have specific temperature requirements. For instance, Enoki mushrooms prefer temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while Shiitake mushrooms thrive in slightly warmer conditions of 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Oyster mushrooms are a popular choice for beginners due to their adaptability to varying temperatures.
Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for mushroom development. Regular misting of the growing substrate with spring water, well water, or collected rainwater helps create the necessary moist environment for mushrooms to flourish.
Fresh air circulation is another critical factor in mushroom cultivation. Introducing fresh air into the growing area and maintaining a carbon dioxide content of 0.08% or lower are essential for optimal mushroom growth. This can be achieved through proper ventilation systems, which are vital for successful commercial mushroom cultivation.
In addition to temperature, humidity, and airflow, light control is also important. Mushrooms grow best in dark or low-light conditions. By providing the right combination of environmental conditions, you can create an ideal setting for mushrooms to grow and thrive.
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Harvesting
To ensure a successful harvest, it is crucial to monitor the growth of your mushrooms closely. Mushrooms are typically ready to harvest when they reach maturity, just before the spores are released. This stage is identified by the appearance of pins, which are small, developing mushrooms. Once the pins appear, it is important to control the growing environment by regulating temperature, light, humidity, and airflow according to the preferences of the specific mushroom species.
When harvesting, gently remove the mature mushrooms from their substrate or growing medium. It is recommended to use a gentle twisting motion to detach the mushrooms without damaging the underlying mycelium. Take care not to harm the surrounding fungi or their habitat. After harvesting, the substrate can be composted, resulting in a nutrient-rich amendment for the soil.
Proper storage techniques are essential to preserve your harvested mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms can be used immediately, or they can be dried using a dehydrator at 110 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit until they are completely dry. Dried mushrooms should break, not bend. Store dried mushrooms in airtight jars or bags. When ready to use, simply rehydrate them by soaking in water before cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi and require a substrate rich in organic material, adequate moisture, proper temperature, and limited light.
Oyster, button, and shiitake mushrooms are easy for beginners to grow.
Mushrooms can be grown indoors or outdoors. Indoors, they require a dark, cool place such as a basement or crawl space. Outdoors, they require cool, humid conditions.
Common substrates for growing mushrooms include compost, straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds.
First, purchase a mushroom cultivation kit or spores and a substrate. Then, inoculate your substrate with spores or spawn. Next, allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate. Finally, trigger mushroom development through environmental adjustments and harvest at the optimal time.
