John Miller
Mushrooms are a unique life form, distinct from plants and animals, and are a part of the fungi kingdom. They are a great source of nutrition and can be grown at home with relative ease. There are several methods for cultivating mushrooms, including using kits or substrates, and the process can be fascinating and rewarding. The steps involved in mushroom farming include substrate preparation, spawning, casing, pinning, and cropping. Proper environmental conditions and management of starting ingredients are critical for success. This introduction sets the stage for exploring the intriguing world of mushroom development, from the complex network of mycelium to the ultimate harvest of this versatile food source.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom types | Oyster, shiitake, lion's mane, button, portobello |
| Mushroom growing methods | Box, bucket, log |
| Mushroom growing kits | Spawn, block, bag |
| Mushroom growing substrates | Straw, composted manure, wood, sawdust, wooden plugs, grain, wood chips |
| Mushroom growing conditions | Dark, humid, warm, well-ventilated |
| Mushroom harvesting | Mushrooms are ready to harvest in a week or so. |
| Mushroom pinning | An important part of the mushroom production process that affects crop quality and final yield. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right substrate
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, and there are over 14,000 different types. They are not plants, and therefore do not photosynthesise. Instead, they obtain their food from the substrate in which they grow. This substrate must provide the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.
The type of mushroom will dictate the most suitable substrate, as different mushrooms grow in different materials. Wood-loving mushrooms include oyster, shiitake, and lion's mane, and these can be grown on logs or wooden plugs. Oyster mushrooms can also be grown in a bucket or box. The kits for these mushrooms include a growing block (or log) that contains all the nutrients required for a successful harvest. Alternatively, you can use a perforated bag of straw that has been inoculated with oyster mushroom spawn.
Button mushrooms, on the other hand, thrive in composted manure or substrate blocks. They can be grown in a bucket or box, and they prefer dark, humid, and warm conditions.
When choosing a substrate, it is also important to consider the level of care and input required. For example, growing mushrooms from mushrooms needs more care and input than some other methods. Additionally, some substrates may be more prone to pest or pathogen contamination, so it is vital to maintain a clean environment and steam the growing room after harvesting.
Overall, the ideal substrate conditions will depend on the specific type of mushroom being grown, and it may take some experimentation to find the right combination of substrate and environmental conditions for successful mushroom cultivation.
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Providing consistent conditions
Fresh air should be introduced into the growing room, with a carbon dioxide content of 0.08% or lower, depending on the cultivar. Fungi require oxygen to respire and exhale carbon dioxide, and FAE is essential for triggering their fruiting instinct. However, it is important to note that carbon dioxide levels need to be kept below 1,000 ppm.
Cleanliness is critical to successful mushroom cultivation, as it is a constant battle against competing moulds or other fungi. Sterilise all container surfaces, growth substrates, inoculants, and work areas, and wash your hands before handling. Face masks and sterile gloves are also recommended.
After harvesting, it is important to pasteurise the spent mushroom substrate with steam to prevent pests or disease-causing pathogens from contaminating subsequent crops. The temperature should be maintained at 150 °F for at least 12 hours. Additionally, the mushroom grow room should be steamed and the beds washed down to ensure no pathogens remain.
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Spawning to casing
Spawning is the first step in mushroom farming. It involves blending mushroom spores with a suitable substrate, such as straw, sawdust, or wooden plugs, to create spawn. The spawn is then used to seed mushroom compost, and careful preparation of the compost can reduce problems during the spawn-growing period.
After spawning, the mushrooms will need to be cased. Casing involves applying a layer of casing inoculum (CI) to the compost. This technique, developed in Australia, shortens the crop cycle by up to a week. The use of CI allows for early casing, as it facilitates a more immediate connection between the compost and the CI in the casing layer. However, early casing can be challenging, as the compost may overheat if the spawn run temperatures have not peaked and begun to decline.
The spawn-growing period affects the size and yield of the mushrooms. A shorter spawn-growing period generally results in fewer mushrooms of a larger size, while a longer period can lead to a greater total yield. However, if the spawn-growing period is too long, the yield may decrease.
To promote healthy mushroom growth, it is essential to maintain proper environmental conditions. This includes providing constant humidity, fresh air exchange, and adequate ventilation. Additionally, sanitation is crucial, as spores can attach to various surfaces and cause diseases like green mould, which can severely impact mushroom production.
Once the mushrooms have been cased and the proper conditions are maintained, pinning will occur. This process, where mushroom pins develop, is crucial for both crop quality and final yield. By introducing fresh air with a carbon dioxide content of 0.08% or lower, the mushrooms will develop properly.
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Pinning
During pinning, mushrooms use cell division to form all the cells they need to produce the final mature mushroom. Once pinning is complete, they no longer use cell division to grow. Instead, they flood the existing cells with water and nutrients, allowing them to expand rapidly. Not all the mushroom pins will grow into mature mushrooms. The fungus selects the healthiest, most viable pins, and these expand to become mature mushrooms.
Mushroom pins develop once rhizomorphs (thick mushroom mycelia) have formed in the casing. To develop properly, fresh air should be introduced into the growing room, with a carbon dioxide content of 0.08% or lower (depending on the cultivar).
During the fruiting stage, it is important to monitor and adjust these four key environmental parameters: CO2 levels, lighting, humidity, and temperature. An interesting piece of information about mushroom pinning is that the size and quantity of mushrooms can be seen from the initial mushroom pinning. If there is an excessive amount of pins that create little mushrooms, then some pins can be knocked off to encourage fewer but larger mushrooms.
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Harvesting
There are two methods of harvesting mushrooms: twisting and pulling, or slicing and leaving stumps. Twisting and pulling can damage the mycelium, so slicing is often preferable. However, twisting and pulling can be a good method for smaller mushrooms. When harvesting, it is important to introduce fresh air into the growing room, with a carbon dioxide content of 0.08% or lower.
After the mushrooms have been harvested, the substrate can be rehydrated to get a second, third, or even fourth flush. However, if the mushrooms are left too long, they will release spores, which can make it harder to get another flush. To re-use the block, let it dry out for a week, then soak it in water for 24 hours, and place it back under the humidity tent.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be grown in a box, bucket, or on a log.
Oyster, shiitake, and button mushrooms are suitable for home cultivation, often indoors using kits or substrates.
Mushrooms require a humid, dark, and warm environment. The humidity can be maintained by routinely spraying the substrate with water and covering it with plastic.
The ideal substrate depends on the type of mushroom. Straw is suitable for oyster mushrooms, while composted manure is preferred by button mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms grow well on wood.
