John Miller
Growing your own mushrooms at home is an interesting hobby and a great way to ensure a steady supply of fresh mushrooms for culinary purposes. It is also a safe way to enjoy mushrooms without the trouble of finding and identifying them in the wild, where many types of mushrooms are poisonous. To grow mushrooms, you will need a few simple ingredients: trays, compost, a heating pad, and mushroom spawn. You can use a variety of materials for your trays, such as metal, plastic, or wood, and ensure they are water-tight. The required size of your tray will depend on the amount of substrate you intend to use. You will also need to prepare your substrate, which can include straw, wood chips, or specially prepared mushroom compost. Once you have your trays and substrate ready, you can begin the process of planting your mushroom spawn and providing the necessary temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions for your mushrooms to thrive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tray material | Metal, plastic, or wood |
| Tray size | At least 2 feet long and 10-12 inches deep; 14x16 inches and 6 inches deep also mentioned |
| Tray preparation | Wash with antibacterial soap |
| Growing medium | Straw, wood chips, compost, or specially prepared mushroom compost; some use horse manure |
| Mushroom type | Oyster, cremini, portobello, shiitake, and white button mushrooms are common |
| Mushroom spawn | A material inoculated with mycelium; like plant seeds, but developed from chosen genetics |
| Spawn preparation | Break up the block into small clumps; mix with growing medium at a rate of one quart per 15 feet of growing area |
| Spawn placement | Push spawn a couple of inches into the compost; allow 8-10 inches between each one |
| Temperature | 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit; 70 degrees for the first 3 weeks |
| Humidity | Use a humidifier or a burlap bag to cover the tray; maintain moisture with a spray bottle or by covering the container with a wet towel or plastic bag |
| Light | Semi-darkness |
| Time | Maturing mushrooms appear in about 3 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
- Tray preparation: Use a sturdy material like aluminium or plastic
- Substrate selection: Choose straw, wood chips, or specially prepared mushroom compost
- Sanitation: Wash hands, trays, and tools with antibacterial soap
- Spore development: Maintain 70°F for 3 weeks, then lower to 55-60°F
- Harvesting: Pluck or twist mushrooms from the substrate when mature
Tray preparation: Use a sturdy material like aluminium or plastic
When preparing your mushroom trays, it is important to use a sturdy material such as aluminium or plastic. You can also use wood or metal. The trays should be watertight and large enough to accommodate your substrate, with an extra inch or two of space for a casing layer, if desired or required by the mushroom species.
Aluminium bread pans, disposable plastic casserole dishes, and rice bowls are all good options for mushroom trays. These items are readily available at most grocery or department stores and are relatively inexpensive. If you're looking for something a little bigger, a 14x16" tray that is about 6 inches deep works well for growing mushrooms.
It is important to sanitise your mushroom trays before use. Wash your trays and any implements that will touch the substrate with antibacterial soap and water. Be sure to have all the materials you will need in the working area before you begin.
Once your trays are prepared, you can fill them with your growing medium and treat them with mushroom spawn. Mushroom spawn is a material that has been inoculated with mycelium, which is necessary for mushroom growth.
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Substrate selection: Choose straw, wood chips, or specially prepared mushroom compost
Growing mushrooms require a substrate that can provide the necessary nutrients for the mushrooms to develop and produce. The substrate acts as a source of energy and nutrition for the mushroom mycelium.
One of the most common substrates used for growing mushrooms is straw. Straw is a convenient and effective option, especially for oyster mushrooms. Straw can be purchased pre-cut and cleaned, making it a more manageable option. To prepare straw for mushroom growth, it is recommended to cut the straw into three or four-inch sections. The straw can then be pasteurized by submerging it in 160-degree Fahrenheit water for about an hour. After pasteurization, the straw should be drained well, with only a few drops of water remaining when squeezed. This process helps minimize the risk of mold and bacteria growth, giving the mycelium a better chance to establish itself.
Another option for a mushroom substrate is wood chips or sawdust. Hardwood sawdust, in particular, is commonly used in the industry and can be a waste product of the lumber industry. It is often mixed with wood chips to provide a better structure for the mycelium to colonize. Suitable hardwoods include oak, maple, beech, hickory, and various other species. It is important to note that softwoods like spruce, pine, and fir are not suitable for mushroom cultivation. Wood-based substrates are optimal for certain types of mushrooms, such as reishi, lion's mane, and maitake.
A third option for a mushroom substrate is specially prepared mushroom compost. This compost typically consists of manure and straw, which are combined and allowed to naturally heat up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit during the composting process. This helps remove unwanted contaminants and ammonia. Common button mushrooms are often grown on this type of compost, which undergoes a two-phase composting and sterilization process.
When selecting a substrate, it is important to consider the availability and ease of use. For example, straw may be more accessible than hardwood substrates and can be prepared with basic home utensils. It is recommended to choose a substrate that is readily available in your area. Additionally, the substrate should be matched to the specific species of mushrooms being grown. Each type of mushroom has unique growing requirements, and some species may only produce high yields when grown on a specific substrate.
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Sanitation: Wash hands, trays, and tools with antibacterial soap
Sanitation is a critical step in the mushroom cultivation process. Before you begin, ensure you have washed your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. It is also essential to clean the trays and any tools that will come into contact with the substrate. Surgical antimicrobial scrub is ideal for this purpose, but if that is not available, antibacterial soap will suffice.
Clean your working surface as well. A table or counter will do, but make sure it is disinfected. You can use a spray disinfectant like Lysol, and be sure to do this at least half an hour before you start working. This step ensures that your work area is clean and helps prevent the introduction of unwanted mold and fungi.
Additionally, it is important to note that sanitation is not just a one-time step but an ongoing process. Throughout the mushroom cultivation process, you should maintain a high level of cleanliness. This includes regularly washing your hands and any tools that come into contact with the mushrooms or substrate. It is also important to keep your growing area free from drafts and to monitor temperature and humidity levels, making adjustments as necessary to provide the optimal environment for mushroom growth.
By prioritizing sanitation and maintaining a clean growing environment, you can help ensure the successful cultivation of healthy mushrooms while reducing the risk of contamination and the growth of unwanted organisms.
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Spore development: Maintain 70°F for 3 weeks, then lower to 55-60°F
To begin growing mushrooms at home, you'll need a suitable growing tray. Mushroom trays are typically at least two feet long and 10 to 12 inches deep. You can either purchase one or make your own. The tray should be made of sturdy material such as aluminium or plastic. It should also be watertight and large enough to accommodate your substrate, with an extra half to two inches for a casing layer.
Once you have your tray, you'll need to prepare a growing substrate. Mushrooms don't grow in typical garden soil, so you'll need to use a substrate like straw, wood chips, or specially prepared mushroom compost. Horse manure combined with straw is an excellent growing medium because it is moist and nutrient-rich.
Now, it's time for spore development:
Spore development:
Maintain a temperature of 70°F (21.1°C) for three weeks. During this time, fast spore growth will occur, with a significant increase in spore volume. After this initial period, lower the temperature to the ideal growing range of 55-60°F (12.8-15.6°C).
At this stage, you should start to see mushrooms maturing in about three weeks. Pluck them carefully as they mature, and wash them thoroughly before eating. Remember to monitor temperature, humidity, and air circulation daily and make adjustments as needed, as each mushroom variety has unique requirements.
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Harvesting: Pluck or twist mushrooms from the substrate when mature
When it comes to harvesting mushrooms, the process can vary slightly depending on the species and your preferences. The key is to wait until the mushrooms are mature, and then carefully remove them without damaging the underlying mycelium or substrate. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare for Harvesting
Before you begin, ensure your hands are clean and wash the mushrooms' immediate surroundings. This helps prevent the spread of any potential contaminants. It's also important to wear gloves if you have them.
Step 2: Pluck or Twist Mushrooms
Once your mushrooms have reached maturity, it's time to harvest them. There are two common methods: plucking/twisting and cutting. Some sources recommend carefully plucking or twisting the mushrooms from the substrate. This method is quicker and easier but may disturb the underlying mycelium. Others suggest using sterilised scissors to cut the mushrooms as close to the substrate as possible. This method is more careful but may leave small stumps behind.
Step 3: Remove Small Mushrooms and Pins
After harvesting mature mushrooms, take the time to inspect the substrate for tiny mushrooms or immature pins. These small growths may never reach full maturity, so it's best to remove them to promote the growth of larger mushrooms.
Step 4: Rehydrate the Substrate
After harvesting, your substrate may be dehydrated. To encourage further growth, rehydrate the substrate by trickling water down the sides of the tub or submerging it in water for a couple of hours. Remember to remove any excess water after rehydration.
Step 5: Maintain Humidity and Temperature
To promote the growth of additional mushrooms, maintain high humidity levels (90-95%) through regular misting. Keep a stable temperature of around 21-25°C and provide 12 hours of indirect light daily. Proper air circulation and humidity will help reduce contamination.
Step 6: Expect New Growth
With proper care, you should see new pins forming within a week or so. Continue the misting and fanning process to encourage healthy mushroom development. Remember that each subsequent flush of mushrooms may be smaller, and the risk of contamination increases with each cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
First, prepare the substrate. Prepare a substrate suitable for mushroom growth, such as straw, wood chips, or specially prepared mushroom compost. Then, fill the trays with compost and sprinkle mushroom spawn on top. Keep the temperature at 70º F for about three weeks, then lower it to 55º to 60º F and cover the spawn with 1” of potting soil. Keep the soil moist and maintain humidity. Harvest the mushrooms by cutting across the stem with a sharp knife.
You will need trays, compost, a heating pad, and mushroom spawn. You can purchase trays and spawn at a store. Spawn appears in various forms, such as bricks and flakes. Mushroom spawn is a blend of spores and nutrients such as sawdust, grain, straw, or wood chips.
Mushrooms require a dark, cool, humid environment, such as a basement. They require high humidity, often 80-95%. Good air circulation is crucial, so install fans or a ventilation system. Monitor temperature, humidity, and air circulation daily and adjust as necessary. Each type of mushroom has its own specific growing requirements, so adjust guidelines based on the species you plan to grow.
