Michael Davis
Mushrooms are versatile, fat-free, and packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They can be grown indoors in a controlled environment, where temperature and humidity can be optimized. Oyster, white button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest to grow at home. The easiest way to grow mushrooms indoors is to purchase a ready-made grow kit, which includes a bag of sterilized, inoculated straw or soil. The bag should be placed in a bright location out of direct sunlight and misted with water daily. To grow mushrooms from scratch, a substrate like straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds should be mixed with mushroom spawn and placed in a sterilized container. The container should be covered and kept in a dark place at about 70 °F (21 °C). Once the substrate is covered in white fuzz, the temperature should be lowered to 55 °F (13 °C). Mushrooms should be harvested when mature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Oyster, white button, shiitake, lion's mane, cremini, enoki, maitake, portobello |
| Mushroom spawn | Sawdust or grain that’s been permeated with mushroom mycelia |
| Substrate | Straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, cardboard, corn cobs, wood chips, compost, manure |
| Temperature | 70 °F (21 °C) initially, then lower to 55 °F (13 °C) |
| Lighting | Dark initially, then bright, indirect lighting |
| Humidity | High |
| Harvesting | Mushrooms are ready to harvest before the cap starts to curl upward |
| Kit | Ready-made grow kit with sterilized, inoculated straw or soil |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right substrate
When selecting a substrate, it is important to consider the availability and ease of working with a particular substrate. For example, a straw-based substrate is more accessible than a hardwood substrate and can be prepared using basic home utensils. Other easily accessible substrates include sawdust and pre-inoculated pellets. It is also important to ensure that the substrate is well-suited to the species of mushroom being grown. Oyster mushrooms, for instance, thrive on straw, while shiitake mushrooms prefer hardwood.
The preparation of the substrate is a crucial step in the process. This often involves pasteurisation or sterilisation to eliminate unwanted bacteria and contaminants, providing an optimal environment for mushroom growth. High-nutrient substrates, such as manure, require sterilisation to prevent contamination and give mushrooms a head start. Sterilisation can be achieved through various methods, including the use of a pressure cooker, which effectively destroys bacteria and mould spores. On the other hand, less nutritious substrates like straw can be pasteurised instead of sterilised.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that there are no competing organisms on the substrate, giving the mushroom mycelium a clean environment to grow. The amount of water in the substrate is also a key consideration, as mushroom bodies are composed of 70-90% water, which is sourced entirely from the substrate. Therefore, the substrate should have the ability to retain moisture and maintain optimal water content.
Overall, by selecting the right substrate and providing the appropriate conditions, growers can achieve bountiful harvests of high-quality mushrooms.
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Controlling temperature and humidity
Temperature and humidity control are crucial for successfully growing mushrooms indoors. Mushrooms require a specific temperature range and a high humidity level to grow properly.
To control the temperature, you can use a thermometer or temperature sensor to monitor the heat levels in your growing environment. If the temperature is too low, you can use a heating pad or a similar heat source to raise it. Conversely, if the temperature is too high, you can use a cooling fan to increase air circulation and quickly lower the temperature. Additionally, you can use a greenhouse or grow tent, which provides an enclosed environment that can be easily controlled using a heating or cooling system.
Maintaining the right humidity levels is equally important. Mushrooms require high humidity to start forming primordia, which are small bumps that eventually grow into mature mushrooms. Throughout their development, mushrooms need humidity to ensure they reach maturity. You can increase humidity by misting the mushrooms and their surroundings with a spray bottle or using pond misters. However, be cautious not to overspray, as excessive moisture can lead to mould growth and other issues.
It's important to note that high temperatures can cause humidity levels to drop, so maintaining the appropriate temperature range of 18-24°C is crucial. Additionally, ensure your growing area is well-ventilated, as good air circulation is essential for maintaining optimal humidity levels. You can achieve this by using fans or opening windows and doors.
By carefully controlling the temperature and humidity, you can create the perfect environment for your mushrooms to thrive and ensure a successful harvest.
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Using a grow kit
The first step is to decide on the type of mushroom you want to grow. Oyster mushroom kits are common and easy to grow, but you can also find edible mushroom grow kits containing Lion's Mane, shiitake, white button, and more. The type of mushroom you choose will determine the substrate you grow the mushrooms on. For example, shiitake mushrooms can grow on a hardwood log, while oyster mushrooms will grow on almost any kind of plant-based material, including cardboard, corn cobs, and toilet paper rolls.
Once you've chosen your mushroom type and kit, follow the instructions provided. Most kits will instruct you to cut an X into the plastic covering your mushroom block. Then, open the bag of sterilized, inoculated straw or soil included in the kit, and place it in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Mist the material with water daily to keep the humidity high.
Fruiting blocks are a popular option for mushroom growers, as they are pre-colonized blocks of amended sawdust that grow best in an environment where you can control humidity and airflow, like a monotub or grow tent. If you're using a grow tent, you can create an optimal microclimate for your mushrooms, controlling important environmental variables like CO2 and fresh air exchange.
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Pasteurising and hydrating the substrate
There are several methods for pasteurising and hydrating your mushroom substrate. One popular method is cold water pasteurisation, which involves soaking the substrate in a lime water solution. This method is energy efficient and does not require expensive equipment, making it ideal for beginners. To prepare the lime bath, fill a bucket with water and add hydrated lime, stirring to dissolve. Aim for a pH of 11-13, which is inhabitable for contaminants but still suitable for mycelium growth. Submerge your substrate in the lime bath and mix until it is fully soaked.
Another method is oven pasteurisation, which is a simple technique that requires less tidying up than other methods. Preheat your oven to 390-400°F (200-210°C). Boil water and pour it over your substrate to thoroughly soak it. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then squeeze out the excess water so that the substrate is hydrated but not dripping. Place the hydrated substrate into an aluminium foil baking tray and cover tightly with more foil to minimise evaporation. Put the tray in the oven and leave for 60 minutes. After this time, check the temperature in the middle of the substrate with a thermometer; you are aiming for 160-180°F (71-82°C). If this temperature has been reached, turn off the oven and allow the substrate to cool slowly. If not, leave the heat on for another 30 minutes.
If you are using hardwood fuel pellets as your substrate, you can pasteurise and hydrate it by adding boiling water. Use a ratio of 1.25 litres of water for every 5 cups of pellets. Place the pellets in a suitable container and pour over the boiling water. The pellets will dissolve into loose sawdust; mix it around to ensure even wetting. Once the sawdust is evenly hydrated, pack it tightly into a corner to retain heat.
By choosing one of these methods, or another that suits your specific needs and resources, you can effectively pasteurise and hydrate your mushroom substrate, creating an optimal environment for mushroom growth.
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Harvesting and replanting
Harvesting
Mushrooms are ready to harvest when they have reached your desired size. To harvest, simply twist the stem of the mushroom and pull it up gently. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, should be harvested just before the cap starts to curl upward, as this is when they are about to release spores. After harvesting, it is important to clean off any excess vermiculite or substrate attached to the stem.
Replanting
To encourage further growth, place the harvested mushrooms' substrate back into the fruiting chamber, or cover it with plastic wrap to maintain moisture. A new batch of mushrooms, known as a "flush," should appear within one to two weeks. Keep a close eye on the substrate for any signs of contamination, such as green mold or any growth other than white mycelium and mushroom pins. If contamination occurs, discard the substrate and start over with a new batch.
Environmental Conditions
Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is essential for successful mushroom replanting. Most mushrooms thrive in cool, moist environments, preferably just below 70 °F (21 °C). A basement or a room that is not frequently used can provide the ideal growing conditions. Additionally, ensure that the substrate remains moist by misting it with water regularly.
Substrate Preparation
The choice of substrate depends on the mushroom variety. Oyster mushrooms, for example, can grow on a variety of substrates, including cardboard, corn cobs, and toilet paper rolls, while shiitake mushrooms prefer sawdust or wood fuel pellets. Before introducing the mushroom spawn, prepare the substrate by soaking it in water for about five hours and then draining it thoroughly. Sterilization or pasteurization of the substrate may also be necessary, especially for nutrient-rich substrates, to prevent contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to grow mushrooms indoors is to buy a ready-made grow kit. Open the bag of sterilized, inoculated straw or soil, 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. However, while shiitake mushrooms are suitable for beginners, they can be quite finicky and don't do well with indoor cultivation. Lion's Mane is another great variety for newcomers.
Mushrooms grow best in a cool, moist, and dark environment with minimal indirect light. A shed, garage, cellar, or any space out of the sun will work well. The optimum temperature for growing mushrooms is a minimum of 15°C, and they will need a few hours of light per day, which can be artificial.
You will need a substrate such as straw, sawdust, wood chips, compost, or manure, and mushroom spawn, which is like a seedling for plants. You will also need a container, water, and a household thermometer.
Mushrooms should start appearing a few weeks after sowing. White button mushrooms should appear within three to four weeks.
