John Miller
Mushrooms are a unique life form that is closely related to humans and are not photosynthetic. They are a type of fungus that feeds off pre-existing material for nourishment. The best and easiest way to grow mushrooms is to use a Grow Your Own Mushrooms kit, which provides everything you need to successfully grow your own mushrooms. However, if you are interested in propagating mushroom spawn, the simplest way is through the stem butt method, which involves placing the stems of oyster mushrooms in a container with damp cardboard. After a few weeks, a new spawn will begin to grow. This method is affordable, easy to follow, and does not require expensive equipment or labour-intensive work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom spawn temperature range | 20–24°C |
| Mushroom spawn substrate | Compost, cardboard, grain, straw, coffee grounds |
| Mushroom spawn moisture | Damp |
| Mushroom spawn sterilization | Sterilized grain, sterilized water |
| Mushroom spawn incubation time | 7–10 days |
| Mushroom spawn growth indicators | White threads |
| Mushroom spawn growth temperature | 23°C/73°F |
| Mushroom spawn growth time | 2–3 weeks |
| Grain spawn grains | Wheat, rye, brown rice, white rice, wild bird seed, popcorn |
| Oyster mushroom spawn methods | Grain spawn transfer, agar tissue culture transfer, liquid inoculation |
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What You'll Learn
The stem butt method
To begin, you will need to find some large pieces of cardboard. It is important to ensure that the cardboard is clean and free from any ink, writing, or toxins, as mushrooms are bio-accumulators and can absorb chemicals. The cardboard can then be shredded into smaller pieces, either by cutting with scissors or tearing by hand. Next, pour boiling water over the cardboard, allowing it to cool, and then drain the excess water. The boiling water helps kill any wild molds, yeasts, or other fungi that may be present.
Once the cardboard is prepared, take the lower stems of fresh oyster mushrooms and place them in a container with the damp cardboard. In a couple of weeks, the mycelium will propagate onto the cardboard, providing you with your own mushroom spawn.
It is worth noting that growing oyster mushrooms on cardboard will result in lower yields compared to using grain or coffee grounds, which provide more nutrients. However, the stem butt method on cardboard can still be a fun and cost-effective way to try growing your own mushroom spawn at home.
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Grain spawn transfer
Grain spawn is a crucial component of mushroom cultivation. It is a substrate made of sterilized grains, such as rye or wheat, that have been inoculated with mushroom mycelium. This mycelium is a network of fungal cells that colonizes the grains, creating a rich source of mushroom spores. Grain spawn provides the nutrients and environment needed for fungi to thrive.
To create grain spawn, you must first select the appropriate grain. Commonly used grains include rye, wheat, or barley. It is important to clean the grain by removing debris and rinsing it thoroughly. Soaking the grain in water overnight ensures proper hydration. After draining the grain, transfer it into heat-resistant bags or jars. The next critical step is sterilizing the grain through methods like pressure-cooking or autoclaving to eliminate any contaminants.
Once the grain has cooled to room temperature, it's time to introduce the mushroom spawn. Using a sterile inoculation tool, transfer a small piece of mushroom culture onto the grain, ensuring even distribution. Seal the container tightly to maintain sterility. Incubate the inoculated grain at the right temperature and humidity, creating optimal conditions for the grain spawn to germinate and colonize.
As the grain spawn develops, you may observe a white or yellow mold-like layer, which indicates the growth of mycelium. This layer is natural and signifies healthy mushroom spawn. However, if the spawn exhibits green or black colours, it may be contaminated and should be discarded. Grain spawn is typically used to inoculate other substrates, as mushrooms often prefer to fruit off grain mixed with materials like manure, hardwood, sawdust, compost, or straw.
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Agar tissue culture transfer
Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red seaweed that is commonly used in mushroom cultivation. It is used to germinate spores and culture mycelium, providing an ideal environment for the mycelium to grow and colonize. Before transferring and storing mushroom cultures on agar, it is important to prepare nutrient-rich agar plates. This can be done by mixing a nutrient-rich agar solution, pressure sterilizing it, and then pouring the mixture onto sterile dishes in a clean environment.
To transfer a mushroom culture to agar, one common method is to use a syringe. The syringe is used to inoculate the agar plates with the liquid culture. Before inoculation, it is important to sterilize the syringe by heating the tip until it is red hot. This helps prevent contamination. During the transfer process, it is crucial to work in a sterile environment to minimize the risk of contamination. This can be achieved by working in a still-air box or in front of a laminar flow hood, and by sterilizing gloves and the work surface with isopropyl alcohol.
After inoculating the agar plates, the next critical step is incubation. The inoculated agar plates should be placed in a clean, sealable container, such as a plastic tote or a specialized incubator. The optimal temperature for incubating most mushroom mycelium is between 75-80°F (24-27°C). Maintaining the correct temperature can be achieved using a heating mat, temperature controller, or by working in a warm room that stays within this temperature range.
Once the agar is fully colonized, the mycelium can be transferred to a substrate or directly to a fruiting chamber. This transfer process marks the next stage of mushroom cultivation, setting the foundation for healthy mycelial growth. It is important to understand the different types of agar media and their specific uses in mushroom cultivation to increase the success rate. Additionally, maintaining a clean and contamination-free environment is crucial, regardless of the type of agar used.
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Liquid inoculation methods
Liquid inoculation is a simple and quick method to propagate mushrooms. It involves depositing a liquid culture on a substrate, which then allows the mycelium to propagate during the incubation phase.
To start the liquid inoculation process, you need to prepare a jar. Fill the jar with boiled water and add unrefined beet sugar (around 4% of the volume of water). Cover the jar with aluminium foil, emphasising the opening area of the lid. Place the jar in a saucepan, cover it, and leave it for about 2 hours for sterilisation.
Next, prepare your work area. Turn on the kitchen hood and clean the worktop with alcohol. Place tealights around your work area and light them. Take your syringe of liquid mycelium out of the refrigerator and clean it with alcohol.
Now you can begin the inoculation process. Take your prepared jar and clean the outside with alcohol. Using a sterile syringe, withdraw the liquid culture from the jar. Inject approximately 1-2 ml of liquid culture into a quart-sized jar of grain. You can also use 5-10 ml of liquid culture to inoculate a 5-pound bag of sterilised grain. Ensure that the grain is properly sterilised and has the right moisture content. The jar or bag of grain should be fully colonised in 14-45 days, depending on the mushroom species and environmental conditions.
During the incubation phase, you will be able to see if your mycelium is colonising the grains correctly. Your crop is ready when the grains turn completely white. Any green, blue, or black stains in the jar indicate contamination. Once your grains are colonised, you can transfer the colonised grains to other grains or a substrate for the fruiting phase.
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Optimal temperature ranges
When propagating mushroom spawn, it is important to maintain an optimal temperature range to encourage growth. Mushrooms thrive in warm, even temperatures, and too much heat or cold can hinder the process. The ideal temperature range for propagating mushroom spawn is between 20°C and 24°C. This temperature range provides the optimal environment for the spawn to develop and should be maintained consistently.
For the first few weeks of propagation, a temperature of around 23°C is ideal. This temperature allows the mycelium, the thread-like structure of the fungus, to grow and thrive. Maintaining this temperature range can be achieved in various locations, such as a garden shed, basement, or even under a sink, depending on the temperature conditions of your home.
It is essential to monitor the temperature regularly to ensure it remains within the optimal range. Small fluctuations are normal, but significant deviations from the ideal range may impact the spawn's viability. If the temperature drops too low, the growth process may slow down or even stall, while excessive heat can be detrimental to the spawn.
Additionally, during the incubation stage, maintaining the optimal temperature range is crucial. The incubation period is when the mycelium colonizes the substrate, and consistent warmth aids in this process. The specific temperature requirements may vary slightly depending on the mushroom variety, so it is always a good idea to refer to specific guidelines for the type of mushroom being propagated.
By providing a consistent temperature within the optimal range, you can create favourable conditions for the mushroom spawn to flourish and increase the chances of a successful propagation outcome. Maintaining the ideal temperature is a key factor in creating the right environment for the mushrooms to grow and develop into their fruiting bodies. With the proper temperature control, you'll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving mushroom garden.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest way to propagate mushroom spawn is the stem butt method. Take the stems of oyster mushrooms and put them in a container with some damp cardboard. In a couple of weeks, you’ll have your own spawn.
Grain spawn is the traditional way to propagate mushroom spawn. Start with 1 litre of sterilised grain and a slice of culture from a petri dish. The mushroom mycelium can be expanded to provide more than 1000 litres of spawn.
Mushroom spawn thrives at a temperature of 20–24°C.
Compost is the most common substrate for home-growing mushrooms. Fill a plastic tray with about 10 cm of compost, distribute the spores on top, mix well, and cover with a damp newspaper. The temperature for the first weeks needs to be kept around 23°C.
