John Miller
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a branching, thread-like collection of cells called hyphae. It has a complex network structure that absorbs and distributes nutrients throughout its environment. The simplest way to start growing your own mushroom mycelium is by using the stem butt method, which involves taking the stems of oyster mushrooms and propagating mycelium from them onto damp, shredded cardboard. Once the mycelium has reached the desired level, it can be heated to stop it from growing further. To shape the mycelium, it can be left to sit in a mould for several days and then removed to sit on a rack for another day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Mycelium | The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a branching thread-like collection of cells called hyphae |
| Mycelium's function | Absorbs and distributes nutrients throughout its environment |
| Mushroom's function | The flowering part of mycelium, it spreads spores and allows the organism to spread |
| How to grow mycelium | Using the stem butt method, take the stems of oyster mushrooms and place them in a container with damp cardboard |
| How long does it take | It takes a couple of weeks to grow mycelium |
| How to shape mycelium | Use silicon ice cube moulds and plastic trays, or any shape container that can be fully closed or sealed |
| Airflow | Airflow is key, blow air into the bag and place it in a way that none of its sides are touching any surface except the bottom |
| How to stop it from growing | Heat the block to stop it from growing further |
| Mycelium's use | Mycelium can be used to create sculptures and planters |
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What You'll Learn
Using the stem butt method
The stem butt method is a low-tech, low-cost way to cultivate mushrooms without the need for a sterile workspace. It involves using the lower stems of fresh mushrooms to propagate mycelium onto cardboard. Here is a step-by-step guide to using the stem butt method:
First, source some large pieces of cardboard that are clean and free from ink or writing. Mushrooms are bio-accumulators, so it's important to avoid any chemicals or toxins in the cardboard that they could absorb. Cut or tear the cardboard into smaller pieces. Next, prepare the cardboard by pouring boiling water over it, allowing it to cool, and then draining off the excess water. This step helps to kill any wild moulds, yeasts or fungi.
Once the cardboard is prepared, it's time to add the stem butts. Collect fresh oyster mushrooms, ensuring that the base of the stem, where the mushroom attaches to the ground, has some substrate and mycelium still attached. Layer the stem butts onto the cardboard, then cover them with another layer of cardboard. You can also try putting the stem butts directly into straws or pasteurized sawdust.
Seal the container and store it in a dark, warm place for around 10 to 14 days. During this time, the mycelium will grow and colonize the cardboard. You may need to mist the cardboard with water occasionally to keep it moist, but be careful not to overwater.
After the incubation period, you should have a healthy mushroom base. At this point, you can transfer the spawn to a larger container to start the pinning process. Line the base of the new container with a mix of soaked cardboard and coffee grounds, then gently place the spawn on top. Add another layer of the cardboard mixture and mist with water. Leave the container in the refrigerator overnight with the lid open.
With patience and care, your mushrooms will continue to grow and eventually fruit. This technique may not guarantee success, but it is a simple and low-cost way to experiment with mushroom cultivation.
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Preparing the cardboard
Firstly, source some cardboard. It is best to use plain cardboard, without colouring or plastic coverings, as these may be harmful to the mushrooms. Cardboard from the United States, Europe, and Canada is likely safe, but be cautious of cardboard from countries with few environmental regulations, as it may contain toxic dyes or glue. Places like gas stations, grocery stores, and liquor stores are good places to ask for cardboard.
Once you have your cardboard, cut it into pieces that fit well into your container. You will need a container with holes and a lid, and a bucket to soak the cardboard in. Sterilise your equipment, gloves, and the cardboard itself, to prevent mould from growing. Soak the cardboard pieces in warm water for about an hour. It is important that the cardboard is damp but not oversaturated, as mycelium needs oxygen, and excess water can create an environment for mould to grow.
After soaking, drain the cardboard and place a layer on the bottom of your bucket. Then, add a layer of mushroom spawn (mycelium) on top. Repeat this process, layering cardboard and spawn, until the bucket is about three-quarters full. Press down on the layers to ensure they are compact and in contact with each other.
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Creating a breathing hole
To create a breathing hole, use a drill or X-acto knife to make a small hole in your mould. The breathing hole should be filled with poly-fill, and all other gaps should be sealed with duct tape. The mould should be completely closed or sealed, as any holes or gaps could allow the mycelium to grow outside of the mould.
It is important to keep your workspace clean throughout the process to avoid contamination. One source suggests creating a sterilisation mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol in distilled water in a spray bottle. Cover your workspace with plastic sheeting and spray the surface with the alcohol mixture, allowing it to air dry. Wipe everything with the alcohol mixture to sterilise your equipment.
Once you have filled your mould with the substrate grain spawn mixture, store your project in a cool, dark, and ideally humid environment. You will typically see growth within 4-6 days, and your mould will be finished when it looks completely white, which usually takes around 2 weeks.
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Sealing the mould
Firstly, choose a suitable mould for your project. You can use silicon ice cube moulds, plastic trays, or any shape container that has a lid or can be fully sealed. It is important to ensure that the mould is clean and sterile to prevent contamination. Drill a small breathing hole in the mould and fill it with Polyester Fiber Fill or poly-fill. This hole ensures proper air circulation, which is vital for maintaining the right environmental conditions.
Once you have prepared your mould, it's time to seal it. Use duct tape to securely close any openings or gaps in the mould. Make sure that all sides of the mould are sealed except for the bottom, as mycelium requires airflow but also humidity. After sealing, store your sealed mould in a cool, dark, and ideally humid environment. Aim for temperatures between 55-60°F, as this is the optimal range for mycelium growth.
During the sealing process and throughout the growth period, maintain strict hygiene practices. This includes regular cleaning and sanitization of your workspace and growing area. Always use sterilized substrates, tools, and containers, and practice good personal hygiene when handling the mycelium. Remember that contamination, often caused by bacteria or other fungi, can spoil your entire batch, so be vigilant.
Finally, monitor the growth of your mycelium regularly. Mycelium typically takes around 4-6 days to start growing and about two weeks to turn completely white, indicating completion. Keep a close eye on any abnormal growth patterns or colours, as these could be signs of mould or contamination. If you detect any issues, you may need to start over, ensuring even more careful contamination prevention.
By following these detailed steps for sealing the mould and maintaining sterile conditions, you can successfully grow objects with mushroom mycelium while minimizing the risk of contamination and mould growth.
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Heating to stop growth
Heating is an important step in shaping mushroom mycelium to stop its growth. Mycelium is a fast-growing organism, and applying heat treatment helps in deactivating the hyphae and arresting further growth. Here are some detailed instructions for using heat to stop the growth of mushroom mycelium:
Choosing the Right Temperature:
The temperature required to stop the growth of mushroom mycelium is essential. Microorganisms, including mycelium, are killed at temperatures of 149 °F (65 °C). Boiling water, which reaches 212 °F (100 °C), can be used to heat and sterilize the substrate, ensuring the elimination of unwanted bacteria.
Oven Baking Method:
One method to stop the growth of mushroom mycelium is by oven baking. Place your mycelium creation in an oven preheated to 200 °F (93 °C) for about 30 minutes. This process will halt the growth and result in a stiff, paper mâché-like texture. It is normal to observe slightly browned edges, indicating successful heat treatment.
Drying Process:
After the mycelium has colonized the substrate, a drying process at elevated temperatures can be employed. Maintaining the temperature in the range of 24–25 °C for several hours will deactivate the hyphae and prevent further growth. This technique yields a mycelium composite material that can be utilized for various applications.
Heating Mats:
For those in cold environments or experiencing significant temperature variations, heating mats can be placed under the mycelium bread during the colonization and fruiting phases. These mats provide a simple and affordable solution to maintain the required temperatures. However, it is important to note that heating mats may not be effective in extremely cold conditions, and additional measures might be necessary.
Preventing Contamination:
When working with mycelium, it is crucial to maintain a clean workspace to prevent contamination. Contamination can lead to unwanted mold growth, hindering the desired outcome. Ensure that your mold or container is sealed properly, with only a small breathing hole to allow for necessary air exchange.
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Frequently asked questions
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a branching thread-like collection of cells called hyphae. It has a complex network structure that absorbs and distributes nutrients throughout its environment.
The simplest way to grow your own mushroom spawn is by using the stem butt method. Take the stems of fresh oyster mushrooms and place them in a container with damp cardboard. You can shred large pieces of cardboard into smaller pieces. Make sure the cardboard is free of any ink or writing as mushrooms are bio-accumulators and can absorb any chemicals or toxins present. Pour boiling water over the cardboard, let it cool, and drain the excess water. After the cardboard has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to the container.
You can use silicon ice cube moulds or plastic trays to shape mushroom mycelium. Ensure that the moulds are sealed properly to avoid contamination and growth outside of the mould. Poke a small breathing hole in the mould and fill it with Polyester Fiber Fill. The final sculpture will take on the details of the mould but will shrink a bit when it dries.
