Laura Smith
Mushroom cultivation, or mycology, is an exciting and rewarding pursuit that requires patience and nurturing. It is a vast field, but the basics are easy to learn, and you can be a successful grower at home. Before you begin, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specialized vocabulary and life cycle of a mushroom. The first step is to decide which type of mushroom you want to grow and whether you will grow them indoors or outdoors. Oyster, button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest for beginners. You will need a dark, cool place, such as a basement or crawl space, or even a dark drawer or cabinet. You can buy a mushroom cultivation kit, or assemble the materials yourself, including plastic tubs, mushroom spawn, growing substrate, a damp towel, and a spray bottle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steps | Phase I composting, Phase II composting, spawning, casing, pinning, and cropping |
| Major Cultivars | Smooth white hybrid, Off-white hybrid, Brown |
| Growing Medium | Straw or soil compost |
| Common Containers | Plastic trays, buckets |
| Growing Environment | Dark and humid |
| pH Level | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Temperature | 23°C/73°F |
| Humidity | High |
| Spawn | Sawdust, grains, supplemented hardwood sawdust or logs |
| Substrate | Food source for mycelium |
| Casing | Layer on which the fruit bodies grow |
| Mushroom Types | Shiitake, oyster, lion's mane |
| Mushroom Farming Benefits | Environmentally friendly, sustainable, efficient space usage, profitable |
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What You'll Learn
Choose your growing method: indoor or outdoor
Deciding whether to grow mushrooms indoors or outdoors is one of the first steps in mushroom cultivation. Both methods have their own advantages and considerations.
Indoor Mushroom Cultivation
Mushrooms can be grown indoors all year round. They require a cool, dark place to grow, such as a basement, crawl space, garage, shed, or even a dark drawer or cabinet. Temperature, humidity, and ventilation are important parameters to control in indoor mushroom cultivation. Optimal temperatures for mushroom growth range from 55-65°F, and conditions should be moist but not wet. Mushrooms produce CO2, so adequate ventilation is crucial.
For those interested in growing mushrooms indoors, purchasing a ready-made grow kit is the easiest option. These kits include 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. Within 7-10 days, mushrooms will begin to grow. More advanced growers may opt to purchase mushroom spawn (sawdust permeated with mycelia) and sterilize the material themselves before cultivating mushrooms.
Outdoor Mushroom Cultivation
Growing mushrooms outdoors can take significantly longer than indoor cultivation, ranging from six months to two years. The local climate should be considered, as mushrooms thrive in cool, humid conditions. If growing in a drier climate, mushrooms will need to be watered more frequently.
When growing mushrooms outdoors, using logs is the recommended method. Hardwood logs can be stacked to create mushroom "gardens" that can produce mushrooms for several years. Holes are drilled into the logs, which are then filled with plugs (available online or from specialist mushroom spore suppliers) and sealed with cheese wax, beeswax, or burlap to protect the plugs from insects and maintain moisture. It can take up to a year for mushrooms to begin to sprout from the logs.
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Prepare the substrate and spores
Preparing the substrate and spores is a crucial step in mushroom cultivation. It involves several processes, including substrate selection, sterilization or pasteurization, inoculation, and creating the right conditions for mycelium growth. Here is a detailed guide to help you through these steps:
Selecting the Right Substrate
The substrate serves as the growing medium for mushrooms, providing the necessary nutrients for their development. Different types of substrates can be used, and the choice depends on the specific mushroom species being cultivated. Common substrates include straw, which is inexpensive and widely available, and coffee grounds, which provide all the nutrients mushrooms need to grow. Other options include agricultural wastes like corn stalks and invasive plant species such as water hyacinth and kudzu.
Sterilization or Pasteurization
Before inoculating the substrate with spores, it is essential to sterilize or pasteurize it. This process eliminates competing mold, bacteria, and spores, giving your desired mushroom species a better chance to thrive. Sterilization requires more effort and equipment, involving high temperatures achieved through methods like pressure cooking or oven heating. However, it can dry out the substrate, requiring rehydration with distilled water afterward. Pasteurization, a tried-and-true method, is a more common approach, especially for less nutritious substrates like straw. It involves heating the substrate to a lower temperature, typically around 160-170°F, to destroy unwanted organisms without damaging the substrate.
Inoculating the Substrate
Inoculation is the process of introducing mushroom spores or spawn into the prepared substrate. This step initiates the growth of the mycelium, the thread-like network that forms the foundation for mushroom development. For straw substrates, inoculation typically occurs after pasteurization, and it is crucial to work on a clean surface wiped down with isopropyl alcohol. The type of inoculum used depends on the mushroom species and may include grain spawn or a mixture of mushroom spawn and coffee grounds.
Creating the Right Conditions for Mycelium Growth
After inoculation, the substrate should be placed in an environment that promotes mycelium growth. This involves maintaining the recommended temperature, light, humidity, and airflow conditions specific to the mushroom species. For straw substrates, covering the inoculated substrate with a damp newspaper can help retain moisture and create a suitable microclimate for mycelium development. Within a few weeks, the mycelium should start to grow, appearing as a white mass covering the substrate's surface.
Remember, each step in substrate and spore preparation is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. Taking the time to select the right substrate, sterilize or pasteurize it effectively, inoculate it properly, and create optimal conditions for mycelium growth will greatly increase your chances of a bountiful mushroom harvest.
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Maintain the right pH level
Maintaining the right pH level is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. The preferred pH range for most mushrooms is between 5.5 and 8.5, with the ideal level being slightly acidic, at around 6.0 to 6.5. Here are some steps and considerations to help you maintain the optimal pH for your mushroom garden:
Soil Selection and Amendment:
Start by choosing the right growing medium. Mushrooms grow well in a variety of substrates, including straw, sawdust, wood chips, and compost. However, not all substrates will have the ideal pH from the start. You can adjust the pH by adding amendments. If your substrate is too acidic (low pH), you can raise the pH by adding lime. Agricultural lime, also known as garden lime, is commonly used for this purpose. It's important to wear protective gear, including gloves and a dust mask, when handling lime. Follow the instructions on the package for safe and effective application rates. On the other hand, if your substrate is too alkaline (high pH), you can lower the pH by incorporating sulphur, peat moss, or well-aged wood chips, which have a naturally acidic pH.
Testing and Monitoring:
Invest in a good soil pH testing kit, such as a digital pH meter or pH test strips. These tools will help you accurately determine the current pH of your substrate. Regularly test the pH of your growing medium, especially before introducing the mushroom spawn or mycelium. This proactive approach ensures that you can make any necessary adjustments in a timely manner. It's also important to monitor the pH of your water. Mushrooms absorb nutrients from water, and the pH of the water can impact the overall pH of the growing environment. Aim for a water pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Adjusting pH:
If adjustments are necessary, make them gradually. Drastic changes in pH can harm the mycelium and shock the mushrooms. For example, when raising the pH with lime, start with a light application and work your way up gradually. Always allow time for the substrate to adjust after each amendment. When lowering the pH, use small amounts of your chosen amendment and monitor the pH regularly to ensure you don't overshoot the target range.
Consistency and Maintenance:
Maintain a consistent pH throughout the cultivation process. Minor fluctuations are normal, but drastic shifts can stress the mushrooms and hinder their growth. Regularly check the pH, especially after adding water or nutrients, as these can impact the overall pH. Additionally, be mindful of the materials you introduce to your mushroom garden, as some may affect the pH over time. For example, certain types of mulch or bedding materials may have pH-altering properties.
By diligently monitoring and adjusting the pH of your mushroom cultivation substrate, you'll create an optimal environment for healthy mushroom growth and development. Remember to wear appropriate protective gear when handling any chemicals or substrates, and always follow safety instructions provided by your chosen mushroom cultivation system.
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Control temperature, light, humidity, and airflow
Mushrooms are typically grown in a controlled environment, often in a dark and humid space. The growing medium can vary, but common options include straw or soil compost. The temperature, light, humidity, and airflow must be controlled to create the optimal environment for your chosen species.
Temperature is a critical factor in the successful cultivation of mushrooms. The compost temperature should be maintained at 75°–80°F (23°–27°C) in the first few weeks. As the mycelium grows, it generates heat, and if the compost temperature exceeds 80°–85°F (27°–29°C), it may damage or kill the mycelium, hindering crop productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and regulate the temperature to ensure it remains within the optimal range.
Light control is also essential for mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms are typically grown in dark spaces, as they are not photosynthetic and do not require light for energy production. However, a minimal amount of light is necessary to provide visibility for inspection and maintenance. Growers should aim to maintain low-light conditions while providing targeted lighting when needed.
Humidity is another critical factor in mushroom cultivation. High relative humidity is necessary to minimize the drying of the compost surface and the spawn. This high humidity promotes the growth of the mycelium, which eventually forms a spawned bed of compost. However, it is important to note that excessive humidity can lead to water condensation, creating an overly damp environment that may foster the growth of unwanted bacteria or fungi. Therefore, humidity levels should be carefully monitored and controlled to maintain optimal conditions.
Airflow management is crucial in mushroom cultivation. Carbon dioxide levels in the growing room should be kept low, ideally around 0.04% to 0.08%, depending on the cultivar. Introducing fresh air at the right time is essential, and this skill is often developed through experience. Airflow helps regulate temperature and humidity while providing the necessary exchange of gases for the developing mushrooms.
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Harvest at the right time
Harvesting at the right time is crucial to maximising future yields and getting the most out of your efforts. The ideal time to harvest is different for each mushroom variety and is something you will learn through experience. Generally, you want to balance letting the mushrooms grow to get a good yield without letting them become too mature.
The veil, a thin membrane on the underside of the mushroom cap, is key to determining when to harvest. When the mushroom is mature, the veil tears and releases spores for the next generation of mushrooms. If you are growing mushrooms indoors, this process is undesirable as it will reduce the number of mushrooms in subsequent yields. Additionally, once the veil drops, the mushroom may continue to grow in size but will not develop any more psilocybin or psilocin.
The veil of a juvenile mushroom is usually grey-white and fleshy. When it is close to tearing, it will often darken and begin to sag. It is best to harvest the mushrooms just before the veil tears. Even if some spores are released, it is not a big deal, and you can still harvest the mushrooms. However, you should avoid letting the mushrooms sporulate heavily as it may be challenging to get another flush from the same area.
For pink oyster mushrooms, the best time to harvest is when the cap is flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up. They produce the most spores, so it is important to harvest them before they cover everything in pink dust.
Overall, harvesting too early is better than harvesting too late. While you may not get the most out of a single mushroom, you avoid the risk of ruining your entire crop.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom cultivation is the practice of growing mushrooms on a small plot of land, usually in a controlled indoor environment. Mushrooms are not vegetables, but their own category of life form, and are closely related to humans. They are grown in four basic stages: Phase I composting, Phase II composting, spawning, and casing.
You will need a plastic tub or baking pan, mushroom spawn, growing substrate like compost, straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds, a damp towel, and a spray bottle. You can buy mushroom growing kits that include these materials, or assemble them yourself.
The ideal temperature and humidity levels depend on the mushroom variety, but most culinary mushrooms grow well at temperatures around 65°F and humidity levels between 80% and 90%. Mushrooms thrive in a slightly acidic environment, with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
Mushrooms need nutrients, water, fresh air, light, and a temperate environment to survive. Knowing when, how, and how much water to apply to casing is an "art form" that separates experienced growers from beginners. Mushrooms can be harvested when they are a similar size and texture to what you have seen in pictures or what is recommended by the spawn provider.
