John Miller
Mushroom cultivation has become increasingly popular due to the health benefits and culinary possibilities associated with different types of mushrooms. One crucial step in mushroom cultivation is the incubation process, where inoculated grow bags are placed in a controlled environment. This process is vital for the growth of mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom. Building a mushroom incubation chamber is a good way to give your mushrooms what they need in the first few weeks of life, even if you don't have a lot of space or a large budget. In this introductory guide, we will explore the steps to building your own mushroom incubator and provide an overview of the incubation process, highlighting the importance of temperature and humidity control for successful mushroom cultivation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | A quiet, dark, and undisturbed area |
| Building Materials | Plywood, metal shelving, styrofoam sheets, coroplast, or plastic storage totes |
| Temperature | 65–80 °F (18.3–26.7 °C) depending on the mushroom species |
| Humidity | 80% or higher |
| Ventilation | Drill 1-inch holes in the lid for ventilation |
| Substrate | Vermiculite, perlite, or manure-loving mushrooms |
| Cleaning | Clean materials with a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach to avoid contamination |
| Storage | Store in cold storage for a maximum of one month |
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What You'll Learn
Building an incubator
To start, find a quiet, dark, and undisturbed location for your incubator. You'll need two plastic storage totes, one slightly smaller than the other so that it can fit inside. Drill a 1-inch hole in the end of the larger tote, about 6 inches from the top. Insert an aquarium heater into the bottom of this tote and thread the power cord through the hole so you can plug it into an outlet. Place two flat bricks that are about 3 inches tall inside the tote on both ends. Fill the tote with water until it covers the bricks, then place the smaller tote on top of the bricks. Add water to the larger tote until it is two-thirds full.
Now, add your mushroom substrate (4 to 8 dry quarts) to the bottom of the smaller tote and add water until the material is wet but not soaked. The substrate can be vermiculite or perlite. Place a thermometer in the smaller tote and put the lid on top. Depending on the type of mushroom, you'll want to maintain a temperature of around 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal range for most mushrooms. If your incubator regularly gets warmer than this, consider drilling a few 1-inch holes in the lid for ventilation. Keep the humidity in the incubator (both totes together) at around 80% or higher.
You can also build an incubator with styrofoam sheets. Cut the sheets to your desired size and create a box. Place a heating pad and a temperature controller inside. The light inside is not necessary for the colonisation period, but you may want to add it for convenience. Place your fruiting chambers inside this box.
Large amounts of incubation can generate a lot of heat, so you may need a cooling system. If your incubator is in a well-insulated building, you may not need additional heat in the winter months as the mycelium generates enough heat on its own.
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Choosing the right location
Temperature Control
Maintaining a consistent temperature range is essential for the successful incubation of mushrooms. Look for a location that remains cool, as the incubation process can generate a lot of heat. A well-insulated area is ideal, as it can help maintain a stable temperature without the need for additional heating during colder months.
Light Control
Mushrooms thrive in dark environments, so choose a location that is free from direct sunlight and artificial light sources. Ensure the incubation room can be made completely dark when needed, as light can impact the growth of mushrooms.
Humidity Control
Different mushroom species have varying humidity requirements during incubation. Manure-loving mushrooms, for instance, may require higher humidity than wood-loving varieties like oyster mushrooms. Select a location where you can control the humidity levels to meet the specific needs of the mushrooms you are cultivating.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial to regulate temperature and humidity levels. Choose a space that allows for adequate airflow, and consider using fans to circulate air and prevent stagnation. However, ensure that the fans do not directly blow on the mushrooms, as this could be detrimental to their growth.
Space Considerations
Incubating mushrooms require adequate space to accommodate the necessary equipment and allow for proper airflow. Ensure the chosen location has enough room for the incubation chamber, shelving, and any other required tools or materials. Additionally, consider the number of mushrooms you plan to incubate and choose a space that can comfortably accommodate your desired scale of operation.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the ideal location for your mushroom incubator, setting yourself up for successful mushroom cultivation.
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Preparing the materials
One common design is the Tub-in-Tub (TiT) method, which requires two plastic storage totes or tubs of different sizes, with the second tote being slightly smaller so it can fit inside the first. Other materials needed for this setup include an aquarium heater, two bricks that are about 3 inches tall and flat on top, a power cord, a thermometer, a lid for the second tote, gloves, and mushroom substrate (such as vermiculite or perlite).
It is important to ensure that all materials are clean to avoid contamination of your mushroom spores. A solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach can be used for this purpose. Additionally, it is recommended to have a fan to circulate air and a heater to maintain the desired temperature, especially during colder months.
Another design option for an incubator is to use styrofoam sheets. The benefit of this approach is that you can cut the sheets to any size and create a box that fits your specific needs. A heating pad, temperature controller, and adhesive tape are also required for this setup.
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Maintaining the incubator
Maintaining the right conditions in your mushroom incubator is key to successful mushroom growth. Here are some tips for maintaining your incubator:
Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial for the successful incubation of mushrooms. Different mushroom species have varying temperature requirements during the incubation stage. For example, most mushrooms should be incubated within a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but this may vary depending on the specific type of mushroom. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in your incubator. To maintain the desired temperature, you can use a heating element, such as an aquarium heater, heat pad, or heated film, placed on the walls of the incubator. Avoid placing the heating element on the floor of the incubator to prevent direct contact with the jars or bags containing the substrate, as this can lead to overheating or bacterial contamination.
Humidity Control
Maintaining proper humidity levels is also important for mushroom incubation. The ideal humidity range for most mushrooms is around 80% or higher. Using two sets of totes, as described in the previous section, can help provide the necessary humidity without fully soaking the substrate. Drilling ventilation holes in the lid of the incubator can also help regulate humidity and air circulation.
Cleaning and Sterilization
To prevent contamination, it is essential to clean and sterilize all materials before use. A solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach can be used to clean the surfaces and equipment within the incubator. This will help ensure that your mushrooms have a sterile environment in which to grow.
Air Circulation
Proper air circulation is necessary to maintain the health of your mushrooms. In addition to ventilation holes, you can use a fan to circulate air within the incubator. This will help distribute heat and prevent the buildup of stagnant air, creating a more uniform environment for mushroom growth.
Incubation Time
Different mushroom species have varying incubation times. For example, shiitake mushrooms typically require 6 to 10 weeks of incubation, while other specialty mushrooms like oysters and lion's mane take around 14 days. It is important to plan your incubation schedule accordingly and be mindful of the specific needs of the mushroom variety you are cultivating.
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Storing the mushrooms
After the incubation process, mushroom growers can place the bags in cold storage until they are ready to fruit them. One source suggests that you can store the bags in a walk-in cooler for three to four weeks. However, after four weeks, the blocks will start fruiting on their own, so it is best to keep them in cold storage for a maximum of one month.
It is important to note that different mushroom species have varying temperature and humidity needs during the incubation stage. For example, manure-loving mushrooms may require higher humidity than wood-loving types like oyster mushrooms.
To store mushrooms in an incubator, you will need to ensure that the mushrooms are kept in a consistent environment. Keep your mushrooms in the incubator for about four to eight weeks. Use a fan to circulate air and a heater to warm the chamber in the colder months. Keep the humidity in the fruiting chamber at around 80% or higher.
Before using the incubator, clean all the materials with a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach to avoid contamination of your mushroom spores.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature range for incubating most types of mushrooms is 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is recommended to keep your mushrooms in the incubator for about 4 to 8 weeks.
You will need two plastic storage totes of different sizes. Place the smaller tote inside the larger one and drill a 1-inch hole, roughly 6 inches from the top. Insert an aquarium heater into the bottom tote and thread the power cord through the hole. Place two flat bricks inside the tote and fill it with water until the bricks are covered. Place the smaller tote on the bricks and fill it with water until it is two-thirds full. Finally, add your mushroom substrate.
You can use styrofoam sheets, cut and shaped into a box of your desired size. Alternatively, you can buy a ready-made styrofoam box. Other materials include plywood, metal shelving, and coroplast.
Using two sets of totes helps provide the necessary humidity for mushrooms without soaking them. Drill additional 1-inch holes in the lid for ventilation if the totes get too warm. You can also use a fan to circulate air and maintain the desired humidity levels.
