Sarah Brown
Growing mushrooms in jars is a sustainable way to eat and can be done by home growers. It is important to maintain the correct moisture content in the jars to prevent the mycelium from drying out and stopping growth. Before adding the substrate, the jars should be sterilized and drilled with holes to allow the fungi to breathe. The substrate should then be added, ensuring it is damp but not wet, and the jars should be sealed tightly. The jars should be stored in a dim, warm space, with a moderate amount of humidity, and checked daily for any signs of contamination. The temperature should be maintained between 70-86°F for optimal growth. Once the mycelium has colonized about 30% of the jar, the jar can be gently shaken to spread the growth points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Glass or plastic jars, bottles, or bales |
| Substrate | Vermiculite, brown rice flour, purified water, horse manure, straw, hardwood, coco coir, coffee grounds, earthworm poop |
| Moisture Content | Constant moisture, but not too wet |
| Temperature | 70-75°F (21-24°C) |
| Humidity | 90%-100% |
| Spore Syringe | Used to inoculate the substrate |
| Airflow | Drill holes in the lid |
| Sterilization | Pressure cook for 90 minutes at 15 PSI, boil the jar for 10 minutes |
| Shaking | Wait until 30% colonization before shaking |
| Fruiting | Remove the lid, place a plastic bag over the jar and cut off a corner for air, or create a fruiting chamber |
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What You'll Learn
Sterilise the jar
Sterilising the jar is an essential step in the mushroom growing process. It ensures that all living and dormant organisms and fungal spores are eradicated, giving your mushroom mycelium the best possible start. Here is a step-by-step guide to sterilising your jars:
Prepare the Jars
Firstly, you will need to prepare your jars for sterilisation. This involves filling your jars with the desired substrate, which can include materials such as straw, sugarcane bagasse, coco coir, hardwood sawdust, cardboard, or even manure, soy hulls, grains, and master's mix if you are using a high-nutrient substrate. Cover the jar lids with tinfoil to prevent water from dripping into the lid during sterilisation.
Use a Pressure Cooker
The most effective way to sterilise your jars is by using a pressure cooker. Before using your pressure cooker, ensure that all parts are in good working order and there are no dents, bulges, or cracks. Place a metal rack or jar lids at the bottom of the pressure cooker and put your substrate jars on top, ensuring they do not touch the sides of the pot. Pour in enough water to last the duration of the sterilisation process—around 2.8 litres or enough to go 2.5 to 5 cm up the side of the jars. Heat the pressure cooker on high until it reaches 15 PSI (121°C or 250°F). Once this pressure is reached, reduce the heat to maintain the pressure and start timing. Sterilise the jars for 15 to 20 minutes, minimising the amount of steam released.
Allow the Pressure Cooker to Cool
After sterilisation, turn off the heat and let the pressure cooker cool down. This may take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and type of pressure cooker. Do not open the lid until the pressure has dropped naturally. Once cooled and depressurised, carefully open the lid and use heat-resistant gloves or tongs to remove the jars. Place the jars on a heat-resistant surface and allow them to cool to room temperature.
Alternative Methods
While a pressure cooker is the most effective method, there are alternative ways to sterilise your jars. These include boiling the jars in a large pot of water for 60 to 90 minutes, using an oven at 150°C (300°F) for 2 to 3 hours, or microwaving the jars with a grain and water mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. However, these methods may not guarantee complete sterilisation and carry a higher risk of contamination.
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Drill holes in the lid
Drilling holes in the lid of your mushroom jars is a necessary step in the mushroom cultivation process. Here are some detailed instructions to help you successfully drill holes in the lid:
Firstly, it is important to choose the right tools for the job. While some people have successfully drilled holes using basic tools like a hammer and nail, or even a screwdriver, others recommend using a drill with specific types of drill bits for the best results.
The type of drill bit you choose will depend on the material of your lid. If you have a metal lid, a high-quality drill bit made specifically for metal will create clean holes. A small-sized bit, such as a 1/8-inch Forstner drill bit, is ideal for creating inoculation holes. If you're drilling into thin metal, a step drill bit can also work well, but it tends to be more expensive. For plastic lids, a regular drill bit can be used, but you should be gentle to avoid applying too much pressure.
To ensure that your lid doesn't move around while drilling and to create a stable surface, it's recommended to sandwich the lid between two pieces of scrap wood. You can then drill through the wood and the lid together, creating a clean hole. This method helps to prevent the lid from tearing or getting damaged.
After drilling the holes, you may need to file down any sharp edges or burrs that are left behind. A small round file or a de-burring tool can be used to smooth out the edges and create a more uniform appearance.
Additionally, if you're concerned about contamination, you can use Room Temperature Vulcanizing Rubber (RTV) to seal the holes. RTV is a type of rubber that can be squeezed out of a tube and applied to the holes for added protection.
By following these steps and choosing the appropriate tools, you can successfully drill holes in the lid of your mushroom jars, creating the ideal conditions for mushroom cultivation.
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Prepare the substrate
Preparing the substrate is a crucial step in the mushroom growing process. It involves selecting the right materials, ensuring they are properly cleaned and hydrated, and creating the optimal environment for mushroom growth. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the substrate for your mushroom jars:
Selecting the Substrate Material
The first step is to choose the right substrate material for the specific type of mushroom you plan to grow. Different mushrooms have different preferences and will thrive in certain substrates. For example, oyster mushrooms can grow on a wide range of substrates, including straw or cardboard, while other species may require a specific substrate to produce high yields. You can also get creative and experiment with agricultural wastes like corn stalks.
Cleaning and Pasteurizing the Substrate
Before using your chosen substrate, it is essential to clean and pasteurize it to minimize the risk of mould and bacteria growth. This step gives your mycelium a better chance of establishing itself successfully. One common method is hot water pasteurization, which involves soaking the substrate in hot water for a specified period. For example, when using aspen reptile bedding as a substrate, you would soak it in hot water for an hour or two and then drain and squeeze out the excess water. You can also pasteurize the substrate by heating it to a specific temperature range, such as 140°F-170°F (60°C), for an hour.
Hydrating the Substrate
After pasteurization, you need to hydrate the substrate. This process ensures the substrate is damp enough to support mushroom growth without being overly wet. For this step, you can use a combination of water and other hydrating agents, such as vermiculite, which helps retain moisture. Make sure the vermiculite has soaked up all the water it can before adding other ingredients, such as brown rice flour, to create a nutritious and hydrated substrate.
Filling the Jars
Once your substrate is well-mixed and hydrated, it's time to fill your prepared jars. Loosely fill the jars, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Do not pack the substrate down, as you want to maintain air spaces to allow for mushroom growth. After filling, you may want to create a hole in the centre of the substrate for ease of inoculation, although this is optional.
Sterilizing the Jars
Before inoculating your jars, it is crucial to sterilize them again to eliminate any remaining contaminants. You can use a pressure cooker, following the manufacturer's instructions, or steam the jars in a covered pot on a raised rack. If using a pressure cooker, leave the jars at 15 PSI for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the jar size. If steaming, ensure the jars do not touch the simmering water, and cover the pot.
Sealing and Incubating the Jars
After sterilizing, seal the air holes in the jar lids with tape or foil to prevent contamination. Then, place the jars in a warm, dark location, such as a cupboard or cardboard box, with temperatures between 80-86°F (21-23°C). This temperature range allows the spores to incubate into mycelium, which is the part of the mushroom that absorbs nutrients and water.
Preparing the substrate correctly is essential for successful mushroom growth. It may seem like a lengthy process, but it will give your mushrooms the best chance to thrive and ensure a bountiful harvest.
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Maintain moisture
Maintaining the correct moisture level is crucial for growing mushrooms in jars. The mycelium needs constant moisture to grow, and if the jars dry out, the mycelium will stop growing. Here are some tips to help you maintain the correct moisture levels:
Firstly, ensure you get the initial water content correct. You can do this by mixing vermiculite and water first. Allow the vermiculite to soak up all the water before adding the brown rice flour. Fill the jars with this mixture, leaving 10-15mm of space below the rim. Do not compact the mixture. Wipe the jars clean, inside and out, with a paper towel.
Secondly, be careful not to overheat your jars. If the temperature is too high, it can stall mycelial growth and dry out your jars. Keep the temperature around 80°F (27°C). If you are pressure cooking your jars, ensure they are not touching the water, as this can cause moisture to invade your jars. Elevate the jars so they are completely out of the water.
If your jars do dry out, you can try injecting water or a large amount of LC (liquid culture). However, this is a tricky process, as adding water to colonized jars can harm or kill the mycelium. It is important to assess whether the jar stalled due to being too dry or because of bacteria. If you are confident that the jar is bacteria-free, adding a small amount of sterile water may help rehydrate the system and give the mycelium more moisture to grow.
To mitigate moisture build-up, carefully turn the jar slightly so that the moisture is dispersed instead of concentrated in one spot.
Additionally, you can use vermiculite to hold moisture and provide space for the mycelium to grow. Fine ground vermiculite is preferable, but coarse vermiculite can also work.
Finally, maintain a humidity level above 90% for optimum mushroom growth, with temperatures between 21-23°C (70-74°F).
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Create a fruiting chamber
A fruiting chamber is an enclosed space that creates the ideal conditions for mushrooms to grow. It is a controlled environment with the right humidity, CO2 levels, temperature, and lighting. Here are some steps to create a fruiting chamber:
Choose the Right Space
Select an area that complies with the requirements for CO2 levels, humidity, temperature, and lighting. The space should be clean and easy to maintain. It should also be well-ventilated to regulate airflow and prevent mould. A concrete floor with a nearby drain is ideal to manage the high humidity levels.
Prepare the Containers
Use clear plastic containers with lids, such as storage bins or buckets, to serve as your fruiting chamber. Drill holes, approximately 1/4" to 1/2" in size, on all sides of the container for airflow and gas exchange. Wash the containers and dry them thoroughly.
Add the Substrate
Fill the bottom of your chamber with a few inches of Perlite, a volcanic rock material that helps maintain humidity. Pour distilled water over the Perlite and mix it evenly. Ensure there is no standing water in the container. The water will slowly evaporate, creating the necessary humid environment.
Monitor and Maintain
Use tools like a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and manage the environment. Mist the chamber with distilled water if needed, but be careful not to over-mist, as it can cause mould. Fan the chamber regularly to maintain airflow and exchange fresh air. Keep the temperature and humidity consistent, adjusting as needed for the specific type of mushrooms you are growing.
Lighting
Provide indirect natural light for your fruiting chamber, such as near a window but away from direct sunlight. If natural light is not accessible, supplement with artificial light, such as a small fluorescent light on a timer to simulate a natural light cycle.
Creating a fruiting chamber allows you to provide the ideal conditions for mushrooms to flourish. Remember to maintain the environment consistently and make adjustments as needed for the specific mushroom varieties you are cultivating.
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Frequently asked questions
First, sterilise your jar by placing it in boiling water for 10 minutes. Then, drill a few holes in the lid so the fungi can breathe. Pull some stuffing through or tent them with tinfoil so there’s a filter. Next, prepare your substrate and add it to the jar, hydrating it as you go. Make sure the substrate is damp but not soaking.
Seal your grain jars tightly and keep them in the right conditions. You should see the first signs of white mycelium growth in 5-10 days. To speed up colonisation, you can shake the jars. To do this, wait until the mycelium has colonised about 30% of the jar, then gently shake it to spread the growth points.
Once your mushrooms have colonised, you need to ready them for fruiting. This process will differ depending on the type of mushroom. Some like a lot of extra water, while others require you to introduce them to oxygen. Look up what you need to do for your specific type of mushroom.
