Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be challenging to cultivate, even for experienced growers. While some people successfully grow mushrooms, others encounter obstacles and frustration. Various factors can influence mushroom growth, and common mistakes can be avoided with knowledge and preparation. Cleanliness, substrate preparation, and maintaining the right conditions are critical to success. Growing mushrooms from spores, for example, requires strict sterility to prevent contamination. Additionally, specific methods like the monotub technique have unique requirements, such as allowing sufficient time for mycelium to spread onto the substrate. Understanding these factors is essential for anyone interested in cultivating mushrooms and avoiding common pitfalls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of growth | Bugs, mold spores, and other unhealthy things may be the reason for lack of growth |
| Cleanliness | Maintain a good working environment, wash hands, and avoid working near litter boxes |
| Substrate preparation | Prepare the substrate to discourage micro-competitors; pasteurization of straw is one method |
| Sterility | Maintain strict sterility to avoid contamination, especially when growing from spores |
| Equipment | Use equipment such as a flow hood, autoclave, or pressure cooker to ensure sterility |
| Lighting | Mushrooms require specific lighting conditions, such as light level 12, and may need to be grown in a "cave" or under a "roof" |
| Planting location | In some cases, mushrooms can only be planted in certain locations, such as under trees or in a ravine |
| Soil type | Mushrooms may require specific soil types, such as dirt or grass |
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What You'll Learn
Incorrect lighting conditions
Mushrooms differ from plants in that they do not rely on light for photosynthesis. Instead, they derive energy from the substrate they grow in, such as decaying wood or compost. However, light does play a role in mushroom development, particularly in triggering fruiting and shaping their growth.
Mushrooms grow towards the light to find fresh air and release spores effectively. Insufficient or incorrect lighting can lead to thin, elongated mushrooms that struggle to produce spores. Mushrooms thrive under low-intensity, indirect light for about 6-12 hours per day. They grow naturally in shaded forests with indirect sunlight, so it is best to mimic these conditions with LED, fluorescent, or ambient indoor lighting.
Since mushrooms do not photosynthesize, they do not require specific wavelengths of light like plants. Instead, they need soft, indirect light. Fluorescent lights (cool white or daylight bulbs) and LED grow lights (low-intensity) are ideal for providing the necessary light conditions for mushrooms. It is important to avoid strong direct sunlight, as this can dry out the substrate and stress the mushrooms. High-intensity LED grow lights are unnecessary since mushrooms do not need high-energy light.
The best light for mushrooms depends on the species being cultivated. Some mushrooms, like enoki, can be grown in complete darkness, resulting in longer and thinner shapes. Other species, such as psychedelic cubensis, require plenty of illumination to develop healthy, mature fruiting bodies.
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Lack of cleanliness
Mushrooms thrive in environments that are moist and nutrient-rich. However, these conditions are also perfect for mould, bacteria, and other unwanted substances. Therefore, a lack of cleanliness can hinder the growth of mushrooms.
To avoid contamination, it is important to maintain a clean workspace and sterilise tools and substrates. While growing mushrooms, you should follow basic hygiene practices such as washing your hands and maintaining a safe distance from potential sources of contamination, such as litter boxes.
Before inoculating, it is important to pasteurise the growing medium, typically straw. This involves heating the straw to a temperature between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to kill harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial bacteria. Sterilisation, on the other hand, involves using chemicals, high heat, or pressure to eliminate all bacteria, creating an opportunity for bad bacteria to take over quickly.
To ensure proper sterilisation of the substrate, it is crucial to allow sufficient time for the process, depending on the size of your containers. The centre of the substrate must reach the required temperature, typically 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius), which can take between one and four hours.
Additionally, it is important to maintain good airflow during the growing process. Mushrooms require fresh air, and without proper ventilation, carbon dioxide can build up, hindering growth and potentially causing the mushrooms to stop developing. A small fan or an open window can help maintain adequate airflow, preventing deformities in the mushrooms.
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Poor substrate preparation
Firstly, the substrate must be prepared with the correct moisture content. Mushrooms are made up of a high percentage of water, and the substrate must retain enough moisture to support this. However, the substrate should not be waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to contamination and hinder mushroom growth. A well-prepared substrate balances moisture retention to create an environment where mushrooms can grow optimally.
Secondly, the physical structure of the substrate is crucial for air exchange, which is necessary for the mycelium to breathe and for healthy mushroom development. Substrates that are too dense or compacted can restrict airflow, leading to poor growth or even failure of the mushroom culture. Chopped straw and bagasse are good choices for larger containers or buckets as they have a structure that facilitates fresh air exchange. On the other hand, a substrate that is too loose may dry out quickly or fail to support the growth of the mycelium throughout the substrate.
Thirdly, the pH level of the substrate is important. While different mushrooms have different preferences for substrates, a properly prepared substrate should have a pH level that is suitable for the type of mushroom being grown.
Finally, the substrate must be sterilized or pasteurized to kill off any competing mould, bacteria, or other organisms and give the desired species of mushroom the best chance at taking hold. Sterilization is where beginner growers often make mistakes, such as not reaching high enough temperatures. To sterilize a substrate and kill off all bacteria and fungal spores, temperatures must exceed 250°F (121°C).
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Inadequate growing environment
Mushrooms are notoriously difficult to grow and require a carefully controlled environment. The cultivation process is complex and can be affected by various factors, including temperature, pH, light, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), moisture, and oxygen.
Temperature swings can be detrimental to fruiting mushrooms, so a stable environment is crucial. Oyster mushrooms, for example, flourish in a cooler temperature range of 55-65°F (13-18°C), while shiitake mushrooms prefer slightly warmer conditions, with ideal fruiting temperatures of around 50-60°F (10-16°C). It is important to adapt these ranges to suit the specific strain and local environmental conditions.
Maintaining the correct humidity levels is also essential for mushroom growth. During the fruiting stage, oyster mushrooms require relative humidity levels of 80–95%. High humidity is critical during pinning, as baby mushroom pins will stop growing if they dry out. Misting mushrooms with water twice a day can help maintain humidity, and growers in hot, dry climates may need to use a humidity tent made from a plastic bag.
Light availability is another crucial factor in mushroom development. Mushrooms do not need light to grow, but they require dim light for a few hours a day to form their fruiting bodies successfully. Excessive light can cause the substrate to dry out, leading to poor mushroom development, while inadequate lighting can influence the colour of the pileus, with mushrooms appearing dark brown, gray, or blackish when grown under bright, intense lighting.
In addition to these factors, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and air quality in the growing environment. Stagnant air can lead to poor mushroom formation and an increased risk of contamination. Regular air exchanges, using fans or opening vents, can help mitigate these risks, but it is essential to ensure that the growing area is protected from contaminants.
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Incorrect growing method
Mushrooms can be tricky to grow and there are several reasons why your mushrooms might not be growing. Here are some tips to troubleshoot incorrect growing methods:
Firstly, it is important to understand the optimal conditions for the specific strain of mushroom you are trying to grow. Different strains have different requirements for temperature, humidity, light, and growing medium. For example, some strains are suited to warm weather, while others prefer cold weather or a wide range of temperatures. Understanding these requirements will help you provide the ideal environment for your mushrooms to thrive.
Secondly, mycelium, the underground vegetative growth of a fungus, needs a moist environment to produce mushrooms. However, too much moisture can be detrimental. The growing medium should be damp but not wet, allowing for adequate drainage. Mushrooms also require good airflow, so ensure your growing area is well-ventilated, especially if growing indoors.
Additionally, contamination can be a common issue when growing mushrooms. It is important to practice proper sterile techniques, such as pasteurizing your growing medium before inoculating and washing your hands before handling spores and spawn. If contamination is spotted, remove the contaminated item from the growing area immediately.
Another potential issue is inadequate lighting. Mushrooms generally require some degree of diffused light, and inadequate lighting can lead to deformities in mushroom growth, such as long stems and underdeveloped caps. However, direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can be too intense for mushrooms.
Lastly, growing mushrooms takes time and patience. Mycelium can be slow to inoculate and spread onto the substrate, so give it sufficient time before intervening. Remember that each species of mushroom has its own growth timeline, so understanding the growth cycle of your specific strain will help manage expectations.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms require specific conditions to grow, and there are several reasons why they might not be. Here are some common issues:
- Incorrect temperature: the temperature of the substrate can become higher than the air temperature in the room, which can cook the mycelium. Aim a few degrees below the optimum temperature.
- Incorrect moisture levels: the substrate should be damp but not wet, and there should be no standing water.
- Poor airflow: good airflow is important to avoid deformities in mushrooms.
- Incorrect light levels: mushrooms need some degree of diffused light to grow. If the area is too dark, the mushroom stems will grow too long, and the caps will stay small.
The most common substrate for home-growing mushrooms is compost. The compost composition will vary depending on the type of mushroom. If you are confident, you can try making your own, or you can buy a good quality compost from a store. One with horse manure is a safe bet for mushrooms.
Most contamination issues can be avoided by using proper techniques and good equipment. However, if contamination occurs, you will need to completely remove the contaminated item from the growing area. Signs of contamination include mould and other micro-competitors such as bugs and spores.
