In this blog post, we will take you on a fascinating journey into the diverse world of mushroom cultivation techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned mycophile or a novice looking to embark on your first fungal adventure, we’ve got something for everyone.
From the classic methods like growing in buckets to time saving and high yielding mushroom growing bags, we’ll explore various ways to grow mushrooms, each with its own unique set of challenges and rewards.
Methods we will discuss in this chapter are:
Outdoor Mushroom Beds:
Log Cultivation:
Buckets:
Bottles:
Mushroom Bags
1. Log cultivation
Log cultivation is great for beginners as you need as little equipment as possible.
Materials You’ll Need:
Fresh Hardwood Logs: Choose healthy logs from hardwood trees like oak, maple, or beech. Logs should be around 3 to 6 feet in length and 4 to 6 inches in diameter.
Mushroom plugs or Spawn: You can purchase mushroom plugs or spawn from a reputable supplier. Choose a variety that thrives on logs, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Plugs are easier to handle, spawn is less expensive.
Drill with 5/16-inch Drill Bit: This is used for drilling holes in the logs.
Wax: Beeswax or food-grade paraffin wax is used to seal the inoculation holes.
Wax Applicator: A brush or small ladle for applying wax.
Hammer: For gently tapping the spawn plugs into the holes.
Plastic Bag or Plastic Wrap: To cover the logs during the incubation period (optional).
Shady Outdoor Location: Logs need to be kept in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Step 1: Log Selection
Choose fresh logs that have been cut recently and are free from signs of decay or insect infestation. Logs from hardwood trees work best, as they provide a durable substrate for mushroom growth.
Step 2: Drill Inoculation Holes
Using the 5/16-inch drill bit, create holes in the logs. Space the holes about 6 inches apart in a diamond or triangular pattern along the length of the log. The depth of the holes should be roughly 1 inch.
Step 3: Inoculate with Mushroom Spawn
Insert mushroom spawn or dowels into each hole, tapping them gently with a hammer to secure them in place. If using spawn Ensure the spawn is snug inside the holes, only use hardwood spawn without added extra nutrients like masters mix. This won’t be beneficial and only attract more pests/contaminations.
Step 4: Seal with Wax
Melt your wax in a heat-resistant container. Once it’s liquid, use a wax applicator to seal the holes. This prevents contaminants from entering and helps maintain moisture levels. Make sure the wax completely covers the holes.
Step 5: Incubation
Place the inoculated logs in a shaded, well-ventilated area, such as under a tree or on a wooden pallet.You can Cover them with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a humid environment. Logs will need to incubate for about 6 to 12 months, depending on the mushroom variety and environmental conditions.
Step 6: Monitor Moisture
During the incubation period, check the logs regularly to ensure they remain moist. If they start to dry out, lightly mist them with water.
Step 7: Mushroom Fruiting
After the incubation period, you’ll notice the mycelium (the fungal network) spreading through the logs. When the logs are fully colonized, move them to a shaded area with indirect sunlight and soak them in cold water for 24 hours.
Step 8: Harvesting
Mushrooms will begin to grow from the inoculation holes within a few weeks. Harvest them when they reach the desired size, typically before they fully expand. Twist or cut the mushrooms at the base to avoid damaging the mycelium.
2. Buckets
Growing mushrooms in buckets is a simple and space-efficient way to cultivate delicious fungi at home, whether you’re a seasoned mycophile or a novice gardener. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a suitable environment for mushroom growth using buckets. Get ready to embark on a rewarding journey into the world of bucket-based mushroom cultivation.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Food-Grade Buckets: Choose clean, food-grade plastic buckets with lids. The size of the bucket will depend on your mushroom variety, but 5-gallon buckets are commonly used.
- Mushroom Substrate: Depending on your mushroom choice, you’ll need a substrate such as straw, hardwood sawdust, or a mixture of both.
- Mushroom Spawn : Purchase mushroom spawn from a reputable supplier. You can use grain spawn for added nutrients and increased yields compared to sawdust spawn.
- Drill with a 1/4-inch Drill Bit: To create ventilation holes in the bucket.
- Spray Bottle: For misting and maintaining humidity.
Step 1: Prepare Your Bucket
Begin by cleaning and sanitizing the food-grade bucket and lid. Ensure it is thoroughly dry before proceeding.
Using the drill and a 1/4-inch drill bit, create ventilation holes in the lid of the bucket. These holes will allow for air exchange and help maintain proper humidity levels.
The more holes you drill the more fruits you get but they will be smaller, fewer holes = bigger fruits. But too many holes will let your substrate dry out, but too few holes will make your substrate lack air exchange.
1/4″(6mm) holes spaced 2″ -3″ apart in a grid pattern on all sides should work for most people.
Step 2: Prepare the Substrate
Prepare your chosen mushroom substrate following the recommended guidelines for your specific mushroom variety. This may involve pasteurizing or sterilizing the substrate to eliminate competing organisms. Allow it to cool completely before use. Check How to substrate for more info
Step 3: Fill the Bucket
Fill the bucket starting with your prepared substrate, then add layers of your mushroom spawn. You can either mix in the spawn or just make several layers.
Step 5: Ventilation Holes
close the ventilation holes with Porotape or some kind of breathable tape which holds out contaminants.
Step 6: Seal and Incubate
Place the lid on the bucket and seal it tightly. Optionally, you can cover the bucket with a plastic liner to protect it from moisture and contaminants. Store the bucket in a dark, cool place with a temperature range suitable for your chosen mushroom species. Allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate. This incubation period can vary depending on the species, but typically takes 2 – 6 weeks.
Step 8: Initiate Fruiting
Once the substrate is fully colonized with mycelium (white, web-like growth), it’s time to initiate fruiting. Move the bucket to a well-lit but indirect sunlight location with temperatures suitable for your mushroom variety.
Remove some of the tape on the holes where the mushrooms shall grow. You can start misting your bucket a couple of times a day to initiate pinning.
Step 9: Harvest
Mushrooms will begin to grow from the substrate. Harvest them when they reach the desired size, typically before they fully expand. Twist or cut the mushrooms at the base to avoid damaging the mycelium.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully grown mushrooms in buckets. This method allows you to enjoy fresh and homegrown mushrooms year-round. Repeat the process with new buckets to maintain a continuous harvest of your favorite mushroom varieties.