Growing your own mushrooms at home is a joyful experience with several health, environmental, and economic benefits. There are numerous advantages to starting your own mushroom garden now, including the opportunity to eat fresh, nutrient-rich mushrooms while also helping to sustainability and saving money. Let’s get into it!
Step 1 - Preparing the substrate
Different mushrooms require various substrates, for example, oyster mushrooms flourish on straw, coffee grounds, and sawdust, whereas shiitake mushrooms need hardwood logs or sawdust. To eradicate competing organisms, your substrate must be sterilized or pasteurized. This can be accomplished by boiling, steaming, or utilizing a pressure cooker. Ensure that your substrate is suitably hydrated but not waterlogged. The optimal moisture content is between 60 and 70%.
Step 2 - Inoculation Methods for Various Mushroom Species
Spores Versus Spawn - Spores are mushrooms' reproductive units, whereas spawn is mycelium produced on a substrate.
Spawn is often easier for newbies because of its increased success rate.
The methods:
Grain Spawn is suitable for most mushrooms. It’s recommended to combine the spawn with the prepared substrate.
Plug Spawn is used to cultivate logs, particularly shiitake mushrooms. The correct way to prepare is to drill holes in the logs, insert plugs, and seal with wax.
Liquid Culture is a sterile fluid containing mycelium which you then inject it into the substrate with a syringe. To avoid contamination, administer the inoculation in a clean setting. Always apply gloves and sanitize all tools and surfaces.
The ideal Mushroom Fruiting Temperature is 55-75°F (13-24°C), but double-check the exact requirements for your chosen species.
Maintain a high humidity level (85-95%) while fruiting and use a humidifier or mist the growth region frequently.
Avoid direct sunlight! Indirect light is adequate for most mushrooms. To prevent CO2 buildup, ensure appropriate ventilation. Do this by either using fans or make fresh air exchanges every now and then.
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Harvesting and Storing Homegrown Mushrooms
Harvest mushrooms when they reach the correct size but before the caps flatten or turn upward.
Gently twist or chop the mushrooms at their base with a sterilized knife.
Fresh mushrooms can be stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
In order to preserve them best, use a dehydrator or air dry in a well-ventilated room. Place dried mushrooms in an airtight container.
It is important to clean and slice the mushrooms before freezing. Blanching them slightly before freezing can assist to retain texture and flavor. You can also preserve mushrooms in vinegar and spices for a tart, long-lasting snack!
Thank you for exploring the Step-by-Step Mushroom Growing Guide with us. If you're inspired to start your own mushroom growing journey, visit the Terrashroom product page to learn more about our automated, user-friendly growing system. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, Terrashroom makes it easy to cultivate a variety of mushrooms at home. Check out our page and join the community of happy growers today!
