Mushroom cultivation supplies are vital for growing mushrooms. There are many different materials that can be used as a substrate. It is important to sterilize these materials to ensure the safety of the mushroom colony.
Most growers sterilize their substrate using a pressure cooker. This is a time consuming process but will result in very low contamination rates.SubstrateThe substrate used for growing mushrooms provides a surface on which the mycelium can grow. It must be both nutrient rich and free of competing organisms. This means that it needs to be sterilised.A common choice for a mushroom cultivation substrate is straw. It’s a cheap and abundant material that works well for most species of mushrooms. Straw is the dried stalks that are left behind after the grain has been harvested and it’s often available locally in 40lb square bales.Another option is fine sawdust. It can be made from many different hardwoods, but oak and hickory are especially good for this purpose. Wood chips can also be used for some mushroom species. However, all of these materials need to be sterilized.Growing ContainerThe growing container used for mushroom cultivation is a key component to the success of your crop. Mushrooms require a substrate with high water-holding capacity, which can be achieved through the use of organic materials like hay, straw, shredded paper, or aged compost. It should also have a high level of permeability to air and moisture, which is achieved through the addition of sedge peat.While it is possible to grow mushrooms in one-use bags, reusable containers are better for the environment. They also allow for more mechanization and can save you money on labor costs. Mushroom growers often use plastic tupperware bins or monotubs for their growing containers. Alternatively, some people even use a converted shipping container as their mushroom growing room! Ideally, the container should be light-colored.Grow RoomA dedicated room is the ideal environment to grow mushrooms because they require consistent temperature, humidity and air exchange. A basement or wine cellar works well as a mushroom grow room because underground areas stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter and are naturally insulated from seasonal temperature fluctuations.A plastic sheet covering a floor is a simple way to create an inexpensive and easy-to-clean room for growing mushrooms. However, the plastic can rot with excessive water or humidity levels so the floor must be able to handle spills and moisture without damage. For the best results, invest in a fan that pushes air into the room rather than pulling it out of the room. Using this method, you can maintain a positive pressure in the room and replace the full volume of the grow room’s air four times an hour.Temperature and Humidity ControlMushrooms thrive in specific temperature and humidity conditions, which are vital to promoting healthy growth and fruiting. Achieving and maintaining these levels helps prevent excessive moisture, drying out, or the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms like mold.Humidity controls include automated mist and fog systems that use timers or sensors to periodically release a controlled amount of moisture into the growing environment. These tools help maintain humidity within the recommended range and improve efficiency in larger mushroom cultivation operations.Ventilation and air exchange systems are also essential for mushroom cultivation because stale air can lead to high humidity, CO2 buildup, and depleted oxygen. Innovative HVAC solutions promote efficient airflow and proper ventilation to control temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. These systems also help eliminate odors and keep the air clean.HarvestingMushrooms are a fun and rewarding addition to your home garden. They grow quickly and are easy to care for. However, they do need to be handled carefully to avoid causing damage and to ensure that the crop is healthy.The first mushroom flush usually occurs in 3 to 5 days, and yields up to 20 kg/m2. The second harvest is harvested in 8 to 10 days. If hand-harvesting, it is important to choose the right time, as overripe mushrooms spoil rapidly.Once a harvest is complete, the room needs to be cleaned and pasteurized with steam to prevent contamination of the next crop. This step also helps to kill any diseases or pests in the compost or woodwork of the room. Once completed, the mushrooms are ready for packaging and distribution.