When you’re ready to grow mushrooms, there are a variety of things you need to know. Whether you’re just looking to grow some for your own use or you want to sell them at your local farmers market, there are some tips you should keep in mind.
First, you need to find a good supplier. The best way to do this is to do some research. This will allow you to find a reputable supplier who has a good reputation and a high-quality product. In addition, you should make sure the equipment you plan to use is clean and disinfected before you start.
Photo by Jason Thompson on Unsplash
Next, you need to determine how to prepare your growing area. You should choose a substrate that will support the growth of your mushrooms. Different types of substrates will provide different levels of nutrients for your fungi. A common choice is straw, which is easy to spread and will help your fungi to flourish. However, it should be noted that some substrates are more nutritious and easier for your fungi to digest.
Next, you should sterilize the substrate you’re using. Typically, the mushroom substrate used is made from vermiculite, but other materials are also acceptable. Once the substrate is sterilized, you can begin cultivating your mushrooms.
Before you begin, you should also ensure that your growing space is well-ventilated. You should also make sure that the air in the room is not clammy, which can interfere with the maturation of your mushrooms. Also, you should avoid areas where insects may live. Having pesticides on hand can help control insects. If you choose to spray, make sure the spray can be re-applied on a frequent basis.
Finally, you should keep an eye on your growing equipment. Some mushroom growers have reported contamination of their kits. It’s important to avoid molds and other opportunistic bacteria when you’re growing your own mushrooms.
You should also ensure that you’re inoculating your growing medium correctly. A good method is to syringe the spores into the substrate. While you’re doing this, you should keep the temperature of the compost at 75degF. To do this, you need to keep the compost at this temperature for at least five days.
Photo by Jason Thompson on Unsplash
You should also remember that growing mushrooms will take time, depending on the species and your growing conditions. Some varieties will be ready to harvest within a few weeks, while others can take up to four months to grow to their full size. As you can see, the process to grow mushrooms is a bit complicated, but it’s worth it if you’re interested in obtaining your own organic fungi.
One of the easiest mushrooms to grow is the oyster mushroom. These types of mushrooms are also rich in vitamins and minerals, and they’re quite prized for their rich taste. Oysters can grow on a variety of different substrates, including coffee grounds, cardboard, sawdust, and wood chips.
If you’re ready to get started with mushrooms, be sure to check out Third Wave’s Mushroom Grow Kit. They’ll supply you with a complete kit that includes all the materials you need to grow your own mushrooms.
