Simple Mushroom Growing Bible

Austin J AAg
January 25, 2024
News

Understanding the basics of mushroom growing is essential for anyone interested in this fascinating form of agriculture. Mushrooms are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. This guide aims to simplify the process of mushroom cultivation, making it accessible to beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Choosing the Right Mushrooms to Grow

When starting out, it’s important to select mushroom varieties that are beginner-friendly. Factors like growth conditions, time to harvest, and personal preference play a significant role in this decision. Some popular choices include button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms. Don’t forget to check out our blog for more information about growing!
Setting Up Your Growing Area
Deciding whether to grow mushrooms indoors or outdoors is crucial. Each option has its own set of requirements in terms of space, temperature, and light. You’ll also need to gather essential equipment like containers, a sterilization system, and a misting device. Check out this post for more on this topic.
Substrate Preparation

The substrate is the medium on which mushrooms grow. Common substrates include Straw, Wood Chips, Compost & Coco Coir. Preparing and sterilizing the substrate is vital to prevent contamination and ensure a successful yield.
Inoculation
Inoculation involves introducing mushroom spores or mycelium into the substrate. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that you correctly inoculate your substrate for optimal growth.
Incubation

During incubation, the mushroom mycelium colonizes the substrate. This phase requires specific conditions like temperature and humidity control. Regular monitoring is key to identifying and resolving any issues that may arise.
Fruiting
The transition to the fruiting phase in mushroom cultivation is a pivotal moment, primarily influenced by introducing fresh air exchange (FAE). FAE is crucial because it replicates the natural shift in the mushroom’s environment that signals it’s time to produce fruit bodies. To initiate this stage, you will need to increase the flow of fresh air into your growing area. This increase in oxygen and decrease in carbon dioxide levels is a key trigger for mushrooms to begin fruiting. It’s important to manage this process carefully, as too much or too little air exchange can affect the quality and quantity of your mushroom crop. Proper implementation of FAE not only stimulates the mushrooms to fruit but also contributes to healthier and more robust mushroom growth.
Harvesting
Determining the right time to harvest your mushrooms is essential for ensuring the highest quality and yield. The ideal moment for harvesting most mushroom varieties is just before the cap fully opens and begins to release spores. This is typically indicated when the edges of the mushroom caps are still slightly curled under.
See Also
Exploring the Mechanism: How Do Mushroom Spores Work How to Grow Mushrooms in Your Garden: Essential Tips for Beginners How to Grow Mushrooms: Essential Tips for a Bountiful Harvest All you need to know about the B+ Magic Mushroom
Post-Harvest Handling
Immediately after harvesting, mushrooms should be cleaned gently with a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove any substrate particles. Avoid washing them under running water as they can absorb moisture and become soggy.
Storing Mushrooms
Freshly harvested mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry place. They can be kept in a paper bag in the refrigerator, which allows them to ‘breathe’. Typically, fresh mushrooms can be stored for up to a week, but this can vary depending on the variety.
Preserving Your Harvest
For long-term storage, mushrooms can be dried, frozen, or pickled. Drying is particularly effective as it concentrates the flavors and allows for storage for several months. Rehydrate dried mushrooms in water before using them in cooking.
Maximizing Yield
To maximize yield, it’s important to maintain proper environmental conditions even after the first harvest. Many mushrooms can produce several flushes (or crops) if the conditions are right.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overharvesting or harvesting too early can reduce the overall yield. Also, rough handling during harvest can damage the mycelium, affecting future flushes.
FAQs
What Are the Easiest Mushrooms to Grow for Beginners?
Button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms are typically recommended for beginners due to their hardiness and relatively straightforward growing conditions
How Long Does It Take to Grow Mushrooms?
The growth time can vary depending on the mushroom species, but many common varieties take between 4 to 6 weeks from inoculation to harvest.
Do Mushrooms Need Light to Grow?
Unlike plants, mushrooms do not require light for photosynthesis, but some ambient light can help in orienting their growth.