Mushroom Cultivation Methods
Mushrooms are grown commercially and by hobbyists. The cultivation method depends on the species. Wood chip/sawdust mixtures, logs or compost are common substrates. An understanding of mushroom life cycles and physiology is also required. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Mushroom Growing Cycle
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The first stage of mushroom growing is the spawn run, during which the mushroom mycelium completely colonizes the selected mushroom growing substrate. Then, fruiting is usually triggered by a cold shock, fresh air and high humidity. Light may be required.
Spawn Production
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A sufficient quantity of pure mushroom spawn must be produced before actual growing commences. Spawn is usually grown on sterilized grain, wooden dowels or in liquid culture.
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Compost Culture
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Compost made from horse manure and straw is used to grow button mushrooms and other species that naturally grow in the ground. Compost sometimes must be "cased" with a peat-based layer after the spawn run before mushrooms will form.
Log Culture
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Wood-inhabiting species can be grown on logs of suitable wood. The logs are inoculated with wooden dowels (plug spawn) colonized with the fungus. Logs can produce mushrooms for up to three years.
Wood Chip/Sawdust Culture
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In place of logs, bags of suitable wood chips/sawdust can be inoculated with grain spawn, plug spawn or liquid spawn. Bags have the advantage of being lighter and easier to handle than logs.
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