Organic Mushroom Cultivation

Organic mushrooms can be cultivated with the help of mushroom spawn plugs.

Mushroom cultivation differs from growing green plants because mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and depend on other materials, known as substrate, for their nutrition. The main body of a mushroom is unseen and contains mycelium, which is tiny threads that grow through the host, collecting nutrients and breaking down organic material. Growing mushrooms is uncomplicated once the substrate, usually a log, has been inoculated with mushroom spawn, which is available from nurseries that specialize in mushroom production.

Things You'll Need

• Oyster mushroom spawn plugs
• 4-foot-long oak log with a diameter of 5 inches cut during the tree's dormant season.
• Drill
• Rubber mallet
• Paraffin wax
• Clean empty tin can
• Saucepan
• Small paintbrush
• Mister

Instructions

1. Drill 30 evenly-spaced 2-inch-deep holes with a diameter of 1/4 inch in the log.

2. Insert the organic mushroom spawn plugs into the holes. Pound the plugs in firmly with the rubber mallet.

3. Melt the paraffin wax in the tin can over a saucepan of boiling water on the stove.

4. Dip the paintbrush in the wax. Cover each mushroom spawn plug with wax thoroughly, to protect the spawn.

5. Place the log in a shaded area outside, away from dirt and protected from wind. Mist the plugs with water every day. Mushroom production will begin in several days.

References

• National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service: Mushroom Cultivation and Marketing