Mushroom cultivation

Man has always been interested in cultivating those edible mushrooms which, once the fruiting season was over, could not be harvested. In this way he made use of them and could use them as food throughout the year.

It is in China, where the oldest documents referring to the cultivation of mushrooms and fungi are found. It is not surprising that it is also the place with the longest tradition in the cultivation of edible mushrooms and fungi . In fact, their cultivation techniques are today used by many mushroom growers .

Not only were they interested in cultivating edible mushrooms , but also those mushrooms that had medicinal properties . In China, there are more than 200 species commonly used to alleviate or eliminate the symptoms of many diseases that affect both humans and animals. While in the West some of them have only been used for a few years, in China they have been known for centuries for their beneficial effects and are therefore used for their therapeutic properties. Fungi such as Reishi , Ganoderma lucidum , with powerful properties. are almost revered there and are gradually becoming better known in the West.

How can we grow edible mushrooms at home?

The domestic method of cultivation of edible mushrooms and fungi consists of the following steps:

Preparation of the substrate.- The most commonly used raw materials can be:

Shredded raw materials: shavings and sawdust, cereal straw, manure, agricultural residues, etc. A small portion of a protein or vitamin additive (pulps, flours, bran, etc.) is usually added to these materials to improve the results, as well as a corrector of the degree of acidity-basicity (pH) such as gypsum, calcium carbonate, etc. and water.

Once the mixture of raw materials most suitable for the species of edible mushroom chosen for cultivation has been prepared, it is necessary to treat the mixture with heat to leave the substrate free of contaminants and competitors of the edible mushroom to be cultivated. This treatment may simply consist of pasteurization (e.g., pasteurization of the product) or pasteurization (e.g., pasteurization of the product). 1hour at 60º C) or steam sterilization (e.g., steam sterilization at 60º C). 1 hour at 120º C).

Uncrushed raw materials: Stumps, logs, and wooden boards are the most suitable substrates if you want to grow mushrooms in a simple, homemade way, without adding additives or sterilizing.

Sowing - This consists of placing the prepared substrate in contact with the seed of edible mushrooms (commercial mycelium). To do so, we will add 2 to 5 % of seed to the substrate while we pack the mixture in plastic bags, deep trays, boxes, ..... At this point in the planting process, care must be taken to ensure that the substrates are not contaminated.

Seeding on stumps, logs and logs is done by inserting pieces of mycelium into holes made with a drill. The more holes, the better the chances of inoculating the wood well. If they are boards, mycelium is placed between them and they are nailed together to form a compact block.

Incubation - Time required for the seed to colonize the entire substrate. Depends on the species of edible mushroom and the temperature of the room. Ranges from 12 to 60 days for shredded substrates and from 3 to 9 months for unshredded woody substrates. It is important that our incubation place has a lot of humidity, is somewhat ventilated and has a fairly warm temperature (usually 20 to 25o C).

Production.- Once the substrates have been invaded by the mycelium, they are taken to the production site, where the temperature should be lower, with high relative humidity, good ventilation and low lighting.

After the production cycle, the first edible mushrooms and fungi will appear . First in the form of small mushrooms or primordia that in a few days will reach full development. In almost all species of edible mushrooms cultivated, 2 to 3 blooms or harvests occur at intervals of one or two weeks in the case of crushed substrates and at more distant harvests in the case of stumps and logs. The first bloom is the most abundant, decreasing the production of edible mushrooms in the following blooms.

The production cycle of mushrooms and mushrooms lasts between 30 and 60 days for species grown on crushed substrates and up to three or more years for species grown seasonally on stumps and logs. The total production of mushrooms and fungi ranges between 15 and 30 % of the initial weight of the wet substrate

Harvesting: Edible mushrooms should be harvested whole and if possible before they are ripe. If they are mushrooms , Agaricus sp , they should be picked before opening and if they are oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus or other species, the stems should be removed. Edible mushrooms and fungi should be consumed freshly harvested so that they do not lose their fragrance and flavor.

Want to grow mushrooms at home? try our mushroom growing kits. Super simple!

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In the Mushroom House we have selected different species of edible mushrooms for cultivation, so that you only have to find a suitable place in your kitchen, balcony, garage, ... In a few days you will start picking your first edible mushrooms as each micobox is shipped at the optimal moment and ready to start producing edible mushrooms

The mushroom growing kits , Micobox , are presented in beautiful wooden containers and are available in the following varieties:

• Paris mushroom, Agaricus bisporus
• Oyster mushroom, Pleorotus ostreatus
• Yellow oyster mushroom, Pleorotus citrinopileatus
• Reishi, Ganoderma lucidum
• Lion's mane, Hericium erinaceus
• Thistle mushroom, Pleorotus eryngii

Dare to grow your own mushrooms! !!

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