Growing oyster mushrooms at home

These mushrooms grow quickly and are easy to grow. You just need to know a few rules for growing them. Here we'll explain in detail how to properly grow these mushrooms.

What are the stages of the preparation process?

First, it's worth considering that you'll need to purchase mycelium for cultivation. This material is easily purchased from various companies that grow various mushrooms themselves. It's also readily available online and can be delivered to your home. It's best not to purchase large quantities of this material, as mycelium tends to spoil during long-term storage, and one kilogram of the substance yields about three kilograms. edible mushrooms, so it's best to start with a very small amount of mycelium. This material will need to be stored in the refrigerator.

Properly preparing the substrate is crucial when growing oyster mushrooms at home, step by step for beginners. Sunflower and buckwheat husks are ideal for growing these mushrooms, but sawdust and other similar materials are also suitable. To ensure the substrate is completely clean, add the husks to water and boil the mixture for at least two hours. The resulting mixture should be cooled to 28 degrees Celsius, and the liquid must be drained.

Growing mushrooms in blocks is very convenient. Simple bags are used as blocks, but before using plastic bags, they must be disinfected in a weak bleach solution. First, the mushroom material is laid out, followed by a layer of mycelium. The first layer should be no more than six centimeters thick, and the mycelium should be only half a centimeter thick. Then, the bag is tightly tied and small cuts are made on all sides, each cut fifteen centimeters apart, and the cuts are arranged in a staggered pattern. The blocks themselves are placed in a cool, humid room; a cellar is ideal for this. During the incubation period, the air temperature in the basement is maintained at no more than 23 degrees Celsius, but no lower than 19 degrees Celsius, and the room itself is important to be ventilated periodically.

How is care performed?

When growing oyster mushrooms at home (video for beginners), it's also important to follow certain care guidelines, especially during the first few days. During the first three days, the temperature of the substrate itself can rise significantly. It's crucial to monitor this to prevent the substrate from overheating. The maximum permissible substrate temperature can reach 30 degrees Celsius, but not higher. If the temperature begins to rise significantly, large fans should be installed near the units to cool the substrate.

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After just ten days, the mycelium begins to actively grow, filling the entire block completely. The material itself then becomes lighter in color, and a strong mushroom aroma emanates from the block. Once the incubation period is complete, the temperature should be reduced to twelve degrees Celsius. It's crucial to ensure that the temperature doesn't rise above fifteen degrees Celsius, and that the humidity remains at 90%. This method for growing oyster mushrooms at home is similar for beginners in a greenhouse; the process is also the easiest to understand and execute.

How to Grow Mushrooms on Tree Stumps

This method is quite time-consuming, but it's also quite cost-effective, which is why many beginners prefer it. Unfortunately, the harvest will depend entirely not only on the care instructions but also on the growing season and regional weather conditions. The stumps must be harvested in winter, at least by the end of January. It's crucial to dry the stumps well, ensuring they are free of mold and damage; only then will you be able to grow good mushrooms.

Before planting the mushrooms themselves, the stumps should be submerged in water for at least three days. Only then can a sufficiently moist substrate be created for growing oyster mushrooms at home for beginners (photo). Moisture is essential, as the mycelium only develops in a moist area. These stumps should be moved to the garden during warm May days; it's crucial that the threat of even light frosts has passed, otherwise the mushrooms will not grow. Place these stumps only in shaded areas, preferably under tree canopies. Avoid sunny spots, as the mushrooms require moisture and shade. Afterward, simply moisten the soil around the stumps; it should be kept constantly moist.

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These stumps will produce a harvest at the very end of summer. This method requires virtually no investment, but can be very profitable if you sell the mushrooms you grow. And if the autumn is warm enough, you can harvest until November.

Some rules for arranging a room

To begin with, the greenhouse must be well-insulated, sufficiently humid, have a ceiling height of at least three meters, and preferably have running water and sewerage. A greenhouse isn't the only suitable space for growing; an old chicken coop, a cowshed, a good basement, or a grain barn will also do.