up:: [[Homesteading and Food Sustainability]] tags:: #on/farming #on/homesteading #on/mycology #on/mushroom # Mushroom Cultivation Mushroom cultivation can be approached through various methods, each suited to different types of mushrooms, available resources, and growers' preferences. #### References * [[DIY Laminar Flow Hood]] * [[DIY Monotub]] * [[Liquid Culture Propagation]] * [[Mushroom Cake Formula]] ## Propagation Methods and Substrates ##### Log Cultivation - **Suitable For**: Mainly used for wood-loving mushrooms like Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms. - **Process**: Hardwood logs are inoculated with mushroom spawn by drilling holes, filling them with spawn, and sealing with wax. - **Pros**: Low maintenance and can produce mushrooms for several years. - **Cons**: Longer incubation period before the first harvest. ##### Straw Cultivation - **Suitable For**: Ideal for Oyster mushrooms. - **Process**: Pasteurized straw is used as a substrate. The straw is inoculated with spawn, packed into bags or containers, and kept in a humid environment. - **Pros**: Faster colonization and quicker to harvest compared to log cultivation. - **Cons**: The substrate may be prone to contamination and typically produces for a shorter period. ##### Sawdust Cultivation - **Suitable For**: Works well for a variety of mushrooms, including Shiitake and Oyster. - **Process**: Hardwood sawdust mixed with supplements is pasteurized, inoculated with spawn, and packed into bags. - **Pros**: Allows for dense mycelial growth and efficient use of space. - **Cons**: Requires sterilization or pasteurization to prevent contamination. ##### Compost Cultivation - **Suitable For**: Commonly used for Button mushrooms and Portobello mushrooms. - **Process**: A composted substrate made from straw, manure, and other organic materials is prepared, pasteurized, inoculated with spawn, and placed in beds or trays. - **Pros**: Highly nutritious substrate promotes robust growth. - **Cons**: Compost preparation is labor-intensive and requires careful management. ##### Sterilized Grain Cultivation - **Suitable For**: A variety of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. - **Process**: Grain (such as rye or wheat) is sterilized, inoculated with spawn, and used either as spawn for larger substrates or as the primary substrate. - **Pros**: Efficient for producing large amounts of spawn; grains are a nutritious substrate. - **Cons**: Risk of contamination if not handled in sterile conditions. ##### Bag Cultivation - **Suitable For**: Versatile, used for Oyster, Shiitake, and other species. - **Process**: Substrates like straw, sawdust, or grain are inoculated with spawn, packed into filter bags, and incubated until fully colonized. - **Pros**: Convenient, scalable, and suitable for controlled environments. - **Cons**: Requires monitoring for contamination and managing humidity levels.