Growing mushrooms on straw

Are you looking to dip your toes into the world of mushroom cultivation? Growing edible mushrooms on straw might just be the perfect first step for beginners. Straw is readily available and fairly cost effective, making it a convenient medium for cultivating mushrooms. If you're wondering where to source straw, local horse supply stores like Horselands are a great place to start.

What mushrooms can I grow on straw?

Phoenix Oyster mushrooms are usually the best candidate for this process. They are robust, hardy and grow quickly. The Mushroom Smith offers a DIY Phoenix Oyster Grow kit that utilizes the Cold Pasteurization method discussed below. Alternatively, certain cultivars of Shiitake grow well on straw.

What makes straw an ideal medium for growing mushrooms?

Straw is a fantastic substrate for growing mushrooms due to its high cellulose content, which serves as a food source for the fungi. Additionally, straw is easy to pasteurize in bulk, making it a cost-effective option for beginners looking to experiment with mushroom cultivation.

How does growing mushrooms on straw benefit beginners?

One of the key advantages of growing mushrooms on straw is its high yield potential. With the right conditions and proper care, straw can produce a bountiful harvest of delicious edible mushrooms. This makes it a rewarding and satisfying experience for beginners looking to try their hand at mushroom cultivation.

Furthermore, the process of growing mushrooms on straw is relatively straightforward and forgiving, making it an excellent learning opportunity for those new to mushroom cultivation. By following a few simple steps and maintaining the right environmental conditions, beginners can successfully grow their own mushrooms at home.

Pasteurizing your straw - Hot or Cold

Before growing mushrooms on a substrate like straw, it is crucial to treat it to eliminate the microbes already present. This process is essential to create a suitable environment for the growth of the fungus.

What is Pasteurization?

Pasteurization is a process that involves treating the substrate with heat or chemicals. Unlike sterilization, pasteurization does not aim to kill all microorganisms present. Instead, it targets the majority of them, creating a favorable environment for the fungus to thrive.

Why is Pasteurization Important?

Pasteurization is crucial in mushroom cultivation as it prepares the substrate for colonization by the fungus. By creating a clean and nutrient-rich environment, pasteurization sets the stage for successful mushroom growth. It also helps to prevent the growth of unwanted organisms that could hinder the development of the mushrooms.

Cold Water Pasteurization

Cold water pasteurization is a convenient method that does not require high temperatures, making it safer and easier to manage for beginners in mushroom cultivation. It effectively eliminates harmful microbes while preserving the beneficial ones needed for mushroom growth. To use this method simply create a solution of 4 grams Hydrated Lime per 1 liter of water. Submerge your straw for 24 hours and then drain thoroughly. Your substrate can now be inoculated and loaded into bags or containers.

Hot Water Pasteurization

This method requires heating the water to 70 - 80 degrees celsius, submerging your straw in the hot water and keeping it at that temperature for one to one and a half hours.

Both cold water and hot water pasteurization methods have their advantages and can be effective in preparing straw for mushroom cultivation. Choose the method that best suits your needs and experience level to ensure successful mushroom growth.