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ENVIRONMENTS NECESSARY FOR MUSHROOMS CULTIVATION
1. Laboratory: The laboratory is the place where the mushroom growing process begins. This stage is also the most difficult of the growth cycle for new producers. It can be difficult to create an environment conducive to the growth of the fungus mycelium; Growth requires a moist, nutrient-rich environment, such as a cereal jar or Petri dish containing a solution of water, agar agar and nutrients such as potato dextrose.
This space, preferably isolated, must remain sanitized. Make sure you can wash the area with bleach. You will need a table and shelf. When entering the laboratory, it is necessary to maintain a good level of hygiene to avoid introducing bacteria that can contaminate and compete with the growth of the mycelium.
Most labs also have a HEPA filter and fan to ensure clean airflow. Small mushroom producers can grow using a temporary space for laboratory work. They could create a space in a clean room by being very careful not to expose the petri dishes to germs.
2. Preparation Area: This area must be clean, but not laboratory level. A shed or a garage can serve the purpose in the case of medium-large productions, otherwise even a kitchen can be adequate. This is where you will sterilize the grains for the substrate, rather than the jars, bags, and equipment.
3. Growth Room: The grow room is where all the hard work you’ve done previously will pay off. You will finally be rewarded for your efforts with plenty of delicious mushrooms. A grow room can be any size you want, depending on the amount of mushrooms you want to grow.
If you grow on logs, you need a setting where to hang them. If you choose to use bags or containers, some shelves will be for you. The only thing you will need to be able to control in this area are the CO2, humidity and temperature levels.
WHICH MUSHROOMS TO GROW
Before beginning your cultivation and choosing the type of mushroom to grow, you must first understand what the needs of the individual species are. It’s fundamental to know the climate in which the specie grows, and what type of substrate it prefers. Some species are undoubtedly easier to grow than others, such as some mushrooms of the genus Pleurotus, which are particularly suitable for beginners.
On the site you will find detailed information on the cultivation of some of the species. If you are not finding the information you are looking for, keep in mind that the site is going to be constantly updated, and a lot of information and specific article will add in the coming months.
There are so many species that can be grown, far more than you can imagine. Some species prefer similar conditions and can grow simultaneously in the same environment with others. Growing just one type of mushroom means you’ll have fewer complications to deal with during spore harvesting, compost inoculation, and the length of the species production cycle.
The choice to focus on the cultivation of a single species rather than differentiating your production is too personal a choice. Each one has advantages and disadvantages and over time you will be able to make your own assessments appropriately.
For those who intend to buy the substrate already inoculated, and therefore ready to fruit and produce mushrooms, many steps are not necessary and it will be enough to concentrate only on providing the mushroom with the right conditions to be able to bear fruit.