Materials Needed:
- Mushroom spawn
- Hardwood logs or straw
- A shaded garden area
- Drill and drill bit (for log cultivation)
- Wax (for log cultivation)
- Plastic bag or container (for straw cultivation)
- Spray bottle or watering can
Steps:
- Choose the Right Type of Mushroom:
Select varieties suitable for outdoor cultivation like shiitake, oyster, or wine cap mushrooms. - Prepare the Growing Medium:
For logs: Use hardwood logs cut during the dormant season, 3-4 feet long and 4-8 inches in diameter.
For straw: Use straw free from pesticides and herbicides. - Inoculate the Logs (Log Cultivation):
Drill holes 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in a diamond pattern around the log.
Insert mushroom spawn into the holes and seal with wax. - Prepare the Straw (Straw Cultivation):
Pasteurize the straw by soaking in hot water (160-170°F) for an hour.
Drain, cool, and mix the straw with mushroom spawn. - Plant the Mushrooms:
For logs: Place the inoculated logs in a shaded garden area.
For straw: Fill a plastic bag or container with the straw and spawn mixture, loosely close to allow airflow. - Maintain the Right Conditions:
Keep the logs or straw moist by watering regularly.
Maintain a humid environment by misting if necessary. - Monitor and Wait:
Logs: Mushrooms may take 6-18 months to fruit.
Straw: Mushrooms typically fruit within a few weeks to months. - Harvesting:
Harvest when the caps are fully open but before they drop spores. Gently twist and pull from the medium. - Aftercare:
Continue to maintain the logs or straw for multiple fruiting cycles. Logs can produce for years, while straw may need replacing after each cycle.
Tips for Success:
Use a shady, moist garden area.
Use fresh, high-quality spawn.
Monitor for pests and diseases.
