Step-by-step guide to growing shiitake mushrooms at home

Growing shiitake mushrooms at home requires careful implementation of all stages of the technology. For the preparation of the substrate, its sterilization and sowing with mycelium, some skills are needed, and for the ripening of mushrooms - a room with high air humidity, the possibility of ventilation and temperature control.

Shiitake cultivation methods

Shiitake cultivation is possible in two ways:

• intense;
• extensive.

Intensive method - sowing mycelium in a special substrate, which consists of sawdust and shavings of deciduous trees with the addition of chips, straw, hay and grain. A prerequisite for this method is the sterility of the substrate. This is because shiitake spores are weaker than mold spores. If sterility is violated, mold will drown out the multiplication of fungal spores, which will reduce the cultivation of mushrooms to nothing.

An extensive method is growing mushrooms on recently cut deciduous tree trunks. Spores are sown into holes drilled in the logs. The peculiarity of this method is that for the germination of the mycelium, the logs must be in conditions with low temperatures and humid air for a long time. Mushrooms grow for a long time - from the moment the trunks become infected with spores to the technical ripeness of the mushrooms, it takes from one and a half to two years.

At home, the intensive method is more effective, the mushrooms are ready for collection in a few months.

Substrate preparation

Shiitake cultivation is carried out in blocks prepared from a special substrate. This will require sawdust from deciduous trees, the fraction of which should not be less than 3 mm. For air permeability, sawdust must be mixed with shavings, small chips - also from deciduous trees. Conifers are not used because of the resins included in them, which do not allow mycelium to develop.

Instead of wood chips and shavings, you can use hay, finely chopped straw from oats or barley. Increase the nutrient value of the substrate grain, tea leaves, bean flour. Chalk or plaster is added to improve the structure.

It has been experimentally verified that in large blocks the mycelium does not spread well throughout the substrate. 2.5 liters is the optimal size. When preparing a substrate at home, it is necessary to observe the proportions of the components:

• sawdust - 50%;
• straw or wood chips -25%;
• grain, bran, tea leaves, flour - 25%, in any combination;
• chalk or gypsum - no more than 1% of the total mass.

The percentage weight can be slightly changed, but sawdust and straw combined should be at least 70%.

Sterilization of the substrate and packaging in bags

Growing shiitake in a substrate is impossible without first sterilizing it. The conditions in which the mushrooms grow are favorable for the reproduction of mold, which develops rapidly and drowns out the reproduction of shiitake spores. All fungi and bacteria die in it only during sterilization.

At home, sterilization can be done in two ways:

1. steam the substrate with boiling water in a separate container, and then pack it in bags;
2. first pack in bags, and then sterilize in boiling water.

Sterilization in the first way, packing and adding mycelium

When using the first method, you will need a large container into which the entire substrate is poured. At home, it is convenient to use an enamel pot with a lid; the dishes must be thoroughly washed beforehand.The mixture is poured to the top with boiling water, wrapped in a blanket and left for 10 hours. After that, the excess water is drained off, slightly squeezing the substrate. It should cool down to room temperature under the lid, only after that it is packed in bags. Packages for packing blocks must be clean. Fill them only with sterile gloves.

Shiitake cultivation should be carried out in ventilated bags. You can do it yourself by piercing the holes on the side after the block is formed, or you can buy special bags in which ventilation is provided.

After filling the bag, the center of the mixture is carefully pierced and the mycelium is introduced into it. The amount of mycelium should be 3-5% of the block weight. If the block has a volume of 2.5 liters, then the mycelium needs 100 or 150 grams. You cannot tie the bag tightly. Mushrooms ripen with a special gas exchange, therefore, before tying, a sterile cotton wool plug with a diameter of 2 cm is inserted into the neck. There is no need for this in ready-made bags, gas exchange will be carried out through filters.

Second method sterilization and filling with mycelium

Growing mushrooms in the second way at home is more convenient, but block bags must withstand temperatures up to + 110 °. Before packaging, the mixture is moistened, wrung out and filled into bags. The moisture can be checked by squeezing the mixture in a fist:

• if trickles of water flow down, then the spin is insufficient;
• if drops stand out, the mixture is ready.

The bag is tied loosely and placed in a saucepan. Water is poured, a little short of the string. Boil over low heat for 2-3 hours. After that, the bag is removed and cooled to room temperature. Filling with mycelium is carried out in the same way as in the first case. Be sure to use sterile gloves.

The block in the package is formed in the form of a bar, the lower part of which is slightly smaller than the upper one. Mushrooms will grow at the top and sides.

Germination of mycelium

For germination of mycelium at home, air humidity and light are not important, and the air temperature should be + 25 ° -27 °. Within two to three months, shiitake spores will fill the block. After that, it will become covered with white tubercles, and then turn brown. This means that mushroom growth has begun. The package must be removed from the block, and the block itself must be transferred to a room where further cultivation will be carried out.

Important!

Shiitake growth can be accelerated by placing the block in a container of cold water for a day after removing the bag. After that, excess water must be allowed to drain.

Mushroom care and collection

Mushrooms grow well only in a humid environment, with low air temperatures and good lighting.

At home, you need to create the following microclimate:

• air temperature from + 16 ° to + 20 °;
• air humidity 85%;

The room should be illuminated for about 10 hours a day. In the absence of natural light, lamps can be used. The dimmer the light, the paler the mushroom caps will be. Blocks are sprayed daily. Airing should be done regularly.

In one season, mushroom picking is carried out three times. After that, the blocks should be replaced. The readiness of mushrooms for cutting can be determined by the cap - if its edges are almost straightened, they have ceased to bend inward - the crop must be cut.

Outcome

It is possible to harvest a good harvest of mushrooms only if it is possible to create suitable conditions for them. A glazed loggia or a clean basement is suitable for growing. The temperature can be adjusted with a heater, equipped with forced ventilation, and to maintain humidity, use air humidifiers or constantly spray. If you ignore these requirements, then the mushrooms will not grow.