How to grow mushrooms in a Greenhouse

Growing Mushrooms in a Greenhouse

Growing mushrooms in a greenhouse can be a rewarding experience, offering a controlled environment for these fascinating fungi. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through the process of cultivating your own mushrooms in a greenhouse setting.

What is a mushroom and how do they grow?

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of certain fungi. Unlike plants, they don't rely on photosynthesis for food. Instead, they obtain nutrients by breaking down organic matter. In nature, you'll find them sprouting from forest floors, decaying logs, and even lawns after a good rain.

The life cycle of a mushroom begins with spores, which are like tiny seeds. When conditions are right, these spores germinate and form a network of thread-like cells called mycelium. This mycelium spreads through the growing medium, and when it's ready, it produces the mushrooms we see and eat.

Kit You will Need To Grow Mushrooms in a Greenhouse

Before we dive into the growing process, let's gather our tools. Here's a comprehensive list of what you'll need:

• A greenhouse (of course!)
• Mushroom spawn or spores
• Growing trays or logs
• Compost or substrate specific to your chosen mushroom variety
• Thermometer and hygrometer for monitoring temperature and humidity
• Watering can with a fine rose for gentle watering
• Humidifier to maintain optimal moisture levels
• Shade cloth or black plastic sheeting for light control
• Shelving units or racks for vertical growing
• Sterilization equipment (pressure cooker or steam sterilizer)
• Protective gear (gloves, face mask) for handling substrate and spawn
• pH testing kit to monitor substrate acidity
• Spray bottles for misting
• Fans for air circulation
• Heating mats or cables for temperature control

If you're in the market for a new greenhouse, you might want to check out our Greenhouses for Sale. The right structure can make all the difference in your mushroom growing adventure.

Growing Mushrooms in Your Greenhouse, Step by Step

Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get growing:

1. Prepare your growing medium. This could be compost, straw, or even hardwood logs, depending on the mushroom variety.
2. Inoculate the medium with mushroom spawn. This is like planting seeds.
3. Keep the environment warm and humid during the colonisation phase. The mycelium needs to spread through the substrate.
4. Once colonisation is complete, adjust conditions to trigger fruiting. This often means lowering the temperature slightly and increasing fresh air.
5. Harvest your mushrooms when they're ready, and prepare for multiple flushes of growth.

Remember, patience is key. Mushrooms grow at their own pace, but the wait is worth it when you're enjoying your homegrown harvest.

Mushroom varieties you can grow in a greenhouse

The world of mushrooms is vast and varied. Here's a table of popular varieties you might consider for your greenhouse, along with some culinary suggestions:

Each variety has its own quirks and charms. Start with an easier type like oyster mushrooms, and as you gain confidence, you can branch out to more challenging varieties.

Mushroom Spawn

Mushroom spawn is the foundation of your mushroom growing journey. It's essentially the "seed" from which your mushrooms will grow. You can buy spawn in various forms:

• Grain spawn: Perfect for inoculating bulk substrates
• Plug spawn: Ideal for log cultivation
• Sawdust spawn: Great for large-scale operations

Choose a reputable supplier to ensure you're starting with high-quality spawn. This will give you the best chance of success in your greenhouse mushroom venture.

Watering Mushrooms

Watering mushrooms is a delicate balance. They need moisture, but too much can be detrimental. Here's how to get it right:

• Mist the growing area lightly, don't soak it
• Water in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate during the day
• Use a fine spray to avoid disturbing the mycelium
• Monitor humidity levels and adjust watering accordingly

A hygrometer is your best friend here. Aim for humidity levels between 80-90% during the fruiting stage. Remember, different mushroom varieties may have slightly different water needs, so always research your specific type.

How much light do Mushrooms need in the Greenhouse

Unlike most greenhouse crops, mushrooms don't need much light. In fact, too much light can be harmful. Here's what you need to know:

• Most mushrooms prefer dark or very low light conditions
• Some ambient light is beneficial for fruiting, but direct sunlight is a no-go
• Use shade cloth or black plastic to control light levels in your greenhouse
• If growing on shelves, the lower levels will naturally receive less light

It's quite a change from growing tomatoes in an unheated greenhouse, isn't it? Mushrooms are happy in the shade, making them perfect for those darker corners of your greenhouse.

Mushroom greenhouse Design

Designing your greenhouse for mushroom cultivation requires some thought. Here are some key considerations:

• Shelving: Vertical space is your friend. Use sturdy shelves to maximize growing area.
• Ventilation: Good air circulation is crucial. Consider installing fans or vents.
• Temperature control: Insulation and heating may be necessary for year-round growing.
• Humidity management: A combination of misting systems and humidifiers can help maintain optimal moisture levels.

Remember, your greenhouse design should cater to the specific needs of mushrooms. Our Greenhouse Buyers Guide can help you choose the right structure for your mushroom growing ambitions.

Ideal Mushroom Growing Temperature

Temperature plays a crucial role in mushroom cultivation. Different stages of growth require different temperatures:

• Colonization: 21-27°C (70-80°F)
• Fruiting: 10-21°C (50-70°F), depending on the species
• Incubation: 20-24°C (68-75°F)

Invest in a good thermometer and monitor your greenhouse temperature regularly. Adjustments may be necessary as seasons change.

Harvesting Greenhouse Mushrooms

Harvesting is the rewarding finale of your mushroom growing journey. Here's how to do it right:

• Harvest when the mushroom caps are fully opened but before they start to curl
• Use a sharp knife to cut the stem close to the substrate
• Handle gently to avoid damaging future flushes
• Clean your harvest immediately and store properly

With proper care, you can expect multiple flushes from your mushroom beds. Each flush may be smaller than the last, but you'll still enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Best Compost for Mushrooms

The right compost can make or break your mushroom growing success. For most varieties, a mix of the following works well:

• Aged horse manure
• Straw
• Gypsum
• Water

This mixture provides the nutrients and structure mushrooms need to thrive. Remember to pasteurize your compost before use to eliminate competing organisms.

When creating compost for mushrooms, it's essential to understand the specific needs of each variety. For example, oyster mushrooms thrive in a substrate rich in cellulose, so adding wood chips or sawdust to your compost can be beneficial. Shiitake mushrooms, on the other hand, prefer a hardwood-based substrate.

The pH of your compost is another crucial factor. Most mushrooms prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. You can adjust the pH by adding lime to increase alkalinity or sulfur to increase acidity. Regular testing with a pH meter will help you maintain the optimal range.

Proper moisture content in your compost is vital. Aim for a moisture level of about 60-65%. A simple squeeze test can help: when you squeeze a handful of compost, it should feel damp but not dripping wet. If it's too dry, add water gradually. If it's too wet, mix in some dry materials like straw or sawdust.

Consider adding supplements to your compost to boost nutrient content. Wheat bran, soybean meal, or cottonseed meal can provide extra nitrogen and other essential nutrients. However, be cautious with supplements, as they can also encourage the growth of competing organisms if not properly pasteurized.

Compost Substrate

While compost works for many mushroom types, some prefer other substrates:

• Hardwood sawdust for shiitake and lion's mane
• Straw for oyster mushrooms
• Logs for outdoor cultivation of various species

Always match your substrate to the specific needs of your chosen mushroom variety for the best results.

FAQ

Can I grow mushrooms in a greenhouse?

Absolutely! Greenhouses provide an excellent controlled environment for mushroom cultivation. With proper management of temperature, humidity, and light, you can grow a variety of mushroom species successfully.

How to grow mushrooms in the UK for beginners?

Start with an easy variety like oyster mushrooms. Use a mushroom growing kit for your first attempt. These kits come with everything you need and clear instructions. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more advanced methods.

What is the best environment for mushrooms to grow?

Mushrooms thrive in cool, humid, and dark environments. Ideal conditions include temperatures between 10-21°C (50-70°F), humidity levels of 80-90%, and minimal light exposure.

Do growing mushrooms need fresh air?

Yes, mushrooms need fresh air, especially during the fruiting stage. Good ventilation helps prevent the build-up of CO2 and reduces the risk of mould. However, avoid drafts as they can dry out your mushrooms.

Can you grow mushrooms all year round?

With a greenhouse, you can indeed grow mushrooms year-round. The controlled environment allows you to maintain optimal growing conditions regardless of the season. However, you may need to adjust your techniques and possibly use heating or cooling depending on the time of year.

Growing mushrooms in a greenhouse can be a rewarding and delicious hobby. With the right setup, knowledge, and a bit of patience, you'll be harvesting your own homegrown mushrooms in no time. Happy growing!

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