Growing oyster mushrooms in buckets is a convenient and efficient way to cultivate these delicious fungi. By following the proper steps to prepare pasteurized straw, you can create an ideal environment for oyster mushrooms to thrive. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- Food-grade buckets with lids
- Straw
- Mushroom spawn
- Water
- Drill with a 1/2" drill bit
Prepare the Straw
Start by cutting the straw into small pieces, around 2-3 inches in length. Remove any debris or unwanted materials from the straw.
Soak the Straw
Place the straw in a large container or pot and fill it with water. Make sure the straw is fully submerged. Let the straw soak for at least 12 hours to ensure proper hydration.
Heat the Straw
After soaking, transfer the straw to a large pot or container. Fill the pot with water until the straw is covered. Place the pot on a stove or heat source and gradually heat the water to around 160°F (71°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Maintain the Temperature
Once the water reaches the desired temperature, maintain it for 1-2 hours. This process effectively pasteurizes the straw, killing off any potential contaminants while preserving beneficial microorganisms.
Cool and Drain the Straw
After the pasteurization process, remove the pot from the heat source and let the straw cool down. Once completely cooled, drain the excess water from the straw. Be sure to let it cool completely, because if it is even warm to the touch it will kill the mushroom mycelium.
Make The Buckets
Buckets need to be drilled all the way around in 8-12 places, which is where the mushrooms will eventually grow from. The holes should be at least 4" from the top and bottom, and at least 4 inches apart from each other. I prefer to stagger the holes in order to prevent them from growing into one another.
Bucket Lid Air Holes
When growing in buckets the mushrooms need a way to breath. Drill two 1/2" holes in the lid. You can stuff the holes with Poly-fil or purchase PTFE filter stickers to stick on them, both will work just fine.
Use a Black Trash Liner
Using A black trash bag/liner in the bucket allows us to pre-drill the buckets, but still prevent light or oxygen from getting to the mycelium until we want it to. In addition, just like a trash can, a black trash liner will keep the bucket cleaner, and allow for easy disposal of the substrate when we are done. Once incubated we will just poke holes through the black trash liner through our pre-drilled bucket holes, which will initiate pinning.
Fill the Buckets & Inoculate
Break up the mushroom spawn and open it in preparation to inoculate. Layer the bucket with 1 inch of the pasteurized straw, then sprinkle some spawn on top of the straw. Add another couple of inches of straw to the bucket and repeat the inoculation process layering in the spawn. You may also mix it in wearing latex gloves in order to get a better spread. Do this until it is 1 inch from the top of the bucket, then place the lid on it.
Incubate The Mycelium
Place the buckets in a dark place between 75F and 80F. Make sure the air in the room is cycled, especially if you are doing multiple buckets. After 4 days lift the lid on one of the buckets to check it's progress. Once completely incubated, move to a fruiting chamber or place outside during the right time of year to initiate fruiting.
Monitor and Harvest
Check the buckets regularly for signs of growth. Oyster mushrooms typically take 1-2 weeks to start appearing. Once the mushrooms begin to grow, remove the plastic bag and allow them to mature. Harvest the mushrooms when they reach the desired size by gently twisting and pulling them from the substrate.
By following these steps, you can successfully prepare pasteurized straw and grow oyster mushrooms in buckets. Enjoy the process of cultivating your own delicious mushrooms at home!