QA

Quick Answer: How To Inoculate Mushroom Jars

How many jars will a spore syringe inoculate?

The standard is 1cc per jar, so ten jars. If you go with less, you risk not getting full colonization or having some competing contaminant overpower or contaminate the jar. I will say that if you’re wanting a small amount for personal use, this method works fine.

Where do I put my inoculated jars?

Put your newly inoculated jars on a shelf at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. There is no need to “incubate” grain at warm temperatures in the dark, since the mycelium will grow happily in normal room temperature conditions.

How do you inoculate logs with mushroom spores?

The basic steps for growing mushrooms: Obtain mushroom spawn (fungal tissue in a carrier medium, usually sawdust) and tools. Harvest logs to inoculate. Drill holes in logs. Fill holes with mushroom spawn. Seal the holes with wax. Set logs in a place they will stay moist. Wait for colonization of logs by spawn.

How long does mushroom inoculation take?

Once you have inoculated the substrate you need to incubate it until it is fully colonized. This can take between 1-3 weeks, and even sometimes longer depending on the species of mushroom growing and the environment conditions.

What happens if you use too much spore solution?

There is also the issue of possibly throwing off the water content in your jar(too wet) by injecting in too much solution. P.F. has commented in the past that his slower colonizing jars(low spore count innoculations) seem to fruit a lot better.

Can you use too much spore solution?

Gently squeeze out about 1.0-1.5 cc of spore solution into each jar, splitting up the amount if you inject through more than one hole. Also be careful of using too much spore solution. With spore syringes it can be easy to accidentally push the plunger on the syringe too forcefully and dump out way too much solution.

How long will spores last in a syringe?

What’s the Best Way to Store Mushroom Spores? The best place to store a spore syringe is in your refrigerator. We recommend studying our spores as soon as possible after you receive them, but as we discussed above, you can expect refrigerated syringes to last for up to 30 days and often longer.

Can you make liquid culture from spore syringe?

Turn one spore syringe into 10 or more! Simply inject 3-5 cc’s of your favorite spores in the culture jar and watch it transform into liquid mycelium. In a few days it will be ready to inject into any substrate jar or spawn bag. 10 ounce Jar of liquid culture solution, pressure sterilized and ready to use.

How long does it take for mushroom spores to germinate?

Mycelium growth After a few days up to one week the spores start germination. As soon as rhizomorph mycelium strands become visible, they are ready for selection (look up the instruction for „Selection of mycelium strands“).

How long does it take for mycelium to colonize substrate?

Generally speaking the optimal time is 16 to 19 days, but there are certainly also exceptions. If the compost is colonised in the growing room, it is left there so the mycelium stays intact.

What is the best grain for mushroom spawn?

Most people consider rye to be the best grain for mushroom spawn. It is nutritionally dense, holds plenty of water, and has relatively small grains with a large surface area. A large surface area is advantageous because it means more inoculation points for the mycelium.

What time of year do you inoculate mushroom logs?

The best time to inoculate logs is in spring, within one to two weeks after the logs have been cut. This allows the cells in the tree to die but is not long enough for the log to dry out or for other competitor fungi to become established. Logs can be inoculated with either the drilling method or the totem method.

Where do you place mushroom logs?

Outdoors, simply place your mushroom log in a cool, shady spot (dappled light or deep shade as under a tree) and out of the direct heat of the sun and strong winds. In the rain is GREAT! You can lay your log down on its side, or stand it up, or you can prop it against something or even hang it.

When should I start mushroom plugs?

Spring is generally the best time to plant mushroom logs for several reasons. First, it is best to cut logs during the dormant season before the buds swell in the spring. Logs can be stored until planting when the daytime temperature consistently reach 40°F or higher.

What can I use as a mushroom substrate?

Common Mushroom Substrates Straw. Pasteurized Straw is commonly used to grow oyster mushrooms. Hardwood Sawdust. Hardwoods such as oak, beech and maple make for a great substrate for many types of mushrooms, especially when combined with a bran supplement. Soy Hulls. Manure. Coco Coir and Vermiculite. Coffee Grounds and More.

What conditions are needed for a mushroom to grow?

Most mushrooms grow best in temperatures between 55°F and 60°F, away from direct heat and drafts. Enoki mushrooms grow better in cooler temperatures, about 45°F. Growing mushrooms is a good project for the winter, because many basements will get too warm in the summer for ideal conditions.

Do you have to sterilize mushroom substrate?

You should fully sterilize the substrate. Always follow the sterilization method with no exceptions. Check the pressure regularly when using a pressure cooker to achieve a heat sterilization.

How do you sterilize a mushroom substrate jar?

Allow your jars to cool completely to room temperature before inoculation. Cover each jar with foil before sterilizing them. Steam the jars of substrate to sterilize them before inoculating with mushroom spores.

How do you sterilize a mushroom substrate without a pressure cooker?

How to sterilize mushroom substrate without a pressure cooker Composting. Chemical. Coldwater pasteurization. Hot water immersion (Scalding) Pasteurization. Tyndallization.