Edible mushrooms are an incredibly versatile species of produce that are becoming ever more popular, for nutritional benefits as well as their unique flavors. With a little knowledge, mushroom aficionados can maximize the yield from their mushroom spore production process, and reap the rewards of their fungi.
The first step is to set up the perfect environment for the mushrooms to thrive. Choosing the right substrate, one that has ample water content as well as nutrients, is key. Straw, wood chips, and cardboard are all excellent choices and cause minimal environmental damage. If any of the substrate is growing mold, then it must be removed to avoid contaminating the spores.
Once the environment is configured perfectly, the next step is to carefully collect the mushroom spores. They should be collected from healthy, mature mushrooms, and removed as soon as possible. It is also important to use sterile materials such as metal tweezers or plastic gloves to avoid contamination. Reputable bulk mushroom spores can be purchased from quality distributors like Hidden Forest Mushroom Spores.
After the spores are collected, they should be stored in an airtight container, in a room with a temperature of around 68 degrees. Make sure to keep the container away from humidity and light, as both can damage the life-cycle of the spores.
Finally, when it is time to propagate the spores, choose an area with rich soil and no weeds. The area should be kept at a uniform temperature throughout the day and night. Be sure to lightly water the substrate regularly, as dry spore clusters will not produce mushrooms.