Preparing and growing mushrooms using a lime water mixture and straw substrate involves several stages, from preparing the substrate to harvesting the mushrooms. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Preparation of Lime Water Mixture:
Mix 200 grams of lime powder with 30 liters of water to create a lime water solution.
- Substrate Preparation and Incubation:
Preparing the Growing Medium:
Soak straw or hay in the lime water mixture for 30 minutes, then drain it. This prepares the substrate for mushroom growth. Incubation Process:
Cover the drained substrate with plastic and maintain a temperature of 65-70°C for about 4 days.
- Mushroom Cultivation Phase:
Moving to Cultivation:
After successful incubation, proceed to the cultivation phase. Using Plastic Bags:
Use normal plastic bags, preferably polyethylene PE, measuring around 30 x 40 cm. Bags should have a folded square bottom for easier substrate layering. Layering Process:
Fill the bags with substrate in layers. Start with a 3-4 cm bottom layer, adding mushroom seed along the bag’s wall. Layer up to four times, adding 6-7 cm layers and sprinkling seed evenly on the top layer. Sealing and Nursery Transfer:
Seal bags with clean cotton and secure the mouth. Move bags to a fiber nursery, ensuring space between them. Cover the bag mouths with newspaper to retain moisture.
- Mushroom Growth and Harvesting:
Environmental Management:
Keep the growing area closed to maintain necessary moisture and warmth for mushroom growth. Observation and Cutting:
Once mycelium uniformly covers the bags with white color, cut and hang the bags. Make staggered incisions for mushroom sprouting. Watering and Harvesting:
Water the bags 2-3 times daily. Harvest mushrooms by twisting them counterclockwise. After harvesting, pause watering to promote further sprouting. Continue care for subsequent generations. Continued Harvesting:
Maintain the process for future harvests, as later generations often grow more abundantly.
- Adaptation:
This method is adaptable and hands-on, allowing for daily harvesting. It can be tailored using readily available materials. Maintaining consistent environmental conditions and regular monitoring is key for successful mushroom cultivation.
This approach to mushroom growing is both practical and efficient, suitable for anyone looking to cultivate mushrooms at home or on a small scale.
