Showing posts with label Shiitake Mushroom Log. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shiitake Mushroom Log. Show all posts

10 Questions to Ask Yourself before Growing Oyster Mushrooms


If you are interested to cultivate mushrooms, then growing exotic mushrooms with a high value can be profitable for you. A top example under this category is Oyster mushroom. There are specific questions that you need to ask yourself before delving into the process of growing Oyster mushrooms. Continue reading to know more on this issue.



Why choosing Oyster mushrooms?

The demand for exotic mushrooms like the Oyster mushrooms is rising globally. They are edible and easy to grow. A company dealing in the mushroom business and Oyster mushroom Log for sale such as Agrinoon ,would tell you that Oyster mushroom Log for sale takes merely 6 weeks to grow. It is obvious that they help you make good money. You profit in the long term.

How will you get your spawn?

You may avail of the spawn in two ways. The first option is using your own sterile culture to obtain it. It is a less expensive method in the long run. But you need to invest a considerable amount of money in the beginning. The second alternative is the more common method. You simply need to purchase the spawn from a trusted online supplier that is ready to be inoculated on Oyster mushroom Log for sale.



What should be the temperature for incubation?

Temperature of the environment where the mushrooms would grow is an instrumental factor in this process. You need to set an optimal temperature to spark the growth of mushrooms from spawn. A temperature somewhere around the mid-70s is effective in this context.

Can you use supplement?

To improve the quality and volume of growth, you can use supplements. Ensure that you purchase the supplement products from top dealers. The supplements essentially increase the flavor quality and yields of Oyster mushrooms. Cottonseed meal and soy meal are some common supplements.

How will you maintain cleanliness?

You need to wipe down all the surfaces that come in contact with the spawn. Spraying a 10% bleach solution in the air is an intelligent step. Seal off drafts using caulks. Also, wash your hands before you handle any substance in the cultivation zone.

Where can you sell the Oyster mushrooms?

You may opt for three distinct places where you can sell your harvest. The local farmers’ market is a nice place to begin with your deals. You can also sell the products to various restaurants and eateries. Finally, you may sell Oyster mushrooms to supermarkets, too.



How can you increase sales?

You may give out free samples to grocery stores and local eateries to popularize the product. You can also build a website that would appeal to potential customers through online channels.

How much growing area?

In a cultivation area of about 100 feet, you can grow approximately 2,500 pounds of Oyster mushrooms a year.

What to use as a substrate?

You may usually use straw as the growing medium. You can also use wood chips.

What if you are unable to sell?

If you can’t sell, then freeze the mushrooms to keep their freshness intact.

Start your Oyster mushroom business

By now, you might be jumping in excitement to start your Oyster mushroom business!








Latest Ways to Start Your Own Shiitake Mushroom Logs

Growing of Shiitake mushrooms is easier than all other types. This is mainly because you can inoculate the logs with only one type of inoculant thus making it easy to identify.

Shiitake Mushroom Logs

Buying and planting

But as an amateur grower, you can always buy Shiitake Mushroom Logs and follow the instructions to plant it. By keeping it properly moist and aerated within a couple of weeks you can get the desired result.So, this growing season you can get your hands on these logs and grow your own fruits. Or alternately you can grow your own logs.

Steps to starting your mushroom logs

You need to follow the processes to grow Shiitake Mushroom Logs. Here are certain things you need to know:

     Freshly cut log: Always take logs that are cut within a span of 72 hours or less. Keep the diameter of the log around 100-150mm

      Shiitake spawns ( plugs or sawdust)

      Hand drill

      Organic beeswax

5    Paintbrush

Mallet with rubber heads

Shiitake Mushroom

The steps:

      Substrate

Generally, wood-based substrates are best. Although you can choose any wood you prefer, it’s best to choose oak, maple, birch, ironwood or other deciduous hardwood trees.

      Prepare the substrate

  In case it’s sawdust pellets you are using just soak them for around 30 minutes to break the pellets apart.

       In case of sawdust or straws soak them in hot water (temperature about 65 to 70 degrees) for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can also try a lime bath (high pH) for 12- 18 hours.

         You can also enrich the substrate by adding nitrogen as a supplement

      Inoculation

  For both sawdust and plug spawn uses a 12mm drill bit.

         Now through the entire length of the log keep drilling holes.

         Preferably keep each hole 6 inches apart.

         Keep the depth around 1 inch.

          Likewise keeping drilling holes throughout the circumference of the log. Make sure to drill the rows alternative to each other for allowing space for the spawns to grow.

          If you have a span dowel hammer them down till they are flushed with logs

            If you are using sawdust spawn then force them into the holes

        Finally, seal it with beeswax

Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation

       Incubation

    For logs keep them in incubation for 6 to 12months

               You can use wood pellets or bricks to prevent other fungal growth

           Make sure to cover your spawns with a shade cloth to keep out direct sun rays and help in aeration.

         For moist areas keep watering once a week for 10minutes. And for dry areas do it twice a week.

 Fruiting

    Generally, it takes around 6 months for Shiitakes to start fruiting however it’s best to wait for 12 months.

           To initiate fruiting soak the spawns in cold, clean water for 24 hours.

           Put them back in shade in a vertical position.

           Keep watering the logs once or twice a day for 5minutes.

           Within 2-3 days primordial fruiting should start

To wrap

The process of Shiitake mushroom although a bit prolonged is easy and extremely effective as per the yield scales. So ring the leading mycelial producers and start your own kitchen pantry now.