Mushroom-Growing Supplies

Spawn

• Spawn contains the mushroom's hyphae and is available in sawdust or wooden plugs from mushroom supply companies. The Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service recommends purchasing spawn, rather than attempting to produce it yourself. Depending on the growing method, you will either mix the spawn with sawdust or other substrate or insert it into drilled holes in a log. After the spawn produces mycelium in the substrate, add a layer of sterile soil or peat. To maintain adequate moisture in a log, seal the holes with wax.

Logs

• Some types of mushrooms grow best on hardwood logs. For example, the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service states that shiitake mushrooms grow especially well on red oak, white oak and sweet gum logs. Use logs which measure 3 to 6 inches in diameter and 3 to 5 feet long, cut from living trees. You will also need a drill to prepare inoculation holes measuring 5/16 to 3/8 inch wide and 1 to 1 1/4 inches deep. To provide adequate moisture, inoculate the log within two weeks after the tree is cut.

Substrate

• Some mushrooms grow best in a substrate, such as sawdust, wood chips, straw or compost mixture. The type of mushroom determines the type of substrate; for example, oyster mushrooms prefer straw. According to the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, you can prepare a substrate from fresh, nitrogen-rich horse or chicken manure, an equal amount of straw and a sprinkling of gypsum. Manure is often available at local farms, and gypsum is available from building suppliers. Saturate the manure and straw with water, stir to combine, and sprinkle the mixture with gypsum. For about one month, you will occasionally stir the substrate as it becomes warmer.

Trays

• You will need trays if you grow your mushrooms in sawdust or other substrate. According to the Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Schenectady County, you can make your own trays by fastening pieces of scrap wood together with screws. Although the width and length may vary, a finished tray should measure 10 to 12 inches deep.