How to Build a Mushroom Fruiting Chamber

A mushroom fruiting chamber, or terrarium, is often used for growing mushrooms indoors. A fruiting chamber is needed to keep the mushrooms at a high humidity level, while still allowing fresh air to circulate. A fruiting chamber can be made with nothing but perlite and a plastic container. By using perlite, the air inside the chamber will remain warmer and more humid than the air outside. A "shotgun chamber" as this is known, will naturally cycle in fresh air, due to the air pressure differential created by the perlite.

Things You'll Need

• Large plastic container with lid
• Drill
• 1/4 inch drill bit
• Large bag perlite
• Strainer for pasta or salad
• Wood blocks, 1 inch in height

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Drill holes in every side of the container, including the bottom and the lid. Holes should be drilled in rows, each hole 2 inches away from the hole next to and above it.

   • 2

     Pour the perlite into the strainer, run water through to clean it, then let the water drain fully. You will need enough perlite to cover the container 3 to 5 inches deep.

   • 3

     Spread the perlite out on the base of the container, keep it even and fluffy.

   • 4

     Place the wooden blocks on the surface where you wish to set the fruiting chamber. Set the chamber on the blocks.

   • 5

     Place colonized mushroom cakes into the chamber when ready to begin fruiting.