The Mid Hudson Mycological Association » Mushroom Cultivation

Oyster Straw Basket Update

Ira Weiss — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:07:20 +0000

Well, covering the basket to keep it dark definitely boosted the fruiting timetable into hyper mode. All 4 sides have started budding little trumpet shapes. They almost look like coral from the ocean. Here are some photos.

Oyster Basket Results Part 2

Ira Weiss — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:46:35 +0000

Here's a photo of Elmer's oyster basket from July 22, 2010. The fruiting has begun!

Oyster Baskets Update

Ira Weiss — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:42:14 +0000

Our basket has been stored in the basement/garage near the frosted windows. During the day it gets indirect dusk-like light. Comparing the results to Elmer's basket, which is kept covered in a dark area and has started to fruit, we decided to cover our basket with an old blanket. The outer edges are now starting to fill out with mycelium. Updated photos coming this week.

Photo from July 9

Mushroom Spawn Transfer

Ira Weiss — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:43:38 +0000

For everyone who missed the original mushroom spawn transfer, here are some photos. Elmer prepared a fresh batch of rye berries. He then transferred one jar from the original batch into those jars. The first batch was 100% successful – no mold! We'll see if round two is just as successful. A small amount of prepared mushroom spawn is transferred into another set of jars. Here is a photo of inoculated jars using leftover dowels from mushroom plugging.

We also experimented with the straw and basket method. First, we chopped up 3 baskets of straw into 1-3 inch pieces using a garbage pail and a weed whacker. The straw was then soaked for 2 hours in 2 coolers in140 degree water and anti-bacterial soap to sterilize it. We strained as much water as possible, added some lime to start the decomposition process, added more hot water (140-160 degrees) and let soak a little longer. At this point we strained the straw and let it cool a bit. Each basket was layered with straw and mushroom spawn inoculated rye berries (oyster mushrooms). There's going to be a lot of mushrooms for the November meal!