Beginner’s Guide to Growing Oyster Mushrooms at Home

Materials Needed:
Oyster mushroom spawn or culture
Substrate (pasteurized straw, coffee grounds, cardboard, or hardwood sawdust)
Container or growing bag
Water sprayer or mister
Clean work area and gloves
Steps for Growing Oyster Mushrooms:
Preparing the Substrate:

If using straw, soak it in water for around 12 to 24 hours. Drain excess water and pasteurize the straw by boiling it for an hour or using hot water treatment. Alternatively, prepare other substrates such as coffee grounds, cardboard, or sawdust as suitable options.
Inoculation and Bagging:

In a clean, sterile environment, mix the Oyster mushroom spawn or culture thoroughly with the prepared substrate. Fill a container or growing bag with the mixture, leaving some room for the mycelium to grow.
Seal the container or bag. If using bags, create small holes or add filters for ventilation.
Incubation Phase:

Place the sealed container or bag in a dark, warm (around 70°F to 75°F or 21°C to 24°C), and well-ventilated space. Maintain moisture levels by misting the substrate regularly.
Mycelium Growth:

Monitor the container or bag for signs of mycelium growth. The mycelium will appear as white, cottony growth spreading throughout the substrate. This process generally takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Fruiting Conditions:

Once the substrate is fully colonized by the mycelium, initiate the fruiting stage by reducing temperature slightly to around 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C). Provide indirect light and maintain high humidity levels by misting regularly.
Fruiting and Harvesting:

Oyster mushrooms will form clusters of small pins that will mature into full-grown mushrooms within a couple of weeks. Harvest the mushrooms when they are firm and fully grown, before the caps start to curl.
Cut the mushrooms at the base to harvest them, allowing for continued fruiting from the same substrate.
Tips:
Maintain a clean and sterile environment throughout the process to minimize contamination risks.
Oyster mushrooms are relatively forgiving and adaptable to various substrates, making them a great choice for beginners.
Harvest mushrooms promptly to encourage continued fruiting.