You Can Grow Your Own Mushrooms

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[7] Manure. This is the item that makes mushroom growth possible. I use elephant manure simply because it is readily available from the local zoo. Usually horse manure is used. This is a "hot" manure and makes an excellent compost.

Other manures can also be used for composting. Cow manure is the exception. It does not make good mushrooming compost.

[8] Insecticides and fungicides. The conditions necessary for the vigorous growth and reproduction of mushrooms also favor a host of pests such as insects, roundworms, soil mites, bacteria, viruses, and undesired fungi. Some of these organisms spell disaster for the mushroom crop and must be either killed or suppressed.

Although some growers use a wide spectrum of insecticides and fungicides. I have used only three- malathion, zineb, and Alfatox. However, since the EPA standards are continuously changing, you should consult your county agricultural agent or state agricultural extension service for current recommendations and regulations regarding the use of pesticides.

[9] Thermometer. I always follow quite closely the heating up of the compost pile and this is best done with a stick thermometer or dairy thermometer. Also, when composting is complete, place the thermometer in the cropping area since the room temperature will greatly affect the crop and you will need to check it frequently.

[10] Sieve. To eliminate clumps of dirt and rocks from the casing soil, a sieve of 3/16-inch mesh is very useful. Make the sieve about 15 X 15 inches square and three inches deep.

[11] Peat. This is needed for casing the trays.

THE MUSHROOM HOUSE

Let's call it the mushroom house even if it's an unused chicken coop, an old outbuilding on the back lot, an area under the greenhouse benches, or an old, unused coal bin.

It is best if you can regulate the temperature in the house. On one hand, mushrooms grow best at near 58 ° F, but a room temperature of 52 ° - 55 ° will yield a slower-growing but longer-lasting crop. On the other hand, if you increase the temperature to 620-650 the plants will fruit more abundantly but for a shorter period. A slower-yielding crop is desirable for the home grower, allowing the mushroom production to keep pace with the mushroom grower's appetite.

COMPOSTING

Just how much manure should you gather? A total of one-half ton of compost is needed to provide 60 square feet of growing surface. Alter the quantity to fit your needs.

After collecting the manure, you should thoroughly saturate it until the water begins to run out. Keep a spray of water playing over the manure while it is being unloaded. If it has been sitting awhile, it will absorb quite a lot of water, whereas fresh manure requires very little. Be certain to avoid manure that has aged in a pile for weeks or months. Old manure is partially decomposed and the nutrients so important for mushroom growth will have already been destroyed.

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