In addition to other pharmaceutical fields that are now utilizing growrooms, the medicinal and gourmet mushroom industries are now beginning to use growrooms of their own. These growrooms aren’t completely similar to those other industries’ growrooms, however – mushrooms aren’t classified as plants due to the differences in the way they grow and process nutrients, among other things. What this means for you, is that your mushroom growroom will need a different set of tools for optimal production.
One of the most effective ways to build a growroom in 2022 is through the use of a cleanroom – a room designed for sterile conditions and to give you the ability to fine-tune the atmosphere inside. This is perfect for growing all types of plants, but mushrooms in particular, as mushroom growing conditions can be very precise for optimal growth. If you’re looking to kick off an enterprise in the medicinal or gourmet mushroom industry, a cleanroom is your best shot at high-quantity, high-quality product.
In this brief guide, we’ll walk you through what you’ll need for optimal mushroom production in your cleanroom growroom, and how you can maximize your mushroom yields.
Setting Up Proper Growing Conditions
Mushrooms, as said previously, have more specific growing conditions than other medicinal plants and herbs. One of the key things you’ll want to get right is the humidity – mushrooms prefer an environment of between 80% and 95% humidity for optimal growing. Ensure your cleanroom has the moisture in the air required for healthy growing at all times.
Additionally, mushrooms, despite not being plants and not photosynthesizing, they need regular light in order to grow properly. In a cleanroom, this light will be from artificial grow lights set up throughout your growroom. Your mushrooms will receive 10-12 hours of light per day, and require this light in order to grow in the right direction, and for proper mycelium development.
Keeping Your Growroom Clean
As is the case with all cleanroom plant cultivation, the air in your cleanroom will need to be kept as clean as possible. Clean air promotes healthier, faster growth due to a lack of the natural debris that would normally hinder growth. Without dust and particles in the air, your mushrooms will be able to breathe and process their nutrients much more efficiently.
In a mushroom cultivation cleanroom, the primary and best way of filtering and sterilizing the air will be through the use of HEPA filters. HEPA filters are the standard across many industries for professional-grade, extremely-fine air filtration, and will provide the best possible growth environment for your crop. HEPA air filtration can be set up and integrated into your cleanroom with ease, allowing for easy maintenance and more efficient performance.
Your Needed Equipment
Beyond what we’ve already mentioned, including grow lights and HEPA filters, your cleanroom for mushroom production will need several other things before you can get started.
- First, you’ll need shelves for spawning the mushrooms on, and growing containers to spawn them in. Think carefully about your room layout, and make the most of your real estate through careful shelf placement.
- You will need humidity regulation equipment. This includes humidity measuring equipment, and the humidity regulators themselves.
- Mushrooms require darkness in order to first spawn. Your cleanroom will be pitch dark for this period, that is, without a dark light to light up the room whilst not disturbing your crop.
- Lastly, you’ll need a means of regulating the temperature inside your cleanroom.
FAQs
Ensure your cleanroom has the moisture in the air required for healthy growing at all times. Additionally, mushrooms, despite not being plants and not photosynthesizing, they need regular light in order to grow properly. In a cleanroom, this light will be from artificial grow lights set up throughout your growroom.
What are the conditions for a mushroom grow room? ›
Most mushroom species thrive in a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). Invest in a thermometer and a humidifier to monitor and regulate the growth room conditions. Aim for an 80-90% humidity level during the initial stages and reduce it to 60-70% as the mushrooms mature.
How do you control CO2 in a mushroom grow room? ›
There are several ways to control CO2 levels in a mushroom grow room. One of the simplest methods is to increase ventilation. Adequate air circulation can help reduce CO2 levels by allowing fresh air to enter the room, diluting the concentration of CO2.
What are the requirements for mushroom incubation room? ›
The room is ventilated and humidified about 80%, sometimes heated or cooled. It must provide sufficient natural or artificial light for the mushroom species. The walls and floor must withstand moisture, and be easy to clean.
What should the humidity be in a mushroom grow room? ›
The ideal humidity level for growing mushrooms is between 80-90%. If the humidity level drops below this range, it can cause the mushrooms to dry out and stall their growth.
How do you ventilate a mushroom grow room? ›
To tackle these issues and create an ideal environment for mushroom cultivation, introducing fresh air into your growing space is essential. Fans are the key to achieving the necessary air exchange.
What material is used for mushroom grow room walls? ›
Vinyl walls like Duramax PVC panels are ideal for grow rooms, both because their surfaces don't absorb water and because the tight seal between each panel prevents water from leaking into the foundation of the building.
What temperature does mycelium incubate at? ›
White mycelium is starting to develop and connect with each other in a Pioppino mushroom grow block. The ideal temperature for a spawn run depends on the type of mushroom, but it is generally between 23 and 28 Celsius (73 and 82 Fahrenheit). The temperature in our incubation sat around 31 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
How do you cool a mushroom grow room? ›
Another way to lower the temperature is to increase the ventilation in the growing area. This can be achieved by installing fans or opening windows in your growing area to circulate the air. This will help to dissipate the heat and keep the temperature at a comfortable level for the mushrooms.
Do CO2 bags work in grow room? ›
Best CO2 system for your grow room
CO2 grow bags and a CO2 monitor are an inexpensive way to get started and can improve yield in a small grow tent. The CO2 monitor will tell you when to replace the bags.
The mycelium growth develops under semianaerobic conditions with a high content of CO2 in the gaseous part of the substra- tum.
How do you sterilize a mushroom room? ›
Usually potassium permanganate and formalin are mixed at 1:2 ratio for fumigating culture rooms or mushroom sheds. After mixing the rooms should be closed tightly to avoid escape of fumes from the room and open after 24 hr.
How do you make a mushroom grow room? ›
Steps Overview:
- Cut hole.
- Place fan or ducting in hole. Place fan on shelf in the tent with exhaust end poking through hole.
- Add filter to exhaust end or duct outside. ...
- Tape seams around holes to ensure they are airtight.
- Plug in fan & humidity controller. ...
- Place your fruiting blocks in your tent.
The six steps are Phase I composting, Phase II composting, spawning, casing, pinning, and cropping. These steps are described in their naturally occurring sequence, emphasizing the salient features within each step. Compost provides nutrients needed for mushrooms to grow.
What are the requirements for mushroom to grow? ›
The ideal growing conditions for mushrooms are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and greater than 90% humidity. Natural logs work well and oaks and maples serve as the best hosts. For natural logs, it is best if the log is newly cut so that it hasn't dried out.
How do you maintain a mushroom bed? ›
Feeding your mushroom bed
Aside from maintaining moisture levels in your bed, it is important to provide your mycelium with fresh material. We recommend mixing in a new layer of hardwood wood chips or sawdust once a year to feed your mushroom mycelium.
How to cool a mushroom grow room? ›
Another way to lower the temperature is to increase the ventilation in the growing area. This can be achieved by installing fans or opening windows in your growing area to circulate the air. This will help to dissipate the heat and keep the temperature at a comfortable level for the mushrooms.
What are the ideal conditions for mycelium growth? ›
This is when the mycelium will start to take over the grain that was inoculated with spores. This period usually lasts between 3 to 6 weeks depending on strain and environmental conditions. Ideal conditions for this phase are in a dark place and temperature between 72 F – 80 F.
In addition to other pharmaceutical fields that are now utilizing growrooms, the medicinal and gourmet mushroom industries are now beginning to use growrooms of their own. These growrooms aren’t completely similar to those other industries’ growrooms, however – mushrooms aren’t classified as plants due to the differences in the way they grow and process nutrients, among other things. What this means for you, is that your mushroom growroom will need a different set of tools for optimal production.