Most commercial mushroom farms use bags for at least one part of their mushroom-growing operation. As the name suggests, a mushroom grow bag is one that’s specifically designed to be used for growing mushrooms.
You can use bags to grow a variety of different mushrooms, depending on which substrate or growing medium you fill your bags with.
Mushroom grow bags come in all kinds of different sizes and thicknesses. In this article, we will explain the full step-by-step process for how to grow mushrooms in a plastic bag.
Preparation of Lime Water Mixture
Initial Steps:
Create a lime water mixture by combining 200 grams of lime powder with 30 liters of water.
Substrate Preparation and Incubation
Preparing the Growing Medium:
Immerse straw or hay in the lime water mixture to prepare the substrate for mushroom growth.
Soak the straw or hay for about 30 minutes, then drain it.
Incubation Process:
Cover the drained substrate with plastic for approximately 4 days, maintaining a temperature of 65-70°C.
Mushroom Cultivation Phase
Closing the Mushroom Embryo:
Move on to the cultivation phase after successful incubation.
Using Plastic Bags:
Utilize normal plastic bags, preferably polyethylene PE, with dimensions around 30 x 40 cm.
Ensure the bags have a folded square bottom for easier substrate layering.
Layering Process:
Stuff the bags with substrate, starting with a 3-4 cm bottom layer and transplanting mushroom seed along the bag’s wall.
Add 6-7 cm layers until there are four layers in total, sprinkling seed evenly on the top layer.
Sealing and Transferring to Nursery:
Seal the bags with clean cotton and secure the mouth for proper closure.
Transfer the bags to a fiber nursery, maintaining distance between them and covering the bag mouths with newspaper for moisture retention.
Mushroom Growth and Harvesting
Environmental Management:
Ensure the growing area remains closed to maintain moisture and warmth, crucial for mushroom growth.
Observation and Cutting:
Monitor bags until mycelium covers them uniformly with a white color.
Cut and hang the bags, making staggered incisions for mushroom sprouting.
Watering and Harvesting:
Water bags 2-3 times daily for even moisture; harvest by twisting mushrooms counterclockwise.
Pause watering after harvesting to facilitate further sprouting and care for subsequent generations.
Continued Harvesting:
Continue the process for subsequent harvests, as later generations tend to grow more abundantly.
Adaptation
Adaptable and Hands-On Approach:
This method allows daily harvesting and can be adapted to suit specific needs using readily available materials.
Consistency in environmental conditions and vigilant monitoring are crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.
