Part 4 Mycology in the Garden: Grow Mushrooms in Containers

This video will show you how to grow oyster mushrooms on straw bale in containers. This video series is in partnership with the Central Texas Mycological Society.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Substrate: Straw Bale
2. Container: 5- Gallon Bucket, Laundry Basket, any Container that you can drill holes into.
3. Tools: Drill, Garden Fork, Spade, Pry Bar, Alcohol, Soap & Water
4. Spawn: We recommend blue oysters spawn because it does best in a non-sterile environment.
   • Oysters (Pleurotus ostreatus): Oyster mushrooms grow well outdoors and readily outgrow competitors and potential contaminants. This mushroom grows in several bright colors such as pink, blue, and yellow. Blue tends to be the best for growing outdoors. The taste of oyster mushrooms is very mild, and some describe it as subtly woody or like seafood. Oysters grow in partial shade and prefer straw to denser woody substrates.

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Many times mushroom farms have used sawdust blocks that have grown mushrooms once, and then end up getting tossed in the waste stream. Check with your local mushroom farm to see if you can help them reduce waste and use the spawn in your organic garden. If you are in Austin, we are collaborating with a new local mushroom farms to help keep used mushroom blocks out of the waste and help get them into gardens around Austin and building healthy soil!
The mushroom blocks are for free but you can also support our mission of helping the crew that is making sure they stay out of the waste by making a donation or becoming a member.

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GROWING STEPS
STEP 1: Drill Holes around the bucket: If your pots or buckets don't have holes in the side, make a few for drainage and for the mushrooms to emerge from.
STEP 2: Soak substrate for 2 days. Soak substrate for 2 days so it becomes nice and hydrated. Then drain. Oyster mushrooms are very robust and can do great on unpasteurized substrate regardless if it’s cleaned.
STEP 3: Sterilize your container. Wash with soapy water and then with rubbing alcohol . 
STEP 4: Mix the spawn and substrate. Mix spawn nicely with the substrate. 
STEP 5: Stuff your Buckets. Stuff your buckets. Make sure to leave a little breathing room for the oyster mushrooms, water, and place a lid on to keep things moist. Store out of direct sunlight.
STEP 6: Water once a week. Water as needed to keep the media from becoming dry and hard.