Straw is particularly suitable for growing oyster mushrooms because the material can retain moisture well and is also particularly permeable to air. Wheat straw in particular has proven useful for this purpose.
How to grow oyster mushrooms on straw?
Oyster mushrooms can be grown on wheat straw by cutting the straw into small pieces, pasteurizing them and enriching them with coffee grounds. Then mix the mushroom spawn into the straw, moisten it regularly and place it in a cool, dark place.
Shop mushroom spawn
First you need fungal spores or spawn with which you can “inoculate” the straw. It is best to use mushroom spawn and not spores, as the latter requires a considerable amount of time, patience and experience. Inoculating the brood, on the other hand, is equivalent to planting seedlings that have already developed their roots - and leads to success much more quickly.
Prepare breeding ground
Now, of course, it is not enough to simply spread the mushroom spawn on the straw; the material must first be prepared accordingly. First, cut the straws into pieces about three to five centimeters long using kitchen scissors. Fill these into a large pot and cover with plenty of water. Bring the water and straw to the boil, both should simmer over medium heat for about 45 minutes. Finally, let the straw steep for another ten minutes before straining the water. Collect the straw water: it is very rich in nutrients and can be used wonderfully for watering the mushrooms.
Sowing and care
As soon as the pasteurized straw has cooled to room temperature and is already slightly dry, place it in a suitable container and mix in some coffee grounds. Now crumble the spawn into fine pieces and mix them into the enriched straw. Some providers already incorporate the mushroom spawn into sawdust, so you just need to cover it with another, thicker layer of straw or sawdust. Finally, moisten the soil vigorously with a mister. Place the bowl or bag in a cool, dark place. Cellars or a garage, for example, are very suitable. The ideal ambient temperature for growing oyster mushrooms is approximately 10°C. Spray the culture regularly with water so that the growing medium never dries out completely.
Tip
After a while, a whitish fuzz will appear on the surface. This is not mold, because in mushrooms it is almost always black, pink, yellow or bluish-green. By the way: Oyster mushrooms can also be grown on a moistened bale of straw in a shady corner of the garden.
