[mushroom]

Possibly an odd request given my chosen nickname, but has anybody grown (edible) mushrooms on their allotment? Yes I know they don't need light , but i haven't room for growing them indoors, and was wondering if anyone here had sussed out some kind of method for growing them in boxes outdoors, and what the results were, good or bad. Was it worth the effort? I'd like to grow the standard ones you get in the greengrocers, and some specialist ones as well.

[WG.]

Big topic.  I have tried standard ones and obtained a fraction of the yield obtained indoors (even under amateur conditions). The problem is that the beds quickly become infected with competing fungi and with disease.

Do you have a source for mushroom compost or were you planning to make your own?

Specialist may actually be easier, e.g. on hardwood logs

[mushroom]

No source for mushroom compost yet. I'm just thinking aloud really. I had thought about the sterility aspect of it. Maybe it would be worthwhile building a high-quality 'micro-shed', made of tongue & groove, with slats for shelves, that could be reasonably sealed against the elements.

As with all things like this, I'd expect it to be not financially worthwhile in the short term but in the longer term it might be, especially if I can grow the more exotic species. I adore mushrooms  

Unfortunately, growing them indoors is not an option.

[richyrich7]

arent shitake mushrooms just grown on a log in a shady spot outdoors ? less trouble than field mushrooms and more valuable a crop.
You can buy the logs ready done or just buy the plugs if you have access to the right type of wood.

[WG.]

That's what I was suggesting too, RR7.  The normal mushroom is grown under stringent conditions of humidity, temperature and air treatment (hypochlorite) for disease control

[mushroom]

RR: thanks for the suggestion. Are there any others you can think of?

WG: I knew the conditions were stringent but didn't realise to what degree. Looks like regular mushrooms are out, then.

[now googling for home grown edible mushrooms]

[mushroom]

http://www.letsgogardening.co.uk/Information/Mushrooms.htm looks interesting  

[ACatCalledElvis]

one of my projects next year is to grow mushrooms - we unearthed a shed at end of allotment in a now cleared briar patch which I am going to convert- so any info would be good - however I have tried the logs - and sadly got no result - and the boxes and got not very much - so I think it is a challenge.............

[richyrich7]

Oyster mushrooms are supposed to be the easiest have a look at this website You can also grow it on natural logs-- it's really very easy. Almost any substrate that contains cellulose can be used-- straw, waste hulls from agriculture and even toilet apper rollsYou can also grow it on natural logs-- it's really very easy. Almost any substrate that contains cellulose can be used-- straw, waste hulls from agriculture and even toilet apper rolls

Or this one for spores http://www.gourmetmushrooms.co.uk/diy_gardening.htm
they have a nice and simple "how to"


or ebay for cheaper plugs

[flatcap]

we put oyster ,shitake and lionsmane mushroom plugs in logs months ago, they still havnt done anything  :oops:

[jacnal]

My local organic shop is selling logs for about £9 each. I'm toying with the idea of getting on and giving it a try, but still not sure. If they keep having these logs I'll probably buy one some day.......... Home grown mushrooms would be icing on the GYO cake!

[mushroom]

Home grown mushrooms would be icing on the GYO cake!

it would, wouldn't it!   thats the reason I'm interested in it