How to Grow Mushrooms in Plastic Bags for Daily Harvest

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Growing mushrooms in plastic bags is an efficient and rewarding method that allows for continuous harvesting. By following these steps, you can create the perfect environment for mushroom cultivation right at home.

Preparation of Lime Water Mixture

Initial Steps:

  1. Mix 200 grams of lime powder with 30 liters of water to create a lime water solution.

Substrate Preparation and Incubation

Preparing the Growing Medium:

  1. Immerse straw or hay in the lime water mixture to prepare the substrate for mushroom growth.
  2. Soak the substrate for about 30 minutes, then drain it thoroughly.

Incubation Process:

  1. Cover the drained substrate with plastic and leave it for about 4 days, maintaining a temperature of 65-70°C to encourage beneficial microbial activity.

Mushroom Cultivation Phase

Using Plastic Bags:

  1. Use polyethylene (PE) plastic bags, ideally measuring 30 x 40 cm with a folded square bottom for easier layering.

Layering Process:

  1. Place a 3-4 cm layer of the substrate at the bottom of the bag.
  2. Sprinkle mushroom spawn along the bag’s wall.
  3. Add subsequent layers of substrate (6-7 cm thick) and spawn until there are four layers in total, ensuring the top layer is evenly seeded.

Sealing and Transferring to Nursery:

  1. Seal the bag mouths with clean cotton to ensure proper aeration and prevent contamination.
  2. Secure the bag with string or rubber bands and cover the opening with a newspaper to retain moisture.
  3. Transfer the bags to a fiber nursery, keeping a proper distance between them to allow airflow.

Mushroom Growth and Harvesting

Environmental Management:

  1. Keep the growing area closed to maintain high humidity and warmth, both essential for mushroom development.

Monitoring and Incision:

  1. Observe the bags until the mycelium has fully colonized them and turned white.
  2. Cut and hang the bags, making staggered incisions to allow mushrooms to sprout.

Watering and Harvesting:

  1. Water the bags 2-3 times daily to maintain even moisture.
  2. Harvest mushrooms by twisting them counterclockwise to avoid damaging the substrate.
  3. Pause watering for a short period after harvesting to encourage the next flush of mushrooms.

Continued Harvesting:

  • Repeat the watering and harvesting process. Subsequent generations often produce more abundant yields.

Adaptation Tips

  • Materials: Use readily available materials for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
  • Consistency: Maintain stable environmental conditions and monitor the bags regularly for best results.

With this method, you can enjoy fresh mushrooms daily while refining your technique over time. Happy growing!

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