When cultivating mushrooms, you need to have a wide variety of tools in order to perform many different tasks. From a scale to a microscope, there is an array of equipment and supplies necessary to ensure that your mushroom growing project is a success. Mushroom cultivation supplies are a must-have for any mycologist, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro.
Besides a sterile workspace, the most important Mushroom cultivation supplies are substrate and inoculation tools. Substrate can be in the form of sawdust, straw, or grain, and is a critical factor in determining the types of mushrooms that you’ll be able to grow. Grain substrate typically has a higher nutrient content than sawdust and is often easier for mycelium to colonize. Inoculation tools include spore prints, syringes, and injection needles, all of which are necessary for the successful inoculation of your mushroom spawn.
A thermometer is another crucial tool to have in your arsenal, allowing you to keep track of the temperature of your growing area. Mushroom spawn thrives best in a range of temperatures, so it’s essential to know what conditions your particular spawn prefers. Some spawn needs a cold incubation environment, while others require warm, fruiting temperatures. If you’re unsure what your spawn requires, a comprehensive mushroom growing guide can help.
Another useful supply is a jar modification kit, which allows you to modify the lids of standard glass mason jars to create optimal growing conditions for mushrooms. These kits come with a set of injection ports that make it easy to inoculate jars using a spore syringe or liquid culture without exposing the contents of your jars to contamination. They also come with gas exchange valves and injection ports, which can help optimize air circulation and make it easier to sterilize jars for subsequent inoculations.
Lastly, you’ll need a humidifier to maintain proper humidity in your fruiting space. Mushrooms need a certain level of moisture to thrive, so having a humidifier is an essential part of your growing setup. A basic water sprayer is fine if you only have one or two bags to grow, but for larger setups, it’s worth investing in a specialized hydration station that can mist multiple bags at once.
Mushroom grow kits are a great way for new mycologists to get started with the fun of cultivation without having to do a lot of lab work in advance. These kits usually have pre-sterilized substrate and fully colonized mycelium, minimizing the risk of contamination in your first cultivation cycles. These kits are available for several different varieties of mushrooms, including oyster, lion’s mane, and more.