Mushroom propagation outdoors requires some careful preparations.
Site selection is important. In our valley, a shaded site that will retain moisture is critical. This site is under a large apple tree. It is close to a water spigot, to make it easy to keep moist.
The soil is cleared from the site.
Removing the top-soil gives advantage to the fungi.
Wood-chip substrate.
We used wood chips as a substrate, which is favored by the Oyster mushroom we were starting. Oysters are a good choice for beginners, as they are relatively easy to grow, and they have medicinal, culinary and bio-remediation properties.
The Oyster fungi spore
The Oyster fungi spore
The Oyster spore goes down on the wood chip substrate.
The wood chips are washed to minimize other bacteria and fungi that may out-compete the Oyster fungi spore. Non-fruitwood deciduous chips recommended.
Jim Gibson, myco-ecologist, completing the demo.
Jim is covering the Oyster spore with cardboard, then with more wood chips. The purpose of both of these layers is moisture retention.
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