How to successfully grow mushrooms outdoors in beds

Growing mushrooms outdoors in beds is a great way to add a sustainable and tasty crop to your garden. This is a simple method that does not require much investment in equipment, and it is particularly well suited for mushrooms that thrive in natural environments. Here is a guide on how to grow mushrooms in your beds:

1. Choose the right mushroom type

Before you start, it is important to choose mushroom types that are suitable for open cultivation in your climate and under your local conditions. Some good choices include:

• Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) : Good beginner mushroom that thrives in different climates.
• Blue knight's hat (Lepista nuda) : Needs a little more moisture and shade.
• Wine Cap (Stropharia rugosoannulata) : Tolerant of variations in temperature and grows quickly.

2. Preparation of the bed

• Location : Choose a partially to fully shaded location, such as under a tree or along a north-facing wall.
• Materials : Use combined organic material such as straw, wood chips, leaf compost, and any old, decomposed mushrooms to build up the bed.
• Prepare the Soil : Make sure the soil in your bed is loose and rich in organic matter.

3. Inoculation

1. Prepare substrate : Water the substrate material well so that it is moist but not soaked.

2. Inoculate the substrate :

   • Mix mushroom spawn/spawn (you can buy this here) thoroughly into the substrate material, or spread it evenly over the surface of the bed.
   • Cover with a layer of straw or wood chips to protect the mycelium and retain moisture.

3. Maintain moisture : Ensure even moisture through regular watering, but avoid drowning the bed. The mycelium needs moisture to establish itself.

4. Maintenance and care

• Temperature and humidity : Keep the temperature moderate and the humidity high. Watering in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation is ideal.
• Monitoring : Check the bed regularly for signs of contamination from competing organisms. Remove any weeds that may block the airflow.

5. Harvesting

When the mushrooms begin to fruit, be sure to harvest them while they are fresh and before they start releasing spores. Carefully cut or wiggle the mushroom loose from the bed.

Tips for success

• Right Time : Plan your cultivation to take advantage of the season's natural temperature and humidity changes, which normally make spring and fall ideal for many types of mushrooms.
• Use of covering material : Straw and chips not only protect the mycelium, but also act as insulation against temperature changes.
• Replenishment : After a harvest cycle, you may need to replenish the bed with new substrate to extend the fruiting season.

Growing mushrooms outdoors in beds is an easy and rewarding way to produce fresh, tasty mushrooms straight from your garden. With the right placement, care and choice of mushroom type, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to keep the bed well maintained and check regularly for the best results. Happy growing!