This spring, delicious mushrooms were almost every day on our table. Due to frequent rains, my experiment in growing oyster mushrooms in an open way pleased with results. To be honest, I have never really liked oyster mushrooms. Apparently, due to the fact that they are normally grown in cellars, they have no distinct taste and aroma, and sometimes even “pleasing” with sand on the teeth.
I tried to grow oyster mushrooms in an open way — I placed the used mushroom blocks in the shade of the trees on the river bank. Cool in the shade, moisture and fresh air did the trick — I have never tasted such delicious oyster! So, I wanted to focus on this case closely and began to study the material, to experiment, to try, to observe.
I would like to share my experience with you.
I use waste blocks for the cultivation of mushrooms. Potentially they can still bring benefit (under favorable conditions it is possible to obtain up to 1 kg per block). In industrial conditions it is uneconomical, because the process stretched for a long time (about 3-4 months). But in our natural environment — just right. These blocks are inexpensive — 5-10 rubles, while new blocks cost 100-120 rubles apiece. It is possible to gather about 3 kilograms using a new block. I soak used blocks in a barrel of water in order to saturate them. Then I put them in a shady place (near the river). A week later, I go to pick mushrooms every day.
Oyster mushrooms do not require special care. However, care should be taken to ensure that blocks always remain wet. Therefore, I water them using watering can or sprayer in the hottest time of the year. During mushroom picking it is necessary to notice where tied new cluster — primordia. It is necessary to make a slit in the film to ensure mushrooms growing.
According to my observations oyster mushrooms respond to light frosts: they freeze and stop growing if the temperature below +5.
Disadvantages: a lot of the film remains, it is necessary to utilize it — we burn film in a fire, when there is a big pull, then burning is more environmentally friendly, in our opinion.
Among advantages, in addition to fresh, fragrant mushrooms, there is another one. Once the blocks cease to bring benefit, we use them as mulch, laying in raised beds, putting under trees and shrubs. In our case, sunflower husks (sometimes straw), loosens the soil well, and the mycelium, which contains the husk, retain moisture in the soil, helps the root system development.
It is advisable to buy used blocks right from mushroom shop, so they are not lying on the street for a long time (as often happens). In such a case the blocks are guaranteed to have the mushroom crop for you!
Vladislav Egorov
E-Gorovo Family Homestead
Source:
http://www.anastasia.ru/articles/detail/34613/
