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How to Grow Mushrooms at Home Using Toilet Paper and Straw
Introduction to the Experiment
- The experiment involves using toilet paper, mushrooms, and mushroom waste to grow mushrooms at home with minimal cost.
- Essential materials include toilet paper, straw (or hay), chosen mushroom variety, and a container approximately 25 cm in diameter and 10 cm high.
Preparing the Mushrooms
- Select your preferred mushroom type; this technique is effective for various types. Cut the mushrooms into small pieces for better dispersion in the straw.
- If only one mushroom is available, cut it into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces enhance distribution within the straw during inoculation.
Sterilizing Straw
- Prepare enough straw by cutting it and boiling it twice to ensure sterilization, eliminating harmful microorganisms that could hinder mushroom growth.
- After boiling for half an hour, allow the water to cool completely before draining the straw for further use.
Mixing Ingredients
- Combine chopped mushrooms with cooled straw thoroughly to ensure even distribution of mycelium throughout.
- Form mini balls from the mixture and wrap them in toilet paper. Ensure a flat surface on both ends before placing them in a glass container.
Final Steps Before Incubation
- Use a sterile plastic bag (like a small rubbish bag), insert the wrapped balls inside, and seal it while creating small holes for air circulation.
- These holes will allow air exchange while preventing contamination from external agents.
Observing Growth Progression
- After 15–20 days, expect white mycelium covering the straw's surface; this indicates successful colonization rather than mold.
- By day 35, small heads of mushrooms should start appearing; they will grow rapidly once visible above ground.
Maintenance During Growth Phase
- Daily misting with water is crucial; keep them slightly humid but not wet. This practice supports healthy growth as observed by day 41 when they appear robust and well-developed.
Harvesting Mushrooms: A 42-Day Experiment
Observations on Mushroom Growth
- The experiment has reached the 42nd day, showcasing significant mushroom growth, with some mushrooms appearing large and ready for harvest.
- The first mushroom collected is noted for its impressive size and perfect head, indicating optimal maturation for harvesting.
- Other mushrooms have also reached a state of perfect maturation and can be harvested; any remaining paper at the base is normal and can be removed easily.
Post-Harvest Recommendations
- After harvesting, leftover materials (mini balls) should not be discarded. They can either be crumbled into the ground as fertilizer or set aside for future use.
- If the experiment was conducted in spring, these materials can be used again in autumn to restart the mushroom growth cycle by rehydrating them.
Reusability of Materials
- On average, the mini balls can be reused 2 to 3 times before disposal or repurposing as fertilizer. This emphasizes sustainability in mushroom cultivation practices.