What is the best way to create a mushroom bed?

Mushroom beds are a special feature of a diverse garden and can be created in areas where most vegetable plants struggle to grow.

Shady, sun-protected areas are best suited for mushroom beds. The materials required for a mushroom bed depend on the type of mushrooms being cultivated.

For compost-decomposing mushrooms (e.g. button mushrooms or shaggy ink caps), the bed should consist of compost, whereas wood-decomposing mushrooms thrive best in sawdust & hardwood wood chips.

Oyster mushrooms can also be cultivated on straw, coffee grounds, or unprinted cardboard. Experienced (garden) mushroom growers may also cultivate more demanding species like morels in a mushroom bed.

However, these require a perfectly adapted substrate and usually years of experience.

Materials & Equipment:

– Substrate: Straw, compost, sawdust, wood chips, etc.
– Mushroom spawn: Grain or sawdust spawn

Steps:

1. Dig a bed with a depth of 15 – 25 cm. A raised bed can also be used.

2. The bottom layer should be unprinted cardboard. This prevents excessive water loss from the substrate and will break down over time.

3. First, spread a layer of substrate (e.g. sawdust, wood chips, or straw) about 5 – 10 cm thick in the bed. Then, add a layer of mushroom spawn. Repeat this process, alternating layers of substrate and spawn, until the bed is fully filled.

6. The mushroom bed should then be thoroughly watered. The moisture level should be checked every few days, and additional watering should be done if needed.

7. To retain moisture, especially in the first few months, the bed should be covered with a tarp or fleece.

9. The mushrooms will grow in their respective seasons and often over several years.

10. As long as the mycelium is alive, fresh straw can be added to the bed.