Growing Mushrooms at Home Using Straw Logs: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

ByMehedi Hasan Hours
growing mushrooms in straw

Growing mushrooms on straw is a simple, rewarding, and efficient way to cultivate gourmet mushrooms right at home. With minimal equipment and supplies, you can produce an abundant harvest of delicious mushrooms.

This guide will take you through the entire process, from choosing the right mushroom species to harvesting and storing your mushrooms.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this method is straightforward and highly productive. Get ready to enjoy fresh, homegrown mushrooms with ease!

Step-by-Step Guide for Growing Mushrooms on Straw Logs

Step 1: Chop the Straw

Materials Needed:

  • Straw
  • Weedwhacker or heavy-duty scissors
  • Barrel or large container

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Straw: Lay out the straw to ensure it’s clean and free of debris.
  2. Chop the Straw: Cut the straw into 1-3 inch pieces using a weed whacker in a barrel or heavy-duty scissors.

Step 2: Pasteurize the Straw

Pasteurize the Straw

Materials Needed:

  • 55-gallon drum
  • Propane burner
  • Water
  • Basket or burlap sack
  • Thermometer

Instructions:

  1. Set Up: Fill a 55-gallon drum with water and heat it with a propane burner.
  2. Monitor Temperature: Keep the water between 60-75°C (149-176°F).
  3. Submerge Straw: Place the chopped straw in a basket or burlap sack and submerge it in the hot water.
  4. Pasteurize: Maintain the temperature for 60 minutes to eliminate harmful microbes.
  5. Remove and Drain: Remove the basket or sack and let the straw drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare for Inoculation

Materials Needed:

  • Clean table or surface
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clean cloth

Instructions:

  1. Cool the Straw: Spread the pasteurized straw on a clean table to cool.
  2. Sanitize Work Area: Wipe down surfaces and tools with rubbing alcohol.

Step 4: Inoculate the Straw

Materials Needed:

  • Grain spawn
  • Scale

Instructions:

  1. Calculate Spawn: Weigh the cooled straw. Use a 10% spawn rate (1 pound of spawn for 10 pounds of straw).
  2. Mix Spawn and Straw: Break up the grain spawn and mix it evenly with the straw.

Step 5: Pack the Straw Log

Pack the Straw Log

Materials Needed:

  • Poly tubing
  • Bucket
  • Zip ties

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Tubing: Tie one end of the poly tubing. Place the other end in a bucket to hold it upright.
  2. Pack the Mixture: Tightly pack the straw and spawn mixture into the poly tubing.
  3. Seal the Tubing: Seal the other end with a zip tie.

Step 6: Prepare for Fruiting

Prepare for Fruiting

Materials Needed:

  • Knife or sharp tool

Instructions:

  1. Create Ventilation Holes: Poke holes every 2 inches along the poly tubing for airflow.
  2. Drainage Holes: Add drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water accumulation.

Step 7: Colonization

Instructions:

  1. Place the Log: Put the log in a cool, shaded area.
  2. Monitor Growth: Wait about two weeks for the mycelium to colonize the straw fully, indicated by white growth throughout the log.