MUSHROOM AGARICUS BISPORUS (Champignon) - 1179

How to prepare the growing medium for field mushrooms or button mushrooms.

(Mushrooms of the Agaricus genus).

Obtain some fresh horse manure (max. 7-15 days) and add about 20% straw, which you have already moistened in a pile for about 2-3 days. Wet the mixture thoroughly and then form a pile about 1-1.50 m in cross-section and as long as needed: after a few hours, the temperature will tend to rise significantly. After about four days, loosen the pile and form small piles about 15-20 cm wide and 10-15 cm high. and as long as necessary: ​​the temperature, measured with a thermometer in the center of the pile, will tend to rise so much that it will be difficult to keep your hands in the center. After another 6-7 days, dismantle the pile and remake it, bringing the outer parts to the inside and vice versa: wet the dry parts and distribute the wet parts. The piles should be remade every week until the temperature no longer tends to rise (once for the mass and 3-4 times for the piles). The mixture will then appear dark brown, soft, free of the unpleasant ammonia odor, and, when squeezed firmly between the fingers, will release a few drops of water (pH 7.2-7.4). Now is the time to add the mycelium. Mix the mixture with the crumbled mycelium (about 1 bag for every 15 kg of resulting mixture). Place the compost in various containers (crates or plastic bags), press it down, and cover it with the appropriate soil made from ½ unfertilized peat moss and ½ fine field soil. Keep the soil moist, and after about 20-30 days from covering, you'll see the first mushrooms appear. After the first harvest, watering should be more sparse while waiting for the next ones, spaced about 8-10 days apart. Once the cultivation is complete, mix one part substrate with three parts soil to create an excellent soil for your flowers.