Growing Oyster Mushrooms on Straw Using Cold Pasteurization
Looking for a simple and cost-effective way to grow oyster mushrooms at home? One of the easiest and most beginner-friendly methods is to grow oyster mushrooms on straw using cold pasteurization. Instead of boiling or steaming the straw, it is soaked in a solution (usually lime water) to suppress unwanted microbes and create a clean environment for mushroom mycelium.
Why Choose Cold Pasteurization?
Cold pasteurization is perfect for home and small-scale growers because:
- It doesn’t require expensive or complex equipment
- It saves energy, since there’s no need to heat large amounts of water
- It’s easy to do even in a small indoor space
What You’ll Need
- Straw (wheat or barley straw, chopped into small pieces)
- Water
- Hydrated lime (also called slaked lime or calcium hydroxide – available at hardware stores)
- Plastic bags or buckets
- Oyster mushroom grain spawn
- Gloves, a clean mixing container, and a bit of patience :)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Straw
Chop the straw into 5–10 cm (2–4 inch) pieces if needed. This increases surface area and allows the mycelium to colonize more efficiently.
2. Cold Pasteurization
Fill a large container with water and add 1–2% hydrated lime (10–20 grams per liter of water). Submerge the straw and let it soak for 12–24 hours, stirring occasionally.
The lime helps kill off harmful bacteria and molds while creating a favorable environment for your mushroom culture.
3. Drain and Mix with Mycelium
Remove the straw and let it drain thoroughly until it feels damp but not dripping. Once it's cool (around room temperature), mix it with your oyster mushroom grain spawn(use about 5–10% inoculation rate by weight).
4. Pack into Growing Containers
Pack the inoculated straw into plastic bag or clean buckets. Make small air holes or use bags with built-in filters to allow for gas exchange.
5. Incubation
Place the bags in a warm (20–24°C / 68–75°F), dark area for 2–3 weeks. During this time, the mycelium will colonize the entire straw block, forming a white, dense layer.
6. Fruiting
Once fully colonized, move the bags to a cooler area with fresh air and indirect light (15–20°C / 59–68°F). Cut holes in the bags and mist regularly. You’ll see your first flush of oyster mushrooms within 7–10 days!
In Summary
Cold pasteurization is a simple and efficient method for growing oyster mushrooms at home. It’s especially useful for small-scale growers who want to avoid the hassle of steam pasteurization or pressure sterilization.
Got questions or need growing tips? Feel free to contact us — we’re always happy to help!
