Simple and economical insulation methods for oyster mushrooms in winter

    The key to successfully cultivating oyster mushrooms in winter is creating suitable temperature conditions. Through practice, the author has worked out simple insulation methods that do not require coal stoves or electric heating. They are described below:

Bag filling and inoculation for oyster mushroom cultivation should begin in late autumn. If bags were not filled and cultivated in advance, the spawn run can be completed with a one-time heating boost.

After the temperature drops, stack the bags that are half covered with mycelium neatly, stacking them as high and as wide as possible to help gather, raise and retain heat. Stacking method: make each section 4 rows wide, with 67 cm between sections for easy management and turning of the stacks. Stack each row 7 bags high, leaving a gap of about 5 cm between rows for air exchange.

After the bags are stacked, cover them with 2 layers of plastic film. Alternatively, stack freshly inoculated bags together with bags that are half covered with mycelium: first place 3 layers of half-colonized bags at the bottom, then 4 layers of freshly inoculated bags on top, and cover with plastic film. The bags generate heat during the spawn run, and as the mycelium gradually fills the bags, the heat produced becomes greater. Check the bag temperature every day; when the bag temperature exceeds 27°C, uncover the film to cool them down.

Once the bags are fully covered with mycelium, take them out immediately and place them in the fruiting area to fruit. Then stack freshly inoculated bags on top of the bags that are not yet fully covered with mycelium, cover with film and keep them warm for cultivation. In this way, simply keep taking out the fully colonized bags and putting in newly inoculated bags.