The art and science of successful mushroom cultivation requires the highest degree of cleanliness in order to prevent any form of contamination.

The mushroom actually begins life when two spores combine. This combination effect is known as the “germination process”. The next stage of it’s development begins as a white fuzzy growth of healthy fungus known as the “mycelium”. The mycelium requires a nutrient base known as the “substrate”‚ of which it can feed off of as well as live upon throughout the duration of it’s life. The substrate is a sterilized mass made from a combination of mostly organic grains and course ground vermiculite.

Any competition from other micro-organisms such as molds and or bacterium’s could prove perilous. However‚ once the mycelium has colonized at least 70% of the substrates visible surface area then contamination becomes much less of a possibility‚ as the mycelium is then strong enough to be more protective of it’s food source. Nevertheless, a clean sterile work area should always be maintained throughout the entire process.

Setting up a sterile work area isn’t as hard as one may think. But since complete sterilization is nearly impossible to achieve with conventional methods. The only thing you can do is attempt to control and eliminate any competing micro-organisms to the best of your ability. Here’s how: Find a location in your home or any enclosed structure to designate as your work area. An isolated corner area that is void of any visitor traffic would be ideal.

The following procedure should be performed prior to working with any spores or cultures in the area every time - no exceptions! Always wear new latex or neoprene gloves and a new dust mask. Begin by wiping down all surfaces with bleach and a clean paper towel. This should include all walls and tools except for the tip of your spore-syringe because this would risk destroying them! Next take your spray bottle full of straight hydrogen peroxide (standard 3% solution) and “mist” the air. The misting procedure is very important. Do not under any circumstances underestimate the level of micro-organisms floating around in the air. You would not want any of these little guys to contaminate your substrate culture.

Do not have anyone else in the area during this procedure. Do not attempt to take any phone calls or to carry on a conversation with anyone. The success of this procedure requires absolute silence. I remember hearing a story about a Mycologist who had to learn this principle the hard way. She enjoyed singing while she was inoculating her petri dishes‚ only to have them become contaminated with ordinarily harmless micro-organisms that she was breathing out during the process!

The above procedure will have to be completed prior to any work that is done in the area. Once this has been accomplished‚ then you are ready to either begin preparing your own spore syringe from a spore print you have or start inoculating your sterilized jars of substrate with a spore syringe that you have already acquired. The steps required to prepare the spore syringe are outlined in Chapter 3. The steps required to prepare the sterilized substrate mixture by using the pressure cooker are outlined in Chapter 4.

It is important to note that these steps are also required when “birthing” your fully colonized culture cakes from their jars‚ as well as before proceeding with the daily schedule of misting them as they continue to develop within the safety of their growing chamber also known as the terrarium.