Complete Guide: How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms for Beginners

Part 1: Why Choose Oyster Mushroom?

Oyster mushroom is a very good crop for beginners. It needs less money, no big land, and no heavy machines. Because of this, many small farmers like to grow it.

Growth: This mushroom grows quickly and does well in cool and moist weather.
Region: In North India — especially in Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh — it grows very well.

Best Time to Grow: October to February

During these months:

Temperature: Stays around 20–25°C.
Moisture: Air has good moisture.
Growth: White growth mycelium spreads faster.
Safety: Chances of disease are less.

Part 2: Preparing the Straw (Better Quality = Better Production)

If the straw is not prepared properly, mushroom production will be poor.

Material Required:

Wheat straw: 10 kg
Water: 100 liters
Drum: (200 L)
Formalin: 125 ml
Bavistin or Carbendazim: 100 g
Mushroom seed (spawn): 1 kg
Plastic bags: (5 kg size)
Tools: Rubber bands, Gunny bags, Pen or pencil

Step 1: Make the Chemical Solution

Fill the drum with 100 liters water.
Add 125 ml formalin and 100 g Bavistin.
Mix well to clean the straw and protect it from harmful germs.

Step 2: Soak the Straw Overnight

Put 10 kg wheat straw into the solution.
Press it so it stays fully inside the water for 12 hours (overnight).
This kills unwanted germs and keeps the straw clean.

Step 3: Drying & The Palm Test

Next morning, take out the straw and clean the floor with formalin + fungicide water. Let it dry, then spread the straw to remove extra water.

The Palm Test: Take some straw and press it. Water should not drip, but your palm should feel slightly moist.
Important: Too wet may cause spoiling; too dry leads to slow growth.

Part 3: Mixing Seeds and Filling Bags

Seed Ratio: For 10 kg half-dry straw, use 1 kg mushroom seed.
Mixing: Mix very well so the seed spreads everywhere for even growth.

The Filling Process (5 kg Plastic Bags):

Put one layer of straw and press it tightly.
Keep adding layers until the bag is full, removing all air gaps.
Tie the top tightly with a rubber band for better growth.

Making Ventilation Holes:

Make 8–12 small holes all around using a pen or pencil.

Why? For ventilation, proper growth, and for mushrooms to come out.

Part 4: Room Preparation & Incubation

This step is very important for good white mycelium growth.

Ideal Room Conditions:

Fully closed and dark (no sunlight).
Windows and doors covered with plastic/curtains.
No air movement during this time.
Cleaning: Use formalin + fungicide water on floors, walls, and racks.

Keeping the Bags:

Stand Method: Keep bags on racks.
Hanging Method: Hang bags with rope for better air flow.

Note: Close the room and avoid daily disturbance.

Growth Timeline (0–21 Days):

Day 7 & 14: Quick checks.
Day 21: Full white growth and small pins appear.
Cold Weather Tip: Use a heater/blower for 30 mins (morning & evening) only between Day 15–21.

Part 5: Pin Stage and Water Spray (Day 21–45)

Start spraying water only after small pins appear.

Spray lightly 1–2 times daily.
Keep moisture above 80% but avoid over-spraying to prevent rotting.
Moisture Trick: Hang wet gunny bags on walls and wet them twice daily.

Part 6: Harvesting the Right Way

Do not pull the mushrooms. Always twist gently.

Hold the cluster from the bottom.
Turn slowly right, then left.
Twist gently to remove it without damaging the bag.

Harvest Time Indicators:

First harvest is usually 3 days after pins appear.
Look for soft, white mushrooms that are slightly curved like a shell.

Part 7: Production in Three Rounds (Flushes)

Oyster mushrooms come in three distinct rounds:

Round	Production %	Time Frame
First Flush	60%	Day 21–30
Second Flush	30%	Day 30–38
Third Flush	10%	Day 38–45

Keep light spraying until Day 45. After that, production slowly stops.