Grow Mushrooms in Soil Enriched with Coffee Grounds

Difficulty: Medium

This guide provides a comprehensive approach to growing mushrooms using coffee grounds as an enriched soil medium, promoting sustainable practices and effective recycling.

Grow Mushrooms in Soil Enriched with Coffee Grounds

Materials Needed

Used or fresh coffee grounds	Buy
Straw or sawdust	Buy
Mushroom spawn	Buy
Water	Buy

Tools Needed

Large pot	Buy
Thermometer	Buy
Perforated plastic bags	Buy
Clean containers	Buy

Steps

Collect and Prepare Coffee Grounds
Obtain used or fresh coffee grounds. Ensure they are free from mold and contaminants. Sterilize the coffee grounds by boiling them for 10 minutes and then letting them cool completely.
Prepare the Substrate Mix
Mix the sterilized coffee grounds with equal parts of straw or sawdust. This mixture provides the necessary nutrients and structure for mushroom growth.
Inoculate with Mushroom Spawn
Spread mushroom spawn evenly throughout the substrate mix. Ensure thorough distribution to maximize mycelium development.
Pack the Mixture
Pack the inoculated substrate mix into clean, perforated plastic bags or a suitable container. Ensure there is adequate airflow to prevent mold growth.
Incubate
Place the packed bags or containers in a dark, humid environment with temperatures ranging between 20-24°C (68-75°F). Maintain these conditions for about 2-3 weeks until the substrate is fully colonized by the mycelium.
Move to Fruiting Environment
Once the substrate is fully colonized, move the bags or containers to a location with indirect light and high humidity. Ensure proper ventilation and maintain a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F).
Harvest
After 1-2 weeks in the fruiting environment, mushrooms will start to appear. Harvest them when the caps are fully opened by gently twisting and pulling the base of the stalk.

Grow Mushrooms in Soil Enriched with Coffee Grounds

Materials Needed

Tools Needed

Steps

Recycling Categories

Consumer Goods

Electronics

Organic Waste

Industrial Items