Hydroponic mushroom farming in Kenya is one of the latest technological farming method. I have outlined an easy guide for you to help you get started with the lucrative venture.

Growing mushrooms is a difficult but worthwhile endeavor. What exactly do I mean? Growing mushrooms appears simple at first appearance, and everyone can do it. In theory, this holds true for everything in life.

However, if you look closely, you will notice that there are an increasing number of factors that must be considered in order to provide the best possible service to your consumers.

The method you choose to grow your mushrooms and how you take care of the mushroom till maturity are key factors that affects the general harvest of the produce.

Nevertheless, with proper knowledge it becomes easy to do it. Besides, Mushrooms are a good “cash crop” for someone who doesn’t have space for a traditional crop like flowers or herbs because they can be cultivated in large quantities in a little space.

Methods Of Growing Mushrooms

Mushrooms reproduce in the wild by releasing spores, which are fungi’s equivalent of plant seeds. The creation of mycelium, a root-like network of thin, white fibers that can be discovered underground or within trees and decomposing logs, is caused by the mingling of spores.

Pinheads are produced by mycelium, which then “fruit” into full-size mushrooms, completing the life cycle.

Mushrooms may be grown hydroponically in much the same way that ordinary rooted plants are. Mushrooms do not have roots, yet they can grow in a soil-free hydroponic medium. They mature and yield more quickly than either conventionally grown mushrooms or typical hydroponic crops.

Fungus, which is exactly what a mushroom is, does not necessitate the use of pricey grow lights. They do not create sugars or fruit by photosynthesis, and they do not contain chlorophyll.

Organic stuff is what fungus feeds on. The fungus only blooms into a mushroom when exposed to extremely low levels of light.

Some of the popular mushroom varieties for hydroponics include:

• Oyster
• Maitake
• Enokitake
• Button
• Nameko, etc.

Reasons Hydroponic Mushroom Farming Is Popular

1. Mushroom farming using this method are of high quality and tasty

2. The use of hydroponics eliminates farming activities such as weeding

3. A small area has a potential of producing high yield.

4. There is efficient use of water in the system

5. Mushroom grow and mature faster

Hydroponics Media For Mushroom

The correct nutrients must be present in the growing medium, as this will be your crop’s only source of energy. Despite the fact that mushrooms do not manufacture sugars or carbohydrates, they do require them for growth.

One of the popular medium used in mushroom growing is vermiculite or perlite floor mixed with water.

System For Hydroponics Mushroom Farming

Your mushroom hydroponics system should have a grow media tank or tub, as well as an air pump with an air stone attachment for aeration and oxygenation. A water heater, humidity monitor, and light are optional additions that can be useful in certain situations.

Before being submerged in water, the air stone or bubbler is placed at the bottom of the tank and covered with your grow media.

On top of it, the infected vermiculite cakes are laid. To oxygenate the water, air is pumped via the air stone. The water should be kept heated, which is why the optional heater is a good idea.

Hydroponics Mushroom Temperature And Light

When doing mushroom farming, germination is optimal at 24 to 27°C, while growth is best at 27-29°F with around 90% humidity. Only 5–6 hours of daily light should be given to the mycelium when it is being coaxed to create mushrooms.

Easy Hydroponic Method To Grow Mushroom

A number of methods can be used to grow mushrooms. However, Hydroponics mushroom farming in Kenya is commonly done either using a mushroom kit or without using a mushroom kit.

1 Using A Mushroom Growing Kit

The most popular mushroom farming in Kenya method is the use of a mushroom growing kit. With the kit, you can grow a vast quantity of mushroom even when you have no special garden to set a hydroponic system.

A mushroom kit can be described as a square-shaped block that contains sawdust of at least 12 inches. This block you can build yourself but it can still be bought. When you buy the kit, the block comes with mushroom seeds. If you prepare your own block, you simply buy the seeds.

Once you have the kit with the seeds, the sawdust block should be socked in a cold and a non-chlorinated water for few hours then placed in the dark where temperatures ranges from 16 to 24°C.  The temperatures are quite cold since mushroom flourish in cold places and grow very fast.

2. Growing Without A Mushroom Kit

If you have no kit, then you have to get your mycelium grow until it reaches a stage to support the reproduction of mushroom. In this technique, you need to buy culture seeds for mushroom. Get an open container and place the seeds then allow them to grow.

After some week, you can notice formation of sterilized grains such as millet, or wheat. Four weeks later mushroom will have grown.  

Conclusion

Hydroponics mushroom farming in Kenya can be a lucrative business for you if you embrace the right technique. Beginner mushroom growers are often eager to get their hands on the final result. However, it is worth noting that mushroom cultivation is a time-consuming and precise procedure that should not be rushed. Contamination will be more likely if incomplete preparations are made or if one approach is not followed and adhered to. Stick to your plan and allow nature to take its course.