Mushrooming

[PK.]

Has anybody around here forayed into the dark world of mycology?

I have a couple of 48 foot containers that I've been trying to find a use for and thought it would be a simple matter to convert one into a mushroom farm. A fan and vent, air conditioner, humidifier, maybe a mist system and a few lights and I think it'd work. I expect I could have at least a couple thousand flats growing in rotation in one container if I do the racks right.

I've been reading up on growing 'shrooms for the past couple of weeks and it doesn't seem any more difficult than any greenhouse plants. I know I have a market for the things, the ones that make it past my grill at least.

So, if you have any comments or suggestions, feel free.....

[mtwildflower]

I dunno about that, but I do know I'll be looking to collect morels this sping in the areas close by that were burned in forest fires. Wonder if a person can ge the spore off of some of those?

[PK.]

I've read conflicting things about morels. Some growers seem to think that you can "seed" an area outside with morels without going to all the trouble that other mushroom varieties require to be raised indoors. Some say that you can grow them indoors by similar processes as buttons.

I know it may be folklore, but I was always told to use a mesh bag when collecting morels as that would help spread the spore.

I love morels and they sell for quite good prices around here. Not as many people gather them around here as they do in other places I've lived. I've been planning a 'shroom expedition with a couple of buddies, almost time now....

[Florida_boy]

I've never been much of a fan of them myself. Maybe because of a guy my wife took care of early in her nursing career that made a little mistake while out collecting mushrooms.
A guy I work with worked for his dad in Washington on their mushroom farm before he came to Fla. They have a pretty good sized operation out there now, but he started small as well. A single 48' container might be a good start for you as well especelly if you were willing to grow bigger later on.