Jane Fox set up a low-tech mushroom farm to grow Oyster mushrooms.
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0641-scaled.jpg)
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0648-scaled.jpg)
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0630-scaled.jpg)
Mushroom spawn is mixed with substrate (sterile straw pellets). An incubation space needs to be dark and warm – temperature of 20 C is suitable.
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_0965-scaled.jpg)
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_0932-scaled.jpg)
The lumps and strands of white mycelium are spreading through the substrate. The incubation phase is around 14-21 days. When the plastic bags are white with mycelium they are ready to be moved into the fruiting space.
A fruiting space needs humidity, light and fresh air for the mushrooms to fruit from the mycelium. Oyster mushrooms are aggressive and easy to grow.
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Octo-Mycelium-copy-scaled.jpg)
Incubation at 21 days and the mycelium is growing nicely.
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_1177-1-1-scaled.jpg)
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_1227-1-scaled.jpg)
During this pilot the mycelium was allowed to fruit and the mushrooms eaten.
![](https://janefoxartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_1449-3-scaled.jpg)