How To Grow Nameko at Home

Agar Cultivation

1. Prepare the agar medium by mixing agar powder with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Autoclave the agar medium to sterilize it and let it cool to around 50°C.
3. In a sterile environment, pour the agar medium into petri dishes or containers, leaving some space at the top.
4. Using a sterile technique, inoculate the agar medium with a small piece of nameko mushroom tissue or spores.
5. Seal the petri dishes or containers with parafilm or tape to prevent contamination.
6. Incubate the agar plates at the optimal temperature for nameko mushroom growth, usually around 25-28°C.
7. Check the agar plates regularly for signs of contamination or growth of the nameko mycelium.
8. Once the mycelium has fully colonized the agar plates, you can use them to inoculate your substrate for fruiting.

Liquid Culture Cultivation

1. Prepare a sterile work area by cleaning all surfaces with a disinfectant and using a laminar flow hood if available, or alternatively a still air box.
2. Gather all necessary supplies, including a sterile glass jar with a lid, a sterile syringe, malt extract or honey, distilled water, Nameko mushroom spores or culture, a pressure cooker, alcohol wipes, a flame source (such as an alcohol lamp or lighter), Parafilm or micropore tape, and optionally, a magnetic stir bar.
3. Prepare the liquid culture medium by measuring 500 ml of distilled water and pouring it into the sterile glass jar. Add 10 grams of malt extract or honey to the water and stir until it is completely dissolved.
4. Sterilize the medium by placing the jar with a loosely fitted lid into a pressure cooker, then sterilize the mixture at 15 PSI for 20-30 minutes. Allow the pressure cooker to cool naturally before removing the jar, tightening the lid, and letting the medium cool to room temperature.
5. Inoculate the cooled medium by first cleaning your work area with alcohol wipes to ensure sterility. Flame sterilize the needle of the sterile syringe until red hot and let it cool briefly. Wipe the lid of the jar with an alcohol wipe, then use the syringe to draw up the Nameko mushroom spores or culture. Inject the spores or culture into the liquid medium through the lid; if the lid is solid, make a small hole and cover it with micropore tape after inoculation.
6. Secure the lid tightly and cover the injection site with Parafilm or micropore tape to prevent contamination.
7. Place the jar in a dark, warm area with a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C) for incubation. Shake the jar gently once a day to distribute the spores or culture evenly; optionally, use a magnetic stir bar and stir plate to agitate the culture regularly.
8. Over the next few days to weeks, mycelium (white, thread-like growth) should start to form in the liquid. Continue shaking or stirring daily to encourage even growth.
9. Regularly inspect the liquid culture for any signs of contamination, such as unusual colors or odors; if contamination is detected, discard the culture and start over.
10. Once the mycelium is well-developed and the culture is free from contamination, it is ready to be used to inoculate substrates for growing Nameko mushrooms.

Substrate Prep and Innoculation

1. Prepare the substrate by mixing hardwood sawdust with wheat bran in a ratio of 5:1.
2. Moisten the substrate mixture until it reaches a field capacity moisture level.
3. Fill sterilized bags or containers with the substrate mixture, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
4. Inoculate the substrate with nameko mushroom spawn by evenly distributing it throughout the substrate.
5. Mix the spawn into the substrate using a clean utensil to ensure even distribution.
6. Seal the bags or containers with a breathable filter patch to allow for gas exchange.
7. Incubate the inoculated substrate at a temperature of around 75-80°F in a dark, humid environment.
8. Monitor the substrate for signs of mycelium growth, which should start to appear within 1-2 weeks.
9. Once the substrate is fully colonized with mycelium, introduce fresh air and lower the temperature to around 55-60°F to induce fruiting.
10. Maintain humidity levels around 90% and provide indirect light to promote mushroom formation.
11. Harvest the nameko mushrooms when they reach the desired size, typically within 2-3 weeks of initiating fruiting conditions.

Fruiting Preparation and Conditions

1. Prepare a fruiting chamber by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing it to prevent contamination.
2. Fill the fruiting chamber with a substrate suitable for nameko mushrooms, such as a mixture of hardwood sawdust and bran.
3. Moisten the substrate to achieve the proper moisture content, which should be around 65-75%.
4. Inoculate the substrate with nameko mushroom spawn, ensuring even distribution throughout the substrate.
5. Cover the substrate with a layer of damp newspaper or plastic to maintain high humidity levels.
6. Maintain the fruiting chamber at a temperature of around 55-65°F with high humidity levels of 85-95%.
7. Provide indirect light to simulate natural daylight conditions, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
8. Monitor the substrate for signs of mycelium growth and adjust conditions as needed to promote healthy fruiting.
9. Harvest the nameko mushrooms when they reach the desired size and appearance, typically within 2-3 weeks after inoculation.