Due to climate change and increasing demand, greenhouse production has experienced significant growth in recent years.
Traditionally, greenhouse crops have consisted of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and more recently, eggplants. However, with current trends, mushrooms and strawberries have the potential to become major players in the greenhouse industry alongside lettuce and greens. As a company, GGS Structures is actively researching and exploring new crops that can be grown in greenhouses while staying updated on industry developments.
GGS Structures not only conducts its own research but also monitors the market to identify new trends and opportunities. One emerging trend that has caught our attention is greenhouse mushroom production. The unique requirements of mushroom cultivation align well with greenhouse technology, offering numerous benefits to our customers. We are excited about the potential advantages this can bring and are dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services to our customers, setting us apart in the industry through innovation and research.
With an increase in consumer knowledge about different mushroom varieties, there has been a rise in the availability of mushrooms on store shelves. Furthermore, interest is growing in psychedelic mushroom types, creating opportunities for future cultivation. The selection and variety of mushroom crops will depend on the specific type of mushroom being cultivated.
Growing Mushrooms in a Greenhouse
Each type of mushroom has different requirements in terms of growing conditions, light levels, humidity, and temperatures. When researching mushroom cultivation, it is essential to consider your production and distribution goals and determine which mushroom varieties are best suited for your needs. Understanding the shared and differing product requirements between species can help you develop efficient harvesting techniques.
Designing a customized growth plan for your specific mushroom species is crucial for achieving a high success rate in cultivation. This includes selecting the most suitable greenhouse, systems, and tools based on your unique needs. By tailoring your growth plan, you can ensure optimal growth and maximize the success of your crop. A commonly used growing medium for mushrooms is a combination of aged horse manure and straw that has been broken down for easy use.
Some mushroom varieties thrive when cultivated on decaying logs and wood-based mediums. The cultivation process involves using spawn, which functions similarly to seeds in plants. The spawn is placed on the growing medium and kept in a warm, moist, and dark environment where it develops into mycelium, forming the basis for production. It is crucial to prevent cross-pollination, as it can alter the characteristics of the mushrooms and should be closely monitored to maintain consistency.
Most mushroom growers start with mycelium, which is produced by specialty companies in the industry. This is similar to buying greenhouse tomato plants from specialty propagators.
Why Choose Greenhouse Mushroom Production?
Greenhouse mushroom production offers two distinct advantages over traditional outdoor cultivation. The first advantage is the protection provided by the greenhouse environment against extreme weather events. Mushrooms are sensitive to sudden shifts in temperature or humidity, and a controlled and consistent greenhouse environment helps increase harvests over time.
The second advantage is the elimination of pests and diseases. Insects, birds, and mammals can cause significant damage to outdoor mushroom crops grown in exposed locations. By growing mushrooms in a greenhouse, you can protect your crop from these issues and achieve more consistent harvests.
In our upcoming blog, we will delve into the necessary requirements for constructing a greenhouse specifically designed for mushroom production. In the meantime, if you need further information about your greenhouse plans, feel free to reach out to the GGS team via phone or email.
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