Growing mushrooms is an excellent way to produce nutritious food in a small space. However, to grow mushrooms successfully, you need an environment with stable temperature and humidity. A mushroom shed is the perfect solution, allowing you to control conditions for optimal mushroom growth.
Building a mushroom shed doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, Here are 7 low cost mushroom shed designs perfect for small-scale mushroom cultivation
1. Simple Wooden Frame Structure
This basic mushroom shed consists of a simple wooden frame structure covered in plastic sheeting or tarps.
To build it, construct a frame from 2×4 lumber Make sure to allow enough height for you to move around inside comfortably. Cover the frame completely in heavy duty plastic sheeting, securing it with staples, screws or nails.
Add a lockable door for access. Seal any gaps for better climate control. This very simple design can be built for under $500.
2. Insulated Shipping Container
Used shipping containers make instant mushroom sheds. Their steel construction offers good insulation.
Look for a 20 or 40 foot container in good condition. Install vents, fans, humidifiers and shelves inside to create an ideal mushroom fruiting room.
Add power by running an extension cord from your home/garage. Used containers can often be purchased for under $2000.
3. Old Refrigeration Unit
Repurposed refrigeration units from trucks, trailers or commercial facilities are ideal for mushroom growing.
The insulated panels maintain stable temperatures. Look for a unit at least 6 feet wide. Remove the refrigeration components and add humidity controls, fans, lighting and shelving to create your mushroom fruiting room.
Check for any repairs needed before using. Used units can sometimes be found for free.
4. Garden Shed Conversion
A basic wooden garden shed can easily be adapted into a mushroom growing space.
Look for a shed a minimum of 8 x 8 feet in size. Add insulation by lining walls and ceiling with rigid foam boards. Seal any cracks or gaps.
Install humidity controls, fans, ventilation and shelving suited for mushroom growing. Expect to pay $1500-$2000 for shed and conversion components.
5. DIY Wooden Building
For a custom mushroom shed, build your own simple wooden structure. Use 2×4 or 2×6 lumber for the frame and exterior plywood for walls.
Add batt insulation in the walls and ceiling for better temperature stability. Install a good sealant around doors, windows and any gaps.
Fit out the interior with components for proper lighting, humidity, ventilation and condensation control. Easily built for under $3000.
6. Hoop House & Polycarbonate Panels
A hoop house frame covered with polycarbonate roofing panels creates an inexpensive mushroom shed.
Use metal or PVC pipes to make hoops, spacing them every 2-3 feet. Secure polycarbonate panels to the hoops to create a roof. Use plastic sheeting or shade cloth for the walls.
Add fans, humidifiers, ventilation tubing and accessories to create ideal growing conditions inside. Can be built for around $1500.
7. Pole Barn Structure
A basic pole barn shed makes a great mushroom growing space. It consists of a roof with open or partially enclosed walls.
Use 6-8 foot spacing between roof support posts. The roof can be made of corrugated metal, fiberglass or polycarbonate panels. Enclose 1-3 sides in plastic sheeting or plywood.
Equip the interior with components to control temperature, humidity and fresh air supply. Expect to pay $2000-$3000 for materials.
Bottom Line
With a bit of planning and DIY work, you can create a suitable mushroom growing space on a budget. Focus on controlling humidity and providing adequate air exchange.
Consider repurposing a used shipping container or refrigeration unit to save money. For a custom building, use simple wooden frame or pole barn constructions. The right shed design allows you to grow mushrooms successfully on a small scale.
Starting A Small Scale Mushroom Farm
FAQ
What is the most profitable mushroom to farm?
How much money can a small mushroom farm make?
How to build a mushroom growing house?
Choosing the right design and location for your mushroom growing house is critical. This involves considering the available space, the type of mushrooms you plan to grow, and the environmental conditions they require. You could use a spare room in your house, a backyard shed, or even build a new structure specifically for mushroom cultivation.
Can you grow mushrooms in a spare room?
You could use a spare room in your house, a backyard shed, or even build a new structure specifically for mushroom cultivation. The design should allow for sufficient space to house your mushrooms, equipment, and provide ease of access for maintenance and harvesting.
How long does it take to grow mushrooms?
Oysters (the easiest variety to learn) can grow in just 3-4 weeks from start to finish – and you can grow a crop like this every week of the year. You can also grow a lot in a small space, but more about that in a minute. Take a look inside our low tech mushroom farm in this short video tour of our growing set up: Local Mushrooms Rule!
What is small-scale local mushroom growing?
thing about small-scale local mushroom growing is that your mushrooms will be so much better than what’s likely to already be available in your local area. Mushrooms are normally grown in huge factory-like farms and travel long distances to reach the end consumer. And being the fresh and fragile things that they are, they don’t travel well.