Mushroom Farming Made Easy: How to Convert a Steel Shed into a Growing Room

Have you ever wanted to grow your own mushrooms, but don’t have the space or resources for a traditional garden? Converting a steel shed into a mushroom growing room may be the perfect solution! With a few simple steps, you can transform an unused shed into a productive and sustainable source of fresh and delicious mushrooms. In this post, we’ll explore the key steps involved in converting a steel shed into a mushroom growing room, from cleaning and sanitizing the space to setting up the perfect growing conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will help you get started on your journey to growing your own mushrooms at home.

Cleaning & Sanitizing
Cleaning and sanitizing the shed is an important step in converting it into a mushroom growing room. Begin by removing any debris or clutter inside and outside of the shed. This includes any old equipment, tools, or materials that may have accumulated over time.
Next, use a broom or pressure washer to sweep or wash the interior and exterior walls, roof, and floor of the shed. This will remove any loose dirt, dust, or rust that has accumulated on the surfaces. After sweeping or washing, use a cleaning solution to remove any remaining dirt or stains. You can use a commercial cleaning solution or make your own by mixing water and vinegar or baking soda.
Apply the cleaning solution using a spray bottle or mop and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the surfaces with a brush. Once you have scrubbed the surfaces, rinse them with clean water to remove any cleaning solution or dirt. Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse the surfaces thoroughly.
After cleaning and rinsing, it’s important to sanitize the shed to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be present. Use a disinfectant solution such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol, and apply it to the surfaces using a spray bottle or mop. Let the disinfectant sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water.
Finally, allow the shed to dry completely before starting the conversion process. This may take several hours or even a few days depending on the weather and humidity levels. By following these steps, you can ensure that the shed is clean and sanitized before converting it into a mushroom growing room. This will help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi that can damage your mushrooms or affect their quality.

Insulate the Shed
When it comes to installing insulation in your shed, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll need to determine if insulation is necessary based on your location and climate. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or high humidity, insulation may be necessary to maintain the optimal growing conditions for your mushrooms.
Once you’ve decided on the type of insulation to use, such as foam board insulation, fibreglass batts, or spray foam insulation, you’ll need to install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve cutting the insulation to size and fitting it snugly between the studs or rafters in the walls and ceiling of the shed.
It’s important to make sure that the insulation is tightly sealed to prevent air leaks. Air leaks can reduce the effectiveness of the insulation and cause fluctuations in temperature and humidity. You can seal any gaps or cracks around the insulation using expanding foam or caulking.
In addition to regulating temperature and humidity, insulation can also help to reduce noise and improve energy efficiency. This can be especially important if you plan to use heating or cooling equipment in your mushroom growing room.
Seal the Shed
Converting a steel shed into a mushroom growing room involves several important steps. First, you’ll need to seal any gaps or cracks in the shed to ensure stable and consistent growing conditions. This includes around doors, windows, and vents, as well as in the walls and roof. Use weatherstripping, caulking, or expanding foam to seal any gaps or cracks. Many of our vermin and emberseal products will work very well to seal up your mushroom shed. You can see them in our store.

Ventilation
Proper ventilation is critical for mushroom growth, as it helps to regulate temperature and humidity levels and provide fresh air. Depending on the size of your growing room, you may need a simple exhaust fan or a more complex system with air filters and humidity controls. It’s important to monitor the ventilation system regularly to ensure it’s working properly and replace filters as needed.
Lighting
Mushrooms require light to grow, but not direct sunlight. Fluorescent or LED lights are good options for providing the necessary amount of light. You’ll want to place the lights so that they provide even coverage throughout the growing area. It’s also important to monitor the intensity and duration of the light to ensure that it’s appropriate for the type of mushrooms you’re growing.
Growing Area
Depending on the type of mushrooms you want to grow, you may need to create a specific growing area. This can include shelves or racks to hold the growing containers, as well as a substrate area for mushrooms to grow. You’ll want to choose a growing substrate that’s appropriate for the type of mushrooms you’re growing, such as straw, sawdust, or compost. It’s important to keep the growing area clean and organized to prevent contamination and ensure healthy mushroom growth.
Care & Attention
Mushrooms are delicate and require specific conditions to grow, including temperature, humidity, and light. You’ll need to monitor these conditions regularly and adjust them as needed. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to measure the temperature and humidity levels, and adjust the ventilation and lighting as necessary. Keep a close eye on the growing area for signs of contamination or pests, and take action immediately if necessary. For more information on the care and attention to growing mushrooms check out the Australian Mushroom Growers Association Website here.
Harvesting
Once your mushrooms are ready, it’s important to harvest them properly to ensure that you don’t damage the growing room or contaminate the remaining mushrooms. Depending on the type of mushrooms you’re growing, you may be able to harvest multiple crops from the same substrate. Be sure to follow proper harvesting techniques to avoid damaging the growing room or contaminating the mushrooms.

By following these steps, you can successfully convert a steel shed or part there of, into a mushroom growing room and enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh mushrooms. Be sure to pay attention to the specific needs of the type of mushrooms you’re growing and make adjustments as necessary. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh and delicious mushrooms!