Mushroom & Microgreen Growtainers

We will start with a detailed conversation about your vision for the growtainer. I will ask you about your goals: Are you looking for high-yield production, supplying local markets, or personal use? Do you want a focus on automation or manual management? We’ll discuss the volume of microgreens and mushrooms you intend to grow, what types of mushrooms you're interested in (such as oyster, shiitake, or others), and which specific microgreens you want to cultivate.

If the container is already placed at a location, I will inspect it to evaluate its environmental conditions. This includes analysing available light, airflow, and access to utilities like water and electricity. If you're still in the planning stages, they may help you determine the best site for your container in terms of maximizing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.

I will work with you to design the internal layout of the shipping container, focusing on maximizing space for both microgreens and mushrooms. This might include vertical shelving systems for microgreens, mushroom growing racks, and designing distinct zones for each crop while ensuring the two work together in a symbiotic relationship.

One key focus will be using the byproducts of each crop to benefit the other.

For example:

 - Mushrooms thrive in moist, dark environments, which create CO2 as a byproduct. This CO2 can be redirected to enhance microgreen growth.

 - Microgreens need light, and their excess oxygen production can benefit mushroom cultivation.

I will outline how to optimise airflow, humidity, and lighting systems to keep both crops healthy and productive.

 I’ll also suggest climate control systems with simple methods such as:

 - LED grow lights for microgreens that can mimic sunlight and timers to regulate light cycles.

- Humidity controls and humidifiers to maintain the moist environment mushrooms need. And adjacent to Microgreens which need a dehumidifier  

- Proper ventilation in and out of the Growtainer to ensure CO2 and oxygen levels are balanced.

Shipping containers have unique needs for managing internal climate, particularly for balancing the differing requirements of microgreens and mushrooms. I will advise on how to regulate temperature, humidity, and light within the confined space.

We will discuss sustainable energy options, such as using on-grid and run the calculations for off-grid electricity or efficient water systems to reduce waste. 

To close the loop of the production I’ll suggest to the client to have a good composting operation and a wormery. This then benefits a garden and turns the ‘waste’ to hold for the garden space.

I will explore how much automation you want to implement. Personally I do everything manually to be on top of any issues.

But for example, automated irrigation, temperature sensors, and humidity controls can be integrated to reduce labor. It even goes as far as potential remote monitoring tools that let you check climate conditions, water levels, and growth progress via smartphone apps.

Once the design is finalised, I guide you through the setup process.

This could include helping you source materials (like specific lighting, shelving, or growing trays), identifying suppliers for seeds and mushroom spawns, and offering advice on building the container's interior.

Depending on the service and experience you have I will provide ongoing support, either in-person or virtually, to ensure your farm is running smoothly.

If you're growing for commercial purposes, I can help offer advice on marketing strategies, branding, insurances for selling at market, eco-friendly packaging, approaching chefs, all these tips can help give you an edge at market or to restaurant/cafes.

Overall, this is a bespoke service with a custom plan to maximize your groetainer’s potential, turning it into a productive, symbiotic farm that efficiently grows both microgreens and mushrooms while optimising space, energy use, and yields and sustainably using waste for a garden.