Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. They are neither plants nor animals, but they are often classified as horticultural plants. Mushroom gardening is a hobby for many, and kits have been developed to easily grow edible mushrooms at home. Mushrooms can be grown in basements, bathrooms, or closets, and different mushrooms require different growing conditions. They are also commonly found in gardens and houseplants, where they can indicate soil and plant health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are mushrooms plants? | No. Mushrooms are fungi. |
| Are mushrooms horticultural? | Yes, mushrooms are considered horticultural. They can be grown as a hobby and can be grown indoors in basements, bathrooms, or closets. |
| Mushroom growing requirements | Mushrooms require specific growing conditions, including the right substrate or compost, composed of materials such as corncobs, cottonseed, sawdust, straw, logs, gypsum, and nitrogen supplements. |
| Mushroom growing challenges | Mushroom growing can be challenging due to the microscopic spores, which are different from seeds. |
| Mushroom varieties | Common varieties include Agaricus bisporus, Shitake (Lentinus edodes), pom-pom or bear's head (Hericium uva-ursi), and more. |
| Mushroom identification | Identification methods include macroscopic and microscopic examination of characteristics such as juices upon breaking, bruising reactions, odors, tastes, shades of color, habitat, and season. |
| Edibility | Mushrooms can be edible, poisonous, or unpalatable. It is important to properly identify mushrooms before consumption. |
| Mushroom benefits | Mushrooms are part of a healthy ecosystem and provide food for various species. They can also indicate soil and plant health. |
| Mushroom risks | Some mushrooms, like honey fungus, can be harmful to plants, shrubs, and trees. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are not plants, but fungi
While mushrooms are often considered vegetables due to their culinary usage, they are not plants. They are fungi, which is a separate kingdom of life. Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants.
The early classification of mushrooms as plants can be attributed to limited tools and perspectives. Early taxonomists observed that fungi were immobile and had rigid cell walls, leading to their classification as plants. However, fungi are not immobile, and this classification has shifted with advancements in molecular tools and evolutionary understanding.
Fungi, including mushrooms, have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from plants. Unlike plants, fungi require oxygen to thrive and expel carbon, similar to animals. Additionally, mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and must obtain their nutrients from the organic matter in their growing medium. This highlights the importance of the substrate or compost in mushroom cultivation, which can include materials such as corncobs, cottonseed, sawdust, straw, and logs.
Furthermore, mushrooms grow from microscopic spores rather than seeds, and their growth can be facilitated through kits or starter cultures. Mushroom gardening has become an accessible hobby, with kits available for growing various edible mushrooms at home. Despite their classification as non-plant organisms, mushrooms offer unique health benefits not typically found in traditional plant or animal food groups.
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Mushroom growing kits
These kits provide a straightforward process, typically consisting of a box containing spawn, casing, and compost. The spawn, or starter culture, is introduced to the compost or substrate, which can be a box of compost, sterilized sawdust, or even a log. The casing, often sphagnum moss, is placed on top to retain moisture. After moistening the casing, all that's needed is daily misting to maintain humidity, and your mushrooms will be ready to harvest in as little as 10 days to 2 weeks.
Mushroom Adventures offers a range of certified organic kits, including Portabella, Crimini, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, and Oyster mushroom varieties. Their kits are perfect for growing mushrooms indoors during Fall, Winter, and Spring, providing the ideal temperature range of 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Back to Roots also offers an organic mushroom grow kit, guaranteeing growth in just 10 days. Their kit includes organic plant-based soil infused with mushroom spawn, a spray mister, and a discovery booklet with instructions, recipes, and activities. Each crop yields 3-4 servings of pearl oyster mushrooms, and the box can accommodate up to two crops.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, mushroom growing kits offer a convenient and enjoyable way to cultivate mushrooms at home. With a variety of kits available, you can select the one that best suits your needs and preferences, making it a fun and rewarding experience.
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Mushrooms grow from spores, not seeds
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows from spores, not seeds. They have no chlorophyll and require all their nutrients from the organic matter in their growing medium. This makes the substrate they grow in extremely important. Different types of mushrooms require different substrates, which can include corncobs, cottonseed, sawdust, straw, logs, gypsum, and nitrogen supplements.
One of the easiest ways to grow mushrooms is through a kit, which includes spawn, casing, and compost. The casing is usually sphagnum moss, which helps keep the compost moist. After moistening the casing, the kit requires daily misting. Over time, the mycelia will cover the compost, and mushrooms will form in 1-3 weeks.
Another method of growing mushrooms is through the use of spores. This process is more involved and requires some equipment. One way to do this is to mix the spores in water and spray them onto a substrate. However, this method can be less effective and more expensive due to the potential for contamination.
It is also possible to grow mushrooms without spores through tissue culture techniques. This method ensures the mushroom strain is genetically identical. The process involves sterilization of the growing environment and instruments, followed by spawn production. The mycelium is then used to grow the mushrooms, which are introduced to a spawn substrate to increase its size.
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Mushrooms have no chlorophyll
Mushrooms are part of the Fungi kingdom, which has historically been grouped with plants. However, mushrooms are not plants and have distinct characteristics that set them apart. One notable difference is that mushrooms have no chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plant leaves that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to produce food. Fungi, including mushrooms, lack this pigment and are therefore unable to perform photosynthesis.
Instead of producing their own food through photosynthesis, mushrooms, as heterotrophs, depend on other organisms for their nutritional needs. They acquire their nutrients from the organic matter present in their growing medium. This can include various materials such as corncobs, cottonseed, sawdust, straw, logs, gypsum, and nitrogen supplements. The specific composition of the substrate depends on the type of mushroom being cultivated.
The absence of chlorophyll in mushrooms and other fungi is just one example of the unique characteristics that distinguish them from plants. While the classification of fungi has evolved over time, it is now widely accepted that they are more closely related to animals than plants based on molecular and evolutionary evidence.
In summary, the statement "mushrooms have no chlorophyll" highlights an important aspect of mushroom biology. This distinction from plants has significant implications for their growth, nutrition, and classification within the kingdom of Fungi.
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Mushrooms can be poisonous or edible
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be cultivated or found in the wild. They are distinct from plants in that they lack chlorophyll and must derive all their nutrients from their growing medium.
- Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva. These characteristics are common among the deadly members of the Amanita family.
- Avoid mushrooms with red on the cap or stem, as you may mistake them for poisonous Boletes.
- If a Bolete passes the above test, cut the mushroom in half vertically. If the flesh stains blue, it is poisonous.
- Avoid mushrooms with bright colours, as many toxic mushrooms are brightly coloured.
- If you are a novice, only consume mushrooms that you are 100% sure of.
It is important to note that these rules are not exhaustive, and new species of fungi are being discovered all the time. Even mushrooms that are typically edible may cause allergies or sensitivities in certain individuals. Therefore, it is always a good idea to try a small amount of any new mushroom species before consuming a full meal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are not plants. They are fungi, which are their own group of organisms, separate from plants and animals.
Mushrooms grow from microscopic spores, not seeds. They require specific growing conditions, including the right substrate or compost, which can be made from materials such as corncobs, cottonseed, sawdust, straw, logs, gypsum, and nitrogen supplements.
No, not all mushrooms are edible. Some mushrooms are poisonous, while others are unpalatable. It is important to properly identify a mushroom before consuming it.
Yes, mushroom kits are available for growing mushrooms at home. These kits provide the necessary materials, such as spawn, casing, and compost, and only require daily misting to maintain moisture levels.
Mushrooms are a sign of a healthy garden ecosystem. They contribute to nutrient cycling, decomposing organic matter, and providing food for various species. Some mushrooms, like fairy ring fungus, can grow in lawns without causing any damage.
