John Miller
Mushrooms are a fun and frugal crop to grow at home. They are a great way to make use of shady spots in your garden and provide a nutritious and low-impact source of protein. Growing mushrooms outdoors is less costly and energy-intensive than indoor cultivation, and produces less plastic waste. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with growing mushrooms outdoors, such as the potential for bugs to burrow into your mushrooms and lay eggs, and the possibility of growing wild varieties that may be poisonous. To grow mushrooms, you will need to select the right substrate, provide consistent conditions, and ensure the right mix of nutrients in the substrate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | More affordable than constantly buying mushrooms at the grocery store, provides a nutritious and low-impact source of protein, less costly, less energy-intensive, and produces less plastic waste than indoor cultivation |
| Location | Shady areas of the garden, under a deck or patio, in a basement or garage, or even under a sink |
| Equipment | Wooden raised garden bed, plastic containers, wood chips, hardwood sawdust, straw, cardboard, mushroom spawn, compost, spores, coffee grounds |
| Process | Line bed with cardboard, spread growing medium, add spawn, cover with another layer of nutrients, provide consistent warm temperature and moisture |
| Challenges | Requires research and identification of mushrooms to avoid consuming poisonous varieties, potential exposure to bugs and other species when growing outdoors |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a location: Mushrooms grow in damp, shady spots
Mushrooms thrive in damp, shady spots, so choose a location in your garden that fits this description. A shady corner where other plants won't grow is ideal. You could also try under a fruit tree, next to the laundry, or even under a deck or patio. If you're using a bucket to grow your mushrooms, you can place it outside in the garden somewhere shady and damp for the final fruiting stage.
If you're growing mushrooms indoors, a garden shed, basement, or even under a sink can work, as long as the temperature is warm and consistent, and there is adequate moisture and airflow.
When growing mushrooms outdoors, it's important to note that your setup won't be as sterile or controlled as an indoor environment. This means that other species of mushrooms may infiltrate your crop. Properly identify your mushrooms before consuming them to avoid any mishaps.
Before starting your mushroom garden, it's a good idea to learn about the mushrooms that grow naturally in your area. Basic mushroom identification courses are available through extension programs, botanic gardens, and mushroom hunting groups. This knowledge will help you create the right environment for your desired mushrooms and avoid any unwanted species.
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Types of mushrooms: Shiitake, oyster, lion's mane, enokitake, etc
Starting a mushroom garden can be a fun and frugal option for those who enjoy mushrooms. Mushrooms can grow in areas where nothing else will, such as shady, damp spots. They can be grown outdoors in the garden or even inside in a basement or garage, as long as the conditions are dark and moist with proper air exchange.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are ultra-flavorful and are commonly used in Asian cooking, often in soups, stews, and stir-fries. They can be grown on sawdust, with oak, poplar, and beech logs being the best options.
Oyster
Oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They have a gentle and sweet flavor. They are also a good option for growing on straw.
Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane mushrooms are said to have health benefits, such as improving focus and mood and keeping the brain healthy. They also have a positive impact on the immune system. They grow on the sides of trees in clumps and have a mild taste, making them versatile for cooking.
Enokitake
Enoki mushrooms have a unique crunch and can be used in both cooked and raw dishes. They have long stems and are bright white. They are a good option for salads, sandwiches, spring rolls, and sushi.
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Growing mediums: Logs, kits, buckets, beds, or totems
There are several growing mediums you can use to start a mushroom garden. Here are some options:
Logs
Growing mushrooms on logs is one of the oldest methods of cultivation, with the basic process remaining unchanged since its origins in 12th-century China. Any size of log can be used, from large logs to branches or saplings. Smaller-diameter wood will be colonized faster but will not produce mushrooms for as many seasons as a larger log. Logs can be arranged in different ways and require minimal upkeep; depending on their size, they can fruit for eight years or more.
Shiitake, Lion's Mane, and Reishi mushrooms are some of the gourmet edible and medicinal mushrooms that are commonly grown using this method. You will need plug spawn or sawdust spawn, a compatible hardwood log substrate, and some additional equipment. Drill holes into the logs, fill them with spawn, and seal the holes with wax. Set the logs in a place where they will stay moist, and monitor them for colonization by spawn.
Kits
Mushroom kits are a straightforward option for growing mushrooms indoors or in shady spots outdoors. They are a good choice if you want to avoid stray mushrooms in your yard. Kits are available for both indoor and outdoor growing and can be placed in basement or garage spaces, as long as conditions are kept dark, moist, and well-ventilated.
Buckets
The bucket-growing option is suitable for those with limited space or gardens. This method often involves placing fruiting buckets outdoors in a shady and damp area of the garden. The double-bucket technique eliminates the use of disposable plastic bags.
Beds
To create a mushroom bed, select a 4' by 4' section of ground and clear away any litter or garden debris down to the bare soil. You can line the bed with cardboard to retain moisture and keep out weeds, although this is not necessary. On top of the cardboard or soil, add a 1" layer of substrate such as wood chips, mulch, hardwood sawdust, or straw. Top the nutrients with a layer of mushroom spawn, then cover it with another layer of nutrients.
Totems
The totem method, also known as the pillar method, involves growing mushrooms vertically on a column made of various materials, including hardwood logs. This method is commonly used for growing Shiitake, Lion's Mane, and Blue or Italian Oyster mushrooms. For the totem method, logs can be up to a foot or more in diameter and 6-18" high.
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Substrates: Wood chips, straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, etc
The purpose of a mushroom substrate is to act as a medium that supports the growth of mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus that absorbs nutrients and enables mushroom formation. The choice of substrate is crucial as it directly impacts the growth, productivity, and quality of the cultivated mushrooms. Different types of substrates are best for various mushroom species.
Wood chips are a common substrate for growing mushrooms. They are usually combined with sawdust, with some sources recommending fresh wood chips as they have less competition with other potential fungi. The species of tree the wood chips come from matters, and while many hardwoods are appropriate, material from several species can be blended.
Straw is another popular substrate for mushroom cultivation. It is affordable and suitable for oyster mushrooms, though it is not very nutritious, so it may not be well-suited for all mushroom varieties. When using straw, it is important to ensure it is not hay, as hay contains seed heads that can attract contaminants and weeds. Straw should be cut into one- to four-inch sections, depending on the source.
Sawdust is a versatile substrate that can be used to grow a wide range of mushrooms, including shiitake and lion's mane. It is a waste product of the lumber industry and may be available cheaply, depending on your location. Sawdust is often combined with other materials such as wood chips, straw, coffee grounds, or compost to create a nutrient-dense medium that promotes robust mushroom growth.
Coffee grounds are an eco-friendly option for growing gourmet mushrooms. They can be obtained for free from local coffee shops, which often save their spent coffee grounds. Coffee grounds can be combined with straw or sawdust to create a substrate rich in nitrogen and carbon, ideal for various mushroom species.
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Maintenance: Identification, cleaning, and harvesting
Mushrooms are an indicator of a healthy garden ecosystem. They break down organic matter and improve soil quality by releasing nutrients into the soil. However, not all mushrooms are beneficial, and some may be poisonous. Therefore, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before harvesting them for consumption. A mushroom identification book specific to your region can help with this process.
To prevent the growth of unwanted mushrooms, maintain good garden hygiene by removing debris, fallen leaves, or organic matter from the soil surface. This practice eliminates potential food sources for mushrooms. Additionally, ensure proper airflow and drainage in your garden to prevent the buildup of humidity, which promotes mushroom growth.
If you intend to remove mushrooms, it is important to do so thoroughly. Pluck the mushrooms along with their bases from the soil surface, ensuring the removal of all visible parts to prevent further spore release. After removing the mushrooms, apply a few drops of dish soap to the affected area. You can also use natural remedies such as sprinkling cinnamon powder or neem oil on the soil surface to deter future fungal growth.
When harvesting mushrooms for consumption, it is essential to correctly identify edible varieties and follow safe harvesting practices. Oyster mushrooms, for example, are a good choice for beginners as they are easy to identify and grow on straw. Consult reliable sources and seek expert advice to ensure you are consuming safe and properly identified mushrooms.
To promote the growth of desirable mushrooms, you can enhance the mycology of your soil. Burying logs in raised beds, adding wood mulch, and practising no-till gardening are all methods to create an environment conducive to beneficial fungi. Additionally, adding fresh compost and using cold-composted compost can increase the fungal population in your soil.
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Frequently asked questions
Growing mushrooms in your garden is a fun pastime and provides a nutritious and low-impact source of protein. It is also more affordable than constantly buying mushrooms from the grocery store, especially for gourmet mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and lion's mane.
Mushrooms grow well in shady, damp spots in your garden. You can try growing them under a deck or patio, or even under a fruit tree.
You will need a wooden raised garden bed or a plastic container with holes drilled into the bottom for oxygen. You will also need wood chips, hardwood sawdust, or straw as a substrate growing medium, and mushroom spawn.
There are several methods for growing mushrooms in a garden, including using a mushroom kit, growing them in logs or totems, or creating a mushroom garden bundle. You can also grow mushrooms in buckets or laundry baskets, although this may require a layer of disposable plastic.
When growing mushrooms outdoors, it is important to properly identify your mushrooms before eating them to avoid consuming wild varieties that may be poisonous. Additionally, bugs may burrow into your mushrooms and lay eggs, rendering them unusable.
