Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a fun and nutritious food to grow at home. They are not plants, but rather a unique category of life, more closely related to humans than plants. They are also not photosynthetic, so they must obtain their food from pre-existing material. The first step to growing mushrooms is to decide which type of mushroom to grow, with oyster, button, and shiitake mushrooms being the easiest for beginners. Next, decide whether to grow them indoors or outdoors, keeping in mind that mushrooms like cool, humid conditions. The next step is to purchase spawn (mushroom seedlings) from a supplier and decide on a growing substrate like compost, straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds. Then, mix the spawn into the substrate and raise the temperature to 70 degrees. After 2-4 weeks, the spawn will have taken root in the substrate, and you can drop the temperature to 55-60 degrees. Finally, cover the mixture with potting soil and spray it with water until damp. With the right care, you should see mushrooms growing in about three weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Life Cycle | 4 basic steps |
| Mushroom Spores | Microscopic reproductive units produced by fungi |
| Spore Phase | Beginning and end of a mushroom's life |
| Germ Tube | First multicellular outgrowth from a single-celled spore |
| Hyphae | Long, thin structures that help the fungus grow and gather nutrients |
| Mycelium | Mushroom roots |
| Mushroom Reproduction | Mushrooms release spores, each of varying genetics and mating types |
| Mushroom Growth | Mushrooms grow from decomposing matter like soil |
| Mushroom Farming | Requires management of ingredients and environmental conditions |
| Mushroom Spawn | Substance treated with mycelium |
| Mushroom Harvest | Begins 15-21 days after casing |
| Mushroom Identification | Based on macroscopic structure, juices, odors, shades of color, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a mushroom type: Oyster, button, and shiitake are easy for beginners
Oyster, button, and shiitake mushrooms are great options for beginners. Here's a detailed guide for each type:
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties to grow, and they're delicious and healthy too. They are highly tolerant of variations in temperature, humidity, light levels, and carbon dioxide levels, making them a great choice for first-time growers.
The first step is to decide which type of oyster mushroom you want to grow. Some popular options include the pearl oyster mushroom, which grows best in colder temperatures, and the blue oyster mushroom, which is a subspecies of the common oyster variety and prefers cooler temperatures. If you're looking for something that grows in warmer climates, consider the phoenix oyster mushroom, also known as the summer oyster mushroom.
The most widely used substrate for oyster mushrooms is straw, but you can also use sawdust, cardboard, coffee grounds, or agricultural byproducts like sugarcane bagasse. Wood pellets are a good option for beginners as they come pasteurized, and you only need to add water.
To grow oyster mushrooms, you'll need a growing area that can retain moisture and has some light. Oyster mushrooms require a consistent source of fresh air. Temperatures can vary depending on the type of oyster mushroom, with the winter strain preferring temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, and the summer strain thriving between 16°C and 28°C.
Harvesting oyster mushrooms is straightforward. You can harvest them at any size, but they will begin to dry and turn yellowish once they reach maturity. To harvest, simply twist the mushroom firmly at its base.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms are another excellent choice for beginners. They can be grown indoors, so you can plant them anytime. They grow quickly and easily, and you can use a mushroom kit to simplify the process. These kits come with everything you need, including manure, substrate, trays, and a spray bottle for watering.
If you're not using a kit, you'll need large trays (about 14 by 16 inches and at least 6 inches deep). Make a mixture of equal parts compost and manure (button mushrooms need a lot of nitrogen). You can use your own compost or purchase manure like horse or cow manure.
To grow button mushrooms, start by cultivating mycelium, which will take about 3-4 weeks to sprout tiny mushrooms. After another 1-2 weeks, the mushrooms will be large enough to harvest, and you can continue harvesting for up to 6 months from a single tray.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the biggest specialty mushrooms sold worldwide, and they can be grown both commercially and by hobbyists. While they do require some specific conditions, shiitake growing kits are available and can make the process easier for beginners.
Shiitake mushrooms can be grown indoors or outdoors, and there are a few different methods to choose from. One popular method is to use logs, preferably hardwood logs like oak, sugar maple, or beech. Drill one-inch deep holes every six inches and tap shiitake plug spawn into the holes with a hammer. Fill the holes with spawn and wax them closed with beeswax to prevent drying and the growth of other fungi.
Another method is to use totems, which are smaller sections of logs joined together. Place sawdust spawn at the bottom of a one-foot log section, add another layer of spawn on top, and then cap it off with a two-inch disk of wood, securing it with nails. Cover the totem with a paper bag for the first two months to allow the mycelium to grow.
Shiitake mushrooms take longer to fruit than oyster or button mushrooms, typically taking six to 24 months post-inoculation. Temperature and moisture changes trigger fruiting, and you can use log shocking to force fruiting, although this may reduce the production life of the log.
Once the mushrooms appear, you can harvest them when the cap and stem have differentiated and the gills are visible on the underside of the cap.
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Pick a growing method: Outdoors, indoors, or a kit
Outdoors
If you want to grow mushrooms outdoors, you can use the mushroom bed method, which is easy, inexpensive, and perfect for those who don't want to make a big investment. All you need is sawdust spawn or grain spawn, straw or wood chips, and a consistent supply of water to keep your bed moist. Oyster mushrooms are a great option for beginners, as they are pretty adaptable in temperature and substrate preference and will grow on a variety of materials.
Another popular technique is the log method, which works especially well for growing oysters and shiitakes on hardwood logs. You can also grow mushrooms outdoors in raised garden beds or in damp straw in shady areas of your garden. Keep in mind that growing mushrooms outdoors takes longer, ranging from six months to two years.
Indoors
Growing mushrooms indoors gives you more control over environmental conditions such as temperature, air exchange, humidity, and light, increasing your chances of success. You can grow mushrooms indoors year-round in a dark, cool place such as a basement, crawl space, dark drawer, or cabinet.
There are various indoor growing methods, including single fruiting blocks, all-in-one bags, monotubs, and grow tents. Fruiting blocks are pre-colonized blocks of amended sawdust that grow best in an environment where you can control humidity and airflow. All-in-one bags contain all the necessary ingredients to grow dung-loving mushrooms without the added work of mixing different substrates or sterilizing equipment.
Kits
If you'd prefer a more straightforward option, you can purchase a mushroom growing kit, which includes all the necessary materials and instructions. These kits are blocks of amended sawdust that are already colonized with mycelium. Simply provide adequate airflow and keep it moist, and you can store it almost anywhere, such as on a kitchen counter or shelf.
When using a kit, cleanliness is essential during harvesting. Be sure to wash your hands and forearms thoroughly with disinfecting soap and wear sterile gloves. It is crucial to harvest your mushrooms before the veils under the caps tear, as this can impact the next flush of mushrooms.
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Prepare the substrate: Compost, straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds
Compost
If you're looking to grow mushrooms on compost, you'll need to ensure your compost heap is properly heated and has adequate moisture content. The shaggy mane mushroom, for instance, thrives in the ammonia-rich environment of active compost piles, but won't survive once the pile reaches its hottest point. So, harvesting these mushrooms early in the morning is crucial.
For compost-grown mushrooms, you can use manure-enriched soils, but it's important to ensure the compost has reached a temperature that eliminates any harmful pathogens. Well-aged rabbit manure has proven successful for certain varieties.
Straw
Straw is another substrate that can be used to grow mushrooms. It is a good option for annual growth, while wood chips or sawdust are better for perennial growth. To use straw as a substrate, you can scatter it among perennial beds or under fruit trees, which will also help increase soil fertility and suppress weeds.
Sawdust
When using sawdust, ensure it is sourced from untreated wood, as mushrooms will not grow on treated sawdust. Hardwood pellets are a readily available, inexpensive, and clean option, as they are heat-treated during production. If your sawdust particles are too fine, they may compact and restrict airflow, creating conditions that hinder the growth of mushroom mycelium. Therefore, it is common to mix sawdust with wood shavings or fine wood chips to improve aeration.
Sawdust is often supplemented with bran, alfalfa, soybean hulls, or wheat/oat bran to provide extra nutrients and increase yields. The ratio of supplement to sawdust varies depending on the mushroom type.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are an excellent substrate for growing mushrooms, especially oyster mushrooms. Blue-grey oyster mushrooms, in particular, are a good option for beginners due to their adaptability to cooler climates. To grow mushrooms in coffee grounds, you can use a glass jar and follow a simple process. First, brew coffee and pour the grounds into the jar. Repeat this process until the jar is almost full, ensuring the grounds are levelled off and not mixed. Close the lid and wipe the jar with an alcohol wipe before returning it to a warm, dark place. Once the jar is covered in white fuzz, it's time to transfer it to a bright and cool location, covering it with a damp kitchen roll. Keep the roll moist by spraying it with water daily, and your mushrooms will soon start to grow.
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Add spawn or spores: Purchase from a supplier
Purchasing spawn or spores from a supplier is a straightforward way to begin growing mushrooms. This method is similar to how gardeners and farmers use seeds. Spawn is the living fungal culture, called mycelium, grown onto a substrate. It is the genetic material used to grow mushrooms.
North Spore, for example, produces its spawn in a laboratory on millet and wheat berries. They start by taking mushroom cultures from their culture bank and growing them on sterilized millet and wheat berries. Their spawn is USDA Certified Organic, and they sell it in small bags at garden centres, co-ops, and farmers' markets. To use this type of spawn, you will need access to freshly cut hardwood logs. Drill holes in the logs, hammer the spawn plugs into the holes, and then brush melted wax over the plugged holes to seal them.
Alternatively, you can purchase spawn that comes in the form of grain spawn. This is the traditional way to propagate mushroom cultures. Grain spawn typically comes in jars, and you can use it to create many more jars of spawn. Many different types of grains can be used for spawn, including wheat, rye, brown rice, white rice, wild bird seed, and even popcorn. However, rye is the most common grain used for mushroom cultivation due to its water-absorbing qualities, nutrient makeup, and the fact that mushrooms seem to thrive on it.
To use grain spawn, you will need to sterilize the grain and ensure it has the right moisture content. Rinse the grain several times in cold water, then place it in a bucket or large bowl and fill it with water. You can add a little coffee and gypsum to change the pH and prevent the grains from sticking together. Next, bring the grains to a boil and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drain the grains and spread them out on a screen or towel to dry for 1-2 hours. Once dry, load the grains into jars, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full. The jar lids should have a breathable filter to allow for gas exchange during incubation.
If you don't want to make your own spawn, you can also purchase pre-made agar plates online. Agar plates allow you to easily see and control contamination and experiment with new mushroom strains. North Spore offers a 20% discount on their grain spawn with a promo code.
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Maintain conditions: Humidity, temperature, airflow, and light
Maintaining the right conditions of humidity, temperature, airflow, and light is crucial for growing mushrooms. Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows in a wide range of environments, including forests, fields, and even inside homes. However, cultivating mushrooms involves creating ideal conditions for their growth.
Humidity
Humidity is an essential factor in mushroom cultivation as it affects the growth and development of mushrooms. Mushrooms require high humidity levels to initiate the formation of primordia, which are small bumps that eventually grow into mature mushrooms. Throughout their development, mushrooms need humidity to reach maturity. The humidity levels typically range from 60% to 90%, depending on the mushroom species. To increase humidity, growers can use a humidifier, a misting system, or mist the mushrooms and the surrounding area with a spray bottle several times a day.
Temperature
Temperature control is critical for successful mushroom cultivation. Different mushroom species have varying temperature preferences. For instance, oyster mushrooms thrive in cooler temperatures, while shiitake mushrooms prefer warmer conditions. Generally, temperatures between 55°F and 75°F tend to work best. High temperatures can cause humidity levels to drop, so it is important to maintain the temperature between 18°C and 24°C. A thermometer can help monitor the temperature, and insulation can prevent temperature fluctuations. During colder months, space heaters or heat mats can be used.
Airflow
Adequate air circulation is crucial for optimal mushroom growth and to prevent the buildup of humidity and contaminants. Good air circulation supports healthy mycelium expansion and prepares for the fruiting stage. Fresh air exchange is non-negotiable, as it helps regulate carbon dioxide levels, which, if too high, can hinder mycelium growth and fruit development. For indoor growers, this often means using fans or installing ventilation systems.
Light
Most mushrooms prefer low light conditions and may not grow well under direct sunlight. However, some species, like lion's mane mushrooms, benefit from a small amount of indirect light exposure. Adjustable lighting can accommodate the diverse requirements of different mushroom species. Light levels play a subtle yet significant role during the colonization phase. Using shade cloths or reflective materials can help control light exposure and avoid excessive heat.
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Frequently asked questions
First, decide which type of mushroom you want to grow. Oyster, button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest for beginners. Next, decide whether you want to grow your mushrooms indoors or outdoors.
You can buy a mushroom growing kit, which will provide you with a substrate and spores, or assemble the materials yourself. If you're assembling the materials yourself, you'll need a plastic tub or baking pan, mushroom spawn, growing substrate (like compost, straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds), a damp towel, and a spray bottle.
Place several handfuls of your chosen substrate into your tub or pan. Mix the spawn into the substrate and raise the temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After 2-4 weeks, the spawn will have taken root in the substrate—this is called mycelium and looks like white fuzz. Drop the temperature to 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit, cover the mixture with about an inch of potting soil, then spray the mixture with water until damp.
Mushrooms require adequate moisture, proper temperature, and limited light. They like cool, humid conditions, but it is possible to grow them in more arid climates by watering them more often.
One common method is to mix spawn with compost and let nature take its course. Another popular technique is the log method, which works well for oyster and shiitake mushrooms. You can also grow mushrooms in raised garden beds or in damp straw in shady areas in your garden.
