Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a tasty, healthy, and versatile ingredient, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients. They are also fat-free, low in calories, and high in fibre. Growing mushrooms at home is a rewarding task for any gardener interested in growing their own food. Mushrooms are best grown indoors, where temperature and light conditions can be more readily managed. In this article, we will explore the steps to growing your own mushrooms at home, the different types of mushrooms you can grow, and the materials you will need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growing Environment | Mushrooms are best grown indoors undercover in a controlled environment where temperature, light, and humidity can be managed. |
| Temperature | Mushrooms require a warm, even temperature of at least 15°C. |
| Humidity | Mushrooms need a humid environment. Mist the material with water daily to maintain high humidity. |
| Light | Mushrooms do not need light as they cannot create food from it. They require a few hours of light per day, which can be artificial. |
| Nutrition | Mushrooms are not photosynthetic and must obtain their food from pre-existing material. Their substrate must provide them with nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen. |
| Substrate | Mushrooms grow on soil or other substrates like wood, straw, sawdust, grain, cardboard, logs, wood chips, or compost. The ideal substrate depends on the mushroom type. |
| Spawn | Mushroom spawn is sawdust or grain permeated with mushroom mycelia, the root structure of the fungus. It can be purchased from online retailers, gardening stores, or specialty cultivators. |
| Growing Kits | Mushroom growing kits are suitable for beginners as they provide everything needed, including a growing medium inoculated with mushroom spawn. |
| Types | Cremini, enoki, maitake, portobello, oyster, shiitake, and white button mushrooms can be grown indoors. Oyster and button mushrooms are the easiest for beginners. |
| Time | The time to grow mushrooms varies depending on the species and environment. Oyster mushrooms can be harvested in a month, while shiitake mushrooms take months. |
| Harvesting | Mushrooms should be harvested when mature and used within a few days as they only stay fresh for a short period. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right mushroom type
Choosing the right type of mushroom to grow is crucial, as each type has specific growing needs. Oyster, white button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest to grow at home. Cremini, enoki, maitake, portobello, and lion's mane mushrooms can also be grown indoors, but they may require more specific conditions.
Oyster mushrooms, for example, can be grown on straw, while white button mushrooms require composted manure. Shiitake mushrooms grow well on wood or hardwood sawdust. The substrate, or growing medium, provides the mushrooms with the right mix of nutrients, including sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen.
If you're a beginner, it's best to purchase a mushroom grow kit, which provides everything you need to get started. These kits typically include a growing medium that has been inoculated with mushroom spawn, or mycelium, which is the root structure of the fungus.
When purchasing mushroom spawn, it's important to only source it from a reputable seller who can confidently identify the type of mushroom. Some mushrooms can be deadly, so you always want to be sure about the type of spawn you are using and never collect spores from unknown sources.
Additionally, consider the temperature and humidity requirements of the mushroom type you choose. Mushrooms grow best in controlled environments where these factors can be managed. They prefer warm, dark, and humid conditions, and their optimal growing temperature is a minimum of 15°C (59°F).
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Pick a growing medium
Picking a growing medium is an important step in the mushroom-growing process. Mushrooms require a rich, fertile, and moisture-retentive growing medium. The traditional material for growing mushrooms is horse manure, which can be bought from a local garden centre or stables. However, there are several other growing mediums to choose from, depending on the type of mushroom you wish to grow.
White button mushrooms, for example, require composted manure, while shiitake mushrooms grow well on wood or hardwood sawdust, and king oysters thrive in straw. If you're looking to grow oyster mushrooms, coffee grounds are a perfect medium. For a more natural approach, you can use freshly chopped logs, drilling holes into them and inserting wooden dowels or plugs that have been impregnated with spawn. This method takes about a year to yield results.
If you're making your own substrate, consider pasteurising it to kill off any contaminants. This process differs from sterilisation as it leaves some bacteria and other microorganisms behind, which is crucial for the expansion of mycelium. You can also mix nutrients into your substrate to enhance mushroom growth. Soy hulls, for example, are great for boosting nitrogen levels, while gypsum will improve moisture retention.
When preparing your growing medium, ensure that it is moist. Spread the spawn across the surface and mix it 5-8cm deep. Then, cover it with damp newspaper. After several weeks, when white thread-like mycelium appears, remove the newspaper and cover the mycelium with a 2-3cm layer made of 50% garden soil or compost mixed with 50% lime.
Keep in mind that mushrooms require a dark, cool, and humid growing environment, so choose a space that meets these conditions, such as a basement or a spot under the sink.
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Prepare the substrate
Preparing the substrate is a crucial step in growing mushrooms indoors. The substrate is the material that provides the mushrooms with the necessary nutrients for growth. Mushrooms can grow on various substrates, including straw, sawdust, wood chips, grain, cardboard, logs, or compost. The specific substrate you choose will depend on the type of mushroom you wish to cultivate. For example, white button mushrooms require composted manure, shiitake mushrooms thrive on wood or hardwood sawdust, and oyster mushrooms grow well on straw.
When preparing the substrate, it is essential to ensure that it is sterile and free of contaminants. If you are using straw or sawdust, consider pasteurizing it to eliminate any potential harmful substances. Additionally, make sure to purchase your mushroom spawn or spores from a reputable source to avoid any issues. The spawn should be mixed into the substrate and kept at a temperature of around 70 °F (21 °C). At this stage, the spawn will begin to develop mycelium, which resembles white fuzz.
The temperature can be adjusted by placing the pan on a heating pad or moving it to a cooler area. Once the substrate is covered in mycelium, you can lower the temperature to approximately 55 °F (13 °C). This temperature change signals the mushrooms to start forming. It is important to maintain the substrate's moisture during this process, so be sure to cover the mixture with a thin layer of potting soil and spray it with water to keep it damp.
For those who are new to mushroom cultivation, purchasing a mushroom growing kit can be a convenient option. These kits provide pre-sterilized and inoculated straw or soil, saving you time and effort. Simply open the bag, place it in a bright but indirect sunlight location, and mist the material with water daily to maintain high humidity. With this method, you can expect to harvest your mushrooms in as little as 7 to 10 days.
Whether you choose to create your own substrate mixture or opt for a ready-made growing kit, the preparation of the substrate is a fundamental step in successfully growing mushrooms indoors. By providing the right nutrients and maintaining optimal temperature and moisture levels, you can create an ideal environment for mushroom growth and enjoy a plentiful harvest.
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Manage temperature and humidity
Mushrooms require a warm, even temperature and a fair bit of moisture to grow. The optimum temperature for growing mushrooms is a minimum of 15°C, and they require a few hours of light per day, which can be artificial.
To create the right conditions, you can grow mushrooms in a shed, garage, garden cold frame, cellar, basement, or even under a sink, depending on the temperature of your house. Mushrooms thrive in dark, humid, and warm conditions, so a dark drawer or cabinet can also work.
When growing mushrooms, the temperature should be maintained at around 21°C (70°F) until the substrate is covered in white fuzz. This is the mycelium, or the root structure of the fungus, which will appear after 2-4 weeks. Once the mycelium has formed, the temperature can be lowered to 13°C (55°F).
To maintain high humidity, mist the growing medium daily with water. Mushrooms require a moist environment to grow, so you can also cover the growing medium with a damp towel to retain moisture.
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Harvest and use your mushrooms
Once your mushrooms have grown, it's time to harvest and use them. Here's what you need to know:
Harvesting Mushrooms
When it's time to harvest your mushrooms, use a sharp, clean knife to cut the stems of the mushrooms at the base. Make sure to handle the mushrooms gently and avoid damaging the mycelium, as this will allow for continued growth and additional harvests. The time it takes for mushrooms to grow and be ready for harvest varies depending on the species. For example, oyster mushrooms can be ready in a month, while shiitake mushrooms may take several months.
Storing Mushrooms
Freshly harvested mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. To extend their shelf life, keep them in a paper bag or a container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Make sure the mushrooms have adequate ventilation and are not packed too tightly.
Using Mushrooms in Cooking
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen and can be used in various dishes, including soups, salads, and casseroles. They are known for their umami flavour and can enhance the taste of many recipes. When cooking with mushrooms, clean them by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any dirt. You can also soak them in water for a few minutes, but make sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking.
Nutritional Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a healthy addition to your diet. They are low in calories and fat, high in fibre, and contain essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals such as potassium and selenium. Including mushrooms in your meals can boost the nutritional value of your dishes and provide your body with valuable nutrients.
Safety Considerations
When growing and consuming mushrooms, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible, and always purchase mushroom spawn from reputable sources. Some mushrooms can be toxic or deadly, so proper identification is essential. Additionally, be cautious when handling mushrooms, as some people may have allergies or sensitivities. It is recommended to cook mushrooms thoroughly before consuming them to reduce the risk of any adverse reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
Oyster, white button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest to grow at home.
You will need a plastic tub or baking pan, mushroom spawn, a growing substrate like compost, straw, sawdust or coffee grounds, a damp towel, a spray bottle, and a growing medium like straw, cardboard, logs, wood chips, or compost with a blend of materials like straw, corncobs, and cocoa seed hulls.
This depends on the type of mushroom. For instance, shiitake mushrooms need months to colonize before mushrooms appear. Oyster mushrooms can be harvested in about a month.
