Sarah Brown
Mushroom seeds are used to grow mushrooms. Mushroom grow kits are an easy way to grow mushrooms at home, and they are perfect for beginners. Mushroom plugs, on the other hand, are small dowels infused with mushroom spores that need to be inserted into a hardwood log and can take a few months to a year to harvest. Mushroom grass seeds are also available and can be grown both above and underground. There are various types of mushrooms that can be grown, including Lion's Mane, Reishi, Oyster, and Shiitake, each offering unique flavors and benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom seeds | Are noticeably larger than traditional butterfly seeds and pop large and round with a puffy texture. |
| Mushroom grass seeds | Can be purchased from the Dryad for 150 each if spoken to in a Glowing Mushroom biome. |
| Mushroom plugs | Small dowels infused with mushroom spores that need to be inserted into a hardwood log. |
| Mushroom grow kits | Ready-to-use kits that require misting and can be used indoors. |
| Types of mushrooms | Lion's mane, Reishi, Oyster, Shiitake, Blue Oyster, Golden Oyster, Pink Oyster, Italian Oyster, Snow Oyster, King Trumpet, Chestnut, Black King, Hen of the Woods (Maitake), Beech, Portobello, and more. |
| Health benefits | Lion's mane contains antioxidants and natural compounds that support memory, focus, and immune health. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms can be grown from kits, plugs, or seeds
Mushrooms can be grown from kits, plugs, or spores. Mushroom grow kits are perfect for beginners or those with limited space. They come ready to use, requiring only misting to begin growing mushrooms indoors. Kits can produce mushrooms in as little as 7-10 days after setup, depending on the variety and care, and can continue to produce for 1-3 months.
Mushroom plugs, on the other hand, are small dowels infused with mushroom spores. To use plugs, holes must be drilled into a hardwood log, into which the plugs are inserted. The first harvest from plugs can take a few months to a year, but they can continue to provide harvests for years when placed outdoors.
Mushrooms can also be grown from spores, which are the reproductive units of mushrooms, similar to seeds in plants. Spores can be purchased or collected from wild mushrooms. When starting from spores, a growing medium, such as grain spawn, is usually inoculated with the spores to initiate growth.
Some popular mushroom varieties that can be grown include lion's mane, shiitake, portobello, blue oyster, golden oyster, pink oyster, Italian oyster, snow oyster, king trumpet, chestnut, black king, reishi, pioppino, and hen of the woods.
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Mushrooms grow well in low-light environments
Mushrooms are a great option for those who want to grow their own food in full shade. They are part of the fungi kingdom, which means they do not carry out photosynthesis like plants. Mushrooms feed by decomposing organic matter, such as dead plants, wood, leaves, or animals.
While mushrooms do not depend on light for their nutritional needs, light still plays a crucial role in their development and growth. For example, light acts as a directional cue, with mushrooms growing towards the light source. This phenomenon is known as phototropism. Additionally, light can help mushrooms grow more upright and uniformly, resulting in neater and better-shaped produce.
However, mushrooms grow well in low-light environments. In fact, most mushrooms prefer to be incubated in darkness or very dim light. This promotes rapid and efficient colonisation by the mycelium, avoiding any unnecessary energy spent reacting to light. For Shiitake mushrooms, low light can positively impact the popping cornering and browning phase.
For those cultivating mushrooms, it is recommended to store the kit in a cool, dark place before use. Once the mushrooms begin to grow, a small amount of light is beneficial. Typically, 6-8 hours of light per day is sufficient, and it doesn't need to be intense. LED lights are ideal for growing mushrooms, as they are energy-efficient and provide the blue light spectrum that benefits mushroom development. Blue light has been found to increase the fresh weight and size of the mushroom cap and stem compared to red light and dark conditions.
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Oyster mushrooms are some of the fastest-growing edible mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are versatile fungi that can be grown indoors or outdoors, in various sizes, from small personal operations to large-scale commercial grows. They are well-suited for small to medium mushroom producers due to the availability of oyster mushroom spawn as grain or sawdust, eliminating the need for a sterile lab setup.
The Blue Oyster mushroom, for example, is a popular strain known for its fast mycelial growth and ability to fruit at a wide range of temperatures. It produces large, beautiful clusters with a mild, savoury flavour that complements stir-fries and soups. Other fast-growing strains include the Blue Oyster Lambert and Blue Oyster Pearl, which also offer high yields and fast mycelial growth.
For beginners, mushroom grow kits are an excellent option. These kits come ready to fruit, with the mycelium already fully colonized, requiring only regular misting to maintain proper moisture levels. With a grow kit, you can expect to harvest your first mushrooms within 10 to 14 days, making it a quick and convenient way to start your mushroom-growing journey.
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Mushrooms can be grown indoors or outdoors
Mushroom grow kits, for instance, are designed for indoor use and are perfect for beginners or those with limited space. They are easy to use and require little effort—simply mist and watch them grow. These kits can produce mushrooms in as little as 7 to 10 days, depending on the variety, and can continue to do so for 1 to 3 months if properly cared for. After the first harvest, subsequent flushes may occur if the right conditions are maintained.
For a longer-term option, mushroom plugs can be used. These are small dowels infused with mushroom spores that are inserted into holes drilled into a hardwood log. This method takes significantly longer, with the first harvest occurring a few months to a year after setup. However, it can provide harvests for years when placed outdoors.
Some mushroom varieties, like lion's mane, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, are some of the fastest-growing edible mushrooms, while lion's mane offers health benefits in addition to flavor.
Whether grown indoors or outdoors, mushrooms prefer a low-light environment but do not require complete darkness.
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Mushrooms have culinary and medicinal uses
Mushrooms have a long history of use in both cuisine and medicine, and their popularity in these fields endures today. They are a unique type of fungus that has been valued for their distinct flavour profiles and nutritional benefits in culinary applications. At the same time, their potential health-promoting properties have been tapped into in medicinal practices.
In terms of culinary uses, mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a multitude of dishes. They are known for their umami flavour, which adds depth and savouriness to meals. Mushrooms can be sautéed, grilled, or baked, and they are a common ingredient in soups, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and more. Certain varieties, such as button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms, are widely used and easily accessible in most grocery stores. However, there is also a growing interest in using more exotic mushroom types, such as shiitake, oyster, and porcini mushrooms, which offer unique flavours and textures.
From a nutritional standpoint, mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. They also contain selenium, potassium, and phosphorous. Additionally, mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. The ergothioneine and glutathione contents in mushrooms are currently attracting a lot of attention in nutritional research because of their potent antioxidant capabilities and potential health advantages.
The medicinal use of mushrooms has been well-documented in traditional practices, particularly in Asian cultures, and modern science is now exploring these benefits through rigorous research. Certain compounds in mushrooms, such as beta-glucans and other polysaccharides, are thought to have immunomodulating effects, meaning they can stimulate or suppress the immune system as needed. For example, some mushroom extracts are being investigated for their potential anti-cancer properties, as they may enhance the body's ability to fight tumour growth and support conventional cancer treatments.
Additionally, mushrooms have a long history of use in promoting overall wellness and vitality. The cordyceps and reishi mushrooms, for instance, have been used traditionally to enhance energy levels and support the body's natural defences. Modern research is now exploring these traditional uses, with some studies suggesting that these mushrooms may indeed have benefits for immune function and fatigue reduction. Furthermore, there is growing interest in the potential neuroprotective effects of certain mushrooms, with ongoing research exploring their possible benefits for cognitive function and brain health.
It is important to note that while mushrooms have a lot of promise in the medical field, further study is needed to confirm their advantages and establish optimal dosages and delivery methods. As a result, while integrating edible mushrooms into one's diet is typically regarded as safe, those who wish to use mushroom supplements should do so with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom seeds are small dowels infused with mushroom spores. They are inserted into pre-drilled holes in hardwood logs and placed outdoors.
Mushroom seeds can take a few months to a year to grow.
Shiitake and lion's mane mushrooms are great for first-time growers. They are flavorful and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
