How to Grow Mushrooms: The at Home Guide for First Time Growers
How To Grow Mushrooms at Home
Do you want to grow mushrooms at home? Exceptionally healthy, fat-free, low in calories, and packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients – it is easy to see why so many people want to grow mushrooms. But if you are just starting out, the process can seem a little overwhelming.
As it turns out, growing mushrooms (especially oyster mushrooms) isn’t difficult at all! Using a few simple steps, grow kits, and easy-to-find supplies, you can enjoy flavourful and fantastic fungi year-round. Read on to learn how to grow mushrooms in your very own home.
Where To Grow Mushrooms
Mushrooms prefer humid, dark, and cool growing conditions. If you are growing mushrooms at home, the basement is ideal, but you could also use the area under the sink.
Though mushrooms can endure some light, you should choose a location that’s mostly dark or with low light levels. To ensure your mushrooms won’t be disturbed, it is a good idea to keep them in a closet if you are growing them in your basement.
Make sure your growing environment has the right temperature before you start. For mushrooms to grow their best, keep them in temperatures between 55°F (12.78°C) and 60°F (15.56°C) and away from direct heat and drafts.
Types of Mushrooms You Can Grow at Home
When it comes to choosing fungi, it will depend on what type of mushroom you want to grow and how much dedication you have. To the delight of mushroom lovers, there are many edible varieties available. Among the types of mushrooms that can be grown indoors are creminis, enokis, maitakes, portobellos, shiitakes, and white buttons. However, each variety must be grown in its own specific way.
Fortunately, oyster mushrooms don’t require much maintenance compared to other types of fungi. For those who are just starting out, this is the easiest variety to grow mushroom mycelium. Oyster mushrooms sprout fast and can easily flourish in substrates such as coffee grounds and straw, making them the ideal choice for first-time growers.
Process Of Growing Mushrooms
When you are growing mushrooms at home, you have a few options to choose from. You can purchase a mushroom grow kit that comes with growing medium and mushroom spawn from Brainfood Mushrooms. Next is to choose the right soil for the type of mushrooms you are looking to grow. A soil containing of soy hulls and hardwood sawdust, pasteurized and ready to use for your wood lover mushroom strains such as Reishi, Oyster, Shiitake, Chestnut , Lion’s Mane. Brainfood Mushroom Company sell three different types of soil for growing mushrooms. Big Flush Grain Spawn Medium, Big Flush Mushroom Fruiting Medium, and the Wood Lover Substrate Blend.
Step 1: Add Compost to Trays
To grow mushrooms in your home, you can use trays measuring 14×16 inches and about six inches deep, or a Mushroom Grow Box. Place the mushroom compost in the trays and spread the spawn on top.
Step 2: Use a Heating Pad
Place a heating pad on the soil and raise the temperature to around 70°F (21.1°C) until you see mushroom mycelium. This may normally take about three weeks. Then, reduce the temperature to 55°F to 60°F (12.78°C to 15.56°C). Add about an inch of potting soil on top of the spawn.
Step 3: Ensure the soil remains moist
Maintain the soil’s moisture by spraying it with water and covering it with a damp cloth. Spray the cloth as needed to ensure it stays moist.
Step 4: Harvest Mushrooms
After planting, you should see mushrooms within three to four weeks. When the caps open, cut the stalk from the stem with a sharp knife. It is best not to pull up mushrooms, as this could damage the growth of nearby fungi. Daily harvesting should yield about six months of continuous crops.
You can grow mushrooms at home very easily once you have a mushroom growing station set up. To grow more mushrooms, you may eventually need to add fresh spawn. Keeping the cloth wet, however, should result in a steady supply of mushrooms. After harvesting, make sure to use your mushrooms as soon as possible, as they can only be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.