Mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from stir-fries to soups to salads. While they can be found in most grocery stores, growing your own mushrooms at home can be a fun and rewarding hobby that provides a year-round harvest of fresh and delicious fungi.

With the right tools and techniques, it’s easy to set up your own mushroom garden and enjoy the benefits of homegrown mushrooms. In this article, we will go through a step-by-step guide to help you start your mushroom-growing journey. 

1. Choose the Mushroom Species

Before you start growing mushrooms, choosing the species you want to cultivate is important. Different species have different requirements regarding temperature, humidity, and light. Some of the most popular species for home cultivation include oysters, shiitake, and button mushrooms.

Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest species to grow, and they’re also some of the fastest-growing. They thrive in temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and require a high humidity level. You can grow them on various substrates, including sawdust, straw, and coffee grounds.

Shiitake mushrooms are more challenging to grow than oyster mushrooms, but they’re still popular for home cultivators. They require a temperature range of 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit and a lower humidity level than oyster mushrooms. 

Button mushrooms are the most commonly cultivated mushroom in the world and are also one of the easiest to grow. They prefer a cooler temperature range of 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit and require a lower humidity level than oyster mushrooms. Button mushrooms are typically grown on a substrate made from composted manure or straw.

2. Create a Growing Medium

Once you’ve chosen the mushroom species you want to grow, you must create a growing medium or substrate. The substrate is the material that your mushroom spawn will grow on, and choosing a substrate appropriate for your cultivating species is important.

As mentioned before, Oyster mushrooms can be grown on various substrates, including straw, sawdust, and coffee grounds. To create a substrate for oyster mushrooms, you’ll need to pasteurize the substrate to kill off any harmful bacteria or fungi. To do this, you can add your substrate to a large pot of boiling water and allow it to boil for about an hour.

Shiitake mushrooms are typically grown on hardwood logs or sawdust blocks. If you’re using hardwood logs, you’ll need to drill holes into the logs and fill them with mushroom spawn. If you’re using sawdust blocks, you must mix the sawdust with a nutrient-rich supplement like bran or wheat germ.

Button mushrooms are typically grown on a substrate made from composted manure or straw. To create a substrate for button mushrooms, you’ll need to mix your composted manure or straw with a nutrient-rich supplement like gypsum or vermiculite.

3. Inject the Substrate

Once you’ve created your substrate, you’ll need to inject it with mushroom spawn. Mushroom spawn is the material that contains the mycelium of the mushroom species you want to grow. You can purchase spawn online or from a local mushroom supplier.

To inoculate your substrate, you’ll need to mix the spawn into the substrate and then allow it to colonize for several weeks. During this time, the mycelium will spread throughout the substrate, consuming the nutrients and breaking down the organic material.

Also Read: Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Your Own Indoor Garden

4. Prepare a Growing Container

Once your substrate is fully colonized, you must transfer it to a growing container. The container should be large enough to hold your substrate and allow for proper ventilation. Common growing container options include plastic bags, buckets, or trays.

If you are growing mushrooms in a bag you’ll need to poke several holes in the bag to allow for proper ventilation. If you’re using buckets or trays, you’ll need to line the container with plastic wrap or a plastic liner to prevent the substrate from sticking to the sides.

5. Maintain Proper Growing Conditions 

It requires specific environmental conditions to grow, so it’s important to maintain the proper temperature, humidity, and lighting in your growing area. Here are some guidelines for each of these factors:

1. Temperature: The ideal temperature range for most mushroom species is between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want to maintain a consistent temperature within this range to encourage proper growth. If your growing area is too cold, your mushrooms may grow slowly or not at all. If it’s too hot, they may dry out or develop mold.
2. Humidity: Mushrooms require a high humidity level to grow properly. You’ll want to maintain a humidity level of at least 70%, but ideally closer to 90%. To achieve this, you can mist your growing area regularly with a spray bottle or use a humidifier. You may also want to cover your growing container with a plastic bag or lid to help retain moisture.
3. Lighting: Most mushroom species don’t require direct sunlight, but they do need some light to grow. You can provide light by placing your growing container near a window or using a fluorescent light fixture. Avoid exposing your mushrooms to direct sunlight, which can cause them to dry out or overheat.

Keeping your growing area clean and well-ventilated is also important to prevent contamination. Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before handling your mushrooms, and avoid introducing foreign substances or organisms into your growing area.

6. Harvest Your Mushrooms

Depending on the species of mushroom you’re growing, you can expect to harvest your mushrooms anywhere from a few weeks to several months after inoculation. Harvest your mushrooms when they reach maturity and before they start to release spores.

To harvest your mushrooms, grasp the stem and gently twist it to detach it from the substrate. You can then store your mushrooms in the refrigerator for up to a week or dry them for longer-term storage.

8. Consider Using a Mushroom Kit

If you’re new to mushroom growing, consider using a mushroom kit to get started. These kits come with pre-inoculated substrate and instructions on how to set up and maintain your growing area. While they may be more expensive than starting from scratch, they can be a good option for beginners.

9. Experiment with Different Growing Methods

While the steps outlined in this article are a good starting point for growing mushrooms, there are many different methods you can experiment with to achieve the best results. For example, try growing mushrooms using straw or sawdust instead of a pre-made substrate or use different growing containers to see how they affect growth. Feel free to get creative and try new things.

10. Keep Track of Your Growing Progress

As you start growing your mushrooms, keeping track of your progress is important. This will help you identify any potential issues and adjust your growing conditions as needed. Consider taking photos or keeping a journal to document your growth.

11. Be Patient

Growing mushrooms can be a slow process, and it may take several weeks or even months for your mushrooms to reach maturity. So it’s important to be patient and keep going even if you don’t see results immediately.

12. Consider Using Organic Methods

If you’re growing mushrooms for their health benefits, you may want to consider using organic methods to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. This can include using organic substrate and avoiding the use of pesticides or fertilizers.

13. Dispose of Your Substrate Properly

Once your mushrooms have been harvested, you must dispose of your substrate properly to avoid contamination. Depending on local regulations, this can include composting, burying, or burning your substrate.

16.  Use Proper Storage Techniques

To ensure your mushrooms stay fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Keep them in a paper bag or covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Avoid storing them in plastic bags or containers, as this can cause them to become slimy.

17. Troubleshoot Common Issues

While growing mushrooms can be relatively straightforward, you may encounter some common issues along the way. These can include mold growth, stunted growth, or lack of fruiting. Do your research to troubleshoot these issues and adjust your growing conditions as needed.

14. Share Your Harvest

If you have an abundance of mushrooms, consider sharing them with friends, family, or neighbors. You can also try selling them at local farmers’ markets or to restaurants and specialty food stores. Not only will you be able to share the fruits of your labor, but you may also be able to make some extra income.

 Conclusion

Growing your own mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding hobby that provides a year-round harvest of fresh and delicious fungi. Following these steps, you can set up your own mushroom garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor!