Growing mushrooms can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Mushrooms are equal parts delicious and nutritious. Each type of mushroom has its own beauty and wonder. Feel free to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process.
So... where do you start?
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Pick your mushroom: There are so many cool mushrooms out there, like oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or Lions Mane. Look up some pictures and go with the ones that catch your eye and taste buds.
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Finding your fungi friends: Now, it's time to get some mushroom spawn. You can grab them from local suppliers or order online. Look for ready-to-use kits if you're just starting out, and they'll make things a breeze.
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Get your growing medium: Mushrooms like different stuff to grow on. Some dig straw, others prefer sawdust, wood chips, or compost. Find out what your chosen mushroom likes and get that medium ready. We recommend Masters Mix, which is a 50/50 mix of oak sawdust and soy hulls.
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Set the stage: Create a sweet spot for your mushrooms to thrive. They usually like it a bit dark, cool, and humid. If you have a basement, a spare room, or even a groovy greenhouse, that could be the perfect home for your fungi buddies. Avoid direct sunlight and air vents as they will quickly dry out your mushrooms.
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Mix it up: Mix your mushroom spawn with the chosen growing medium. Check the instructions or do a quick search to know the right ratio. We recommend 8 oz per bag of Masters Mix (6-8lbs). Pack it into a plastic bags with a filter for air flow, and you're good to go.
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Chill and keep it misty: Mushrooms love a consistent environment. Keep the temperature and humidity in check, depending on the mushroom species. Mist the growing medium to keep it moist, but don't go overboard. They like a good misting, not a soaking. We recommend using a Mist Maker as it produces heavy fog that will keep your mushrooms nice and moist.
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Avoid the icky stuff: Mushrooms can be sensitive to unwanted guests like other fungi or bacteria. Keep it clean! Clean hands, clean tools, and a clean growing area will keep the icky stuff at bay.
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Hello, mushroom friends: Once the mycelium (the white, web-like stuff) has fully taken over the growing medium, it's showtime! Adjust the temperature, humidity, and lighting to get the mushrooms in the mood for fruiting. Soon enough, little mushrooms will start popping up like magic. The easiest way is to cut the bag open and introduce oxygen. Yes, mushrooms breath just like humans!
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Time to harvest and feast: When those mushrooms reach the size you desire and their caps start to open up, it's time to harvest. Give 'em a gentle twist or cut them close to the base. Then get ready to cook up a tasty mushroom feast! Check out our recipe page for more delicious meals.
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The gift that keeps on giving: Guess what? Some mushrooms are pretty generous. After your first harvest, they might surprise you with another flush of mushrooms. Follow the specific instructions for your mushroom species, and you might get multiple harvests.
Remember, growing mushrooms can be a laid-back and rewarding experience. So why not give it a try? Grab your favorite mushroom species, get some spawn, and start cultivating your own little fungi friends. It's a fun and tasty way to connect with nature and enjoy the fruits of your labor. So, go ahead, embark on this mushroom-growing adventure, and let the magic unfold in your own home!
