Gardening can be a fulfilling and rewarding activity, but there is nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes from growing mushrooms. Mushrooms are not only a delicious addition to many dishes, but they also provide numerous health benefits. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to grow right in your own backyard. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your mushroom growing journey.
How to grow seriously tasty mushrooms
Mushrooms are amazing and so easy to grow. Most types can be grown all year around if provided with the correct growing conditions. They need a moderate temperatures (around 20 to 25 degrees celcius), humidity, and ventilation. The best bit is contrary to popular belief, total darkness is not required and a cupboard, garage, bathroom or laundry can all be good places for growing mushrooms.
mushroom growing kits
Alternatively the easiest option is to buy a mushroom growing kit, there are plenty of mushroom growing kits options available. These are usually spore ‘seeded’ blocks of special sawdust / compost mix. Just pick your ‘room, follow the instructions and in a couple of months’ time you’ll be rewarded with your very own home grown mushrooms!
Step 1 – Choose the Right Mushrooms
The first step in growing mushrooms is to choose the right type of fungus for your garden. There are many varieties of edible mushrooms available, including shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane, and morels. Each type has its own unique flavor and texture, so it’s important to research what types of mushrooms will best suit your needs before making a purchase.
Step 2 – Prepare the Substrate
You’ll need “mushroom compost” called substrate, this is what mushrooms are grown in.
Once you have chosen the type of mushroom you want to grow, you need to prepare a substrate for them to grow on. The substrate can be anything from straw or wood chips to hardwood logs or sawdust blocks. The substrate should be free from any contaminants and should contain enough moisture for the fungi to thrive. You may also need to add additional nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus depending on the type of mushroom you are growing. One of the most popular commercial blends of mushroom substrate is a mix of straw, gypsum, and horse or chicken manure. Other ingredients can be used, but these are some of the most common.
Sterilization and pasteurization are the most essential components in making a quality mushroom compost as the risk of contamination is the number one threat to a quality mushroom crop. To make a vegetable based compost, mix hay, straw, crushed corncobs and gypsum. To make a manure based compost, mix manure and gypsum.
Mushrooms can be grown from spawn in the open or in a shed. Mushrooms can be grown in all sorts of substrates and containers. Alternatively the traditional way to grow mushrooms is to obtain some fresh horse manure, containing plenty of straw – collect from the stable rather than paddock. This reduces the chance of ‘wild mushrooms’ or undesirable molds joining your farming party.
how long do mushroom spores survive?
Mushroom spores can survive for a long time under the right conditions. They are very resistant to extreme temperatures and can remain viable for many years in the right environment. However, the viability of spores can be affected by a number of factors, such as exposure to light, heat, and moisture. In general, most fungus spores will remain viable for longer periods of time when they are stored in a cool, dry place.
Step 3 – Inoculate Your Substrate
Once your substrate is ready, it’s time to inoculate it with mushroom spores or spawn. Spawn refers to mycelium – the threadlike filaments that make up the body of a fungus – that has been grown in controlled conditions on grain or sawdust blocks. This provides an ideal environment for mushrooms to colonize and begin growing quickly and efficiently. To inoculate your substrate with spawn, simply sprinkle it over the surface and mix it into the material until it is evenly distributed throughout the container.
Growing mushrooms can be an enjoyable way to add nutrition and flavor into your meals while producing something beautiful in return! With some simple preparation and care, you can have fresh mushrooms ready for harvesting within weeks! By following this step-by-step guide, you can become an expert at cultivating these tasty fungi right in your own garden.
