3 Ways How To Grow Mushrooms At Home

While foraging for wild mushrooms requires great care, attention to detail and good amount of knowledge, growing mushrooms at home can be easy, and a natural extension of your gardening. Just as it’s rewarding to learn how to grow tomatoes or herbs, it’s equally rewarding to discover how mushrooms grow and to serve homegrown mushrooms at your dinner table. There are three primary ways to grow mushrooms at home:

• Using a box kit inoculated with spores like on from Mushroom supplies
• In a container using different substrates
• Using a log with inoculated with spores.

How to Grow Mushrooms From a Box Kit

You can order online mushroom growing kits to make growing mushrooms easy. You’ll get a mushroom growing kit with Organic Coco Coir, Organic Vermiculite, Organic Colorado Grown Millet, Organic Compost and Organic Pelletized Gypsum or a different substrate . Directions may vary slightly from kit to kit, but these are general instructions for growing mushrooms using my favorite kit.

Sterilize your environment

This first step is very important! Even the smallest amount of bacteria can ruin your mushroom bag if it gets inside. 

1. AIR: Turn off any fans, A/Cs, or heaters.
2. BODY: Wear gloves and a mask. 
3. WORKSTATION: Clean your workstation with the alcohol wipe provided or optional spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
4. BAG: Wipe your bag down with an alcohol wipe or alcohol spray bottle. Do not wipe or get alcohol inside the air filter patch. 
5. INJECTION PORT: Leave a fresh alcohol wipe or paper towel with isopropyl alcohol over the injection port until you are ready to inject.

Inoculation

1. Attach the sterile needle to your syringe. Flame sterilize your syringe needle and allow it to cool.
2. Carefully insert your syringe needle into the injection port and inject the bag with 10-20 CCs of liquid culture or spores. If you’re working with spores, make sure that all the fluid is injected in a single spot in the bag so the reproductive cells are near each other.
3. Carefully pull the needle out the injection port and place the cap safely back on. Dispose of the needle in a designated receptacle.
4. Cover the injection port with clean scotch tape to protect the bag from outside contamination. You may also place the alcohol wipe back on the injection port and allow the injection port to self-heal. 
5. If you’re doing multiple injections with the same needle, make sure to re-sterilize your needle with a lighter between each injection.
6. Store the bag in a semi-dark room with no direct sunlight, off the ground, at about 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Pro Tip: keeping your environment at 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit will result in faster rates of colonization.
7. You will store you bag until it is 20-40% colonized (20-40% covered in white mycelium). If Using Liquid Culture: Store your bag for about 1-3 weeks. If Using Spores: Store your bag for about 2-4 weeks.

Shake your bag once it’s 20% colonized

1. Once your bag is about 20% colonized, it’s time to shake your bag. The purpose of shaking the bag is to speed up the mushroom growth and to evenly distribute the mycelium so that all the nutrients inside the substrate gets consumed.
2. Gently knead and shake your bag to break up the mycelium until it’s evenly distributed throughout the bag.
3. After shaking the bag, place it back in storage under the same conditions as before for about another week or two, so it can finish colonizing.

Prep bag for mushroom growth

Now that your bag is fully colonized, it’s time to prep it for mushroom growth.

1. Wipe down your workstation, gloves, and bag with alcohol. Avoid alcohol on the air filter patch.
2. Wipe your scissors with alcohol and cut across the top of the bag.
3. Lightly pull the middle of your bag in and out to bello air into the bag. Do this for about 30 seconds.
4. Fold the top of the bag and paper clip it down. Place the bag back in a clean environment and wait another 7-10 days.

STEP 5: Harvest mushrooms!

Observe your bag’s progression and watch for signs of fruiting (actual mushroom growth). The best time to harvest is after the caps have formed and just before the veil tears away.

There may be mushrooms at different stages. It’s best to begin harvesting when most of the mushrooms are ready.

During the harvesting stage, be sure to handle the bag gently to prevent the spores from dropping.

• Open the bag and harvest ALL the mushrooms. Lightly twist and pull at the base of the stem to remove the mushrooms. Set the mushrooms aside on a clean plate/tray/bin/etc.
• Rehydrate your growing medium by spraying distilled water or RO water down the sides of the bag. If using a 5lbs bag: add 100 mL of water back into your bag. If using a 3lbs bag: add 80 mL of water back into your bag. The goal here is go slowly so that your water absorbs into the growing medium versus pooling up at the bottom.
• You have now completed the first “flush” (round) of mushroom growth. You should be able to get 1-2 more flushes of mushrooms out of the bag, so don’t dispose of it just yet.
• Close up the bag with paper clips and wait another two weeks for the next round of mushrooms to grow.
• After each mushroom has been harvested, cut the bottom portion of each stem off and make sure there isn’t any growing medium on the mushroom.
• Dry your mushrooms using your preferred method.
• Repeat steps 1-6 for your 2nd and 3rd flush. After the 3rd flush, you can dispose of the grow bag.
• Enjoy!

How to Grow Mushrooms in a container

You can easily grow mushrooms at home in a container using spawn. which is living fungal culture which is also called mycelium, that can be grown on a substrate. It’s important to buy spawn from a reputable source, such as Mushroom supplies. Spawn can be grown on a variety of substrates, including creating a mushroom patch outdoors, but the most common, especially for beginners, is sawdust along with wood chips, as described below.

What you need:

Remember to research the specific requirements of the mushroom species you’re planning to grow, as some varieties may have additional or specific needs.

Getting started

Choose the right container:

Select a suitable container for growing mushrooms. It should be clean and have drainage holes. Popular options include plastic containers, buckets, or even specialized mushroom growing bags.

Select mushroom variety:

Decide on the type of mushroom you want to grow. Different mushrooms have varying growth requirements. Some popular options for container cultivation are oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or white button mushrooms.

Prepare the substrate:

Mushrooms grow best on a specific substrate. Common substrates include straw, sawdust, or a mix of materials like straw and coffee grounds. Sterilize or pasteurize the substrate according to the requirements of the mushroom species you’re growing. This step helps eliminate competing organisms.

Inoculate the substrate:

Once the substrate is prepared and cooled down, introduce the mushroom spawn. Spawn consists of mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the fungus. Distribute the spawn evenly throughout the substrate to allow for even colonization.

Provide optimal conditions:

Mushrooms thrive in a controlled environment. Create the following conditions for successful growth

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature suitable for your chosen mushroom variety. Different mushrooms have different temperature preferences.
• Humidity: Mushrooms require high humidity levels to grow. Mist the container regularly or use a humidity tent to maintain moisture.
• Light: Most mushrooms do not require direct sunlight but need indirect light. Place the container in a well-lit area but away from direct sunlight.

Maintain proper ventilation:

Mushrooms need fresh air to grow and to avoid the buildup of carbon dioxide. Provide ventilation by opening the container’s lid partially or using air filters to allow for gas exchange.

Watering and misting:

Mushrooms require consistent moisture. Maintain proper humidity levels by misting the container with water or using a humidifier. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal contamination.

Monitor and manage pests:

Keep a close eye on your mushroom container for any signs of pests or molds. Remove any contaminated substrate or mushrooms immediately to prevent the spread of infections.

Harvesting:

Mushrooms grow rapidly once the mycelium has colonized the substrate. Harvest them when they reach the desired size. Different mushroom varieties have different harvesting techniques, so refer to specific guidelines for your chosen species.

How To Grow Mushrooms on a log

Growing mushrooms on logs is a popular method known as “log cultivation.” It involves inoculating logs with mushroom spawn, allowing the mycelium to colonize the wood, and eventually producing mushrooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow mushrooms on logs:

Select the right type of logs:

Choose hardwood logs from tree species such as oak, maple, beech, or birch. Avoid using softwood logs like pine, as they break down more quickly and are less suitable for mushroom cultivation.

Timing for your mushroom growth:

Harvest logs during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring. Freshly cut logs are ideal for inoculation.

Prepare the logs:

Cut the logs to a manageable length, usually around 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters). Remove any branches or bark. If the logs have been cut for more than a few days, soak them in water for 24 hours to rehydrate.

Select mushroom spawn:

Choose a mushroom species that is well-suited for log cultivation. Common choices include shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and lion’s mane mushrooms. Purchase mushroom spawn from a reliable supplier.

Inoculate the logs:

With a drill and a 5/16 inch (8 mm) drill bit, make holes in the logs. Space the holes about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart in a diamond or triangular pattern. Drill the holes to a depth of around 1 inch (2.5 cm). Insert the mushroom spawn into the holes, using either wooden dowels or grain spawn. Cover the holes with wax or cheese wax to seal them and prevent contamination.

Stack and store the logs: Arrange the inoculated logs in a shaded area or under a canopy to protect them from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Stack the logs horizontally, slightly raised off the ground to allow for air circulation. Stacking the logs on pallets or using other support structures can help with airflow.

The right environment:

Mushroom logs require a specific environment to encourage mycelium growth. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Shade: Protect the logs from direct sunlight, as it can dry them out.
• Moisture: Maintain adequate moisture levels by periodically soaking the logs in water or using a sprinkler system. The logs should be damp but not waterlogged.
• Air circulation: Ensure proper airflow around the logs to prevent the growth of competing organisms.

Be patient and maintain the logs: The mycelium will take time to colonize the logs, which can range from several months to over a year depending on the mushroom species. During this time, regularly check the moisture levels and protect the logs from pests or fungal infections. Rotate or water the logs as needed.

Harvest the mushrooms:

Once the mycelium has fully colonized the logs, you will start to see mushroom growth. Harvest the mushrooms when they reach their optimal size. Different mushroom varieties have different harvesting techniques, so refer to specific guidelines for your chosen species.

growing mushrooms can be a fascinating and rewarding endeavor. Whether you choose to use a mushroom growing kit, cultivate them in a container, or embark on log cultivation, each method offers its own unique set of benefits and challenges. Mushroom growing kits provide convenience and a controlled environment, making them ideal for beginners. Container cultivation allows for flexibility and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for smaller spaces. On the other hand, log cultivation taps into the natural symbiotic relationship between mushrooms and wood, providing a sustainable and long-term approach. Whichever method you choose, remember to research the specific requirements of the mushroom species you’re cultivating, monitor the environmental conditions diligently, and enjoy the process of witnessing nature’s wonders unfold as you harvest your own delicious and nutritious mushrooms.

To learn more about growing your own food check out our gardening section