How to Grow Mushrooms at Home – Easy Steps
When I first decided to grow mushrooms, I was living in a small apartment and had no idea where to start.
I wanted to experiment with something new, and mushrooms seemed like a fascinating choice. It turns out, growing mushrooms is not only rewarding but also surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.
Over time, I’ve learned a lot from my experience, and I’m excited to share my journey with you.
Step 1: Choose the Right Mushroom Variety
Back when I started, I chose oyster mushrooms as my first variety. They’re beginner-friendly, fast-growing, and don’t require a lot of space.
Plus, they come in beautiful colors like pink and blue, which made the whole process even more exciting. If you’re new to growing mushrooms, oyster mushrooms are a fantastic choice to start with.
Step 2: Prepare the Growing Medium
The first thing I learned was the importance of choosing the right growing medium.
For oyster mushrooms, straw or cardboard works really well. Since I didn’t have access to straw back then, I decided to use cardboard—something I already had lying around. Here’s what I did:
- I soaked the cardboard in hot water to pasteurize it, a necessary step to remove any unwanted bacteria or fungi.
- Once pasteurized, I let the cardboard cool and then squeezed out the excess water.
This process felt a bit messy at first, but it was also oddly satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Mushroom Spawn
Mushroom spawn is like the seed for mushrooms. I ordered mine online, and when it arrived, I couldn’t wait to get started. Here’s how I added the spawn:
- I mixed the spawn into the prepared cardboard, ensuring it was evenly distributed.
- Then, I placed the mixture into a simple plastic container I had repurposed.
- To keep the humidity levels high, I covered the container with a damp cloth and placed it in a dark corner of my apartment.
Step 4: Create the Ideal Growing Environment
Creating the right environment for mushrooms is crucial. Here’s what I did to make sure my mushrooms thrived:
- I kept the container in a cool, dark, and humid space. My closet turned out to be the perfect spot.
- I checked on the mushrooms every day, misting the cardboard to keep it moist and ensuring the temperature stayed around 20-25°C.
- This daily routine became part of my life, and I honestly looked forward to seeing their progress.
Step 5: Be Patient and Monitor Progress
The waiting period felt long, but in reality, it only took a couple of weeks before I started seeing little mushroom pins (the tiny beginnings of mushrooms) appear.
Watching them grow bigger each day was incredibly satisfying. When the first batch was ready to harvest, I gently twisted and pulled the mushrooms out of the cardboard.
They smelled earthy and fresh, and they tasted even better than I imagined when I sautéed them for dinner.
Step 6: Experiment and Expand
Over time, I expanded my mushroom-growing adventures. I tried shiitake mushrooms next, which required a different setup involving hardwood logs. It was more challenging, but by then, I was hooked on the process.
I even gave white button mushrooms a go, growing them in a compost-based substrate I picked up from a gardening store.
Each type of mushroom taught me something new about the art of cultivation.
Step 7: Learn from Mistakes
One thing I love about growing mushrooms is how forgiving they can be.
Sure, there were moments when things didn’t go perfectly—like when I didn’t monitor the humidity closely enough, and the mushrooms dried out—but it’s all part of the learning experience.
Mushrooms are resilient, and with a little care and attention, they reward you generously.
Quick and Simple Steps to Grow Mushrooms at Home
If you’re looking for a straightforward guide, here’s a quick recap of the process:
- Choose Your Mushroom Type: Start with beginner-friendly varieties like oyster mushrooms.
- Prepare the Medium: Pasteurize straw or cardboard by soaking it in hot water.
- Inoculate the Spawn: Mix mushroom spawn into the prepared medium.
- Set Up the Environment: Place the container in a cool, dark, and humid space.
- Water Regularly: Mist the growing medium daily to maintain moisture.
- Harvest When Ready: Gently twist and pull mushrooms when they are fully grown.
With these steps, you’ll be growing your own delicious mushrooms in no time!
