How Do People Grow Mushrooms?

Growing mushrooms takes various steps.

Growing mushrooms is very different than growing plants. In fact, mushrooms are fungi, a completely different kingdom than plants. In order for mushrooms to grow, you must have the right conditions for their spores to develop properly.

Significance

While plants grow from seeds, all mushrooms grow from microscopic particles called spores. According to Mushroom Info, one mushroom is capable of producing 16 billion spores.

Composting

People who grow mushrooms must use compost to effectively grow the spores. Since spores do not have any chlorophyll, all of their nutrients are derived from the organic matter in the compost. Compost for mushrooms can be made of corn cobs, straw and other matter with nitrogen and gypsum supplements.

Time Frame

Once the spores are introduced to the compost, you must spread peat moss over it. Mushrooms also need to be kept in temperatures near 75 degrees F with high humidity. It takes about three weeks for mushrooms to be ready after you apply the peat.

References

• Mushroom Info: Growing Mushrooms