How to Cultivate Edible Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are inexepensive and easy to grow.

If you own a garage or have dark space in an extra room, you may consider cultivating your own mushrooms. Mushroom growing hobbyists not only learn about the biology of mushrooms but save money they might have spent on pricey gourmet varieties at the grocery store. As they gain experience, any hobbyists ultimately expand their mushroom gardens into a business, resulting in a supplemental source of income. Begin with a simple variety of mushroom. Easy mushrooms to cultivate include oysters, shiitakes, white buttons, crimini and portabella, in that order.

Things You'll Need

• Mushroom spores
• Milk cartons
• Scissors
• Sawdust from logs
• 2 cups whole wheat flour or coffee grounds
• Plastic wrap (optional)

Instructions

1. Obtain spores, or spawn, from a reputable source. Patronize a respected source. Because mushroom spores can degrade or become diseased so quickly, take note of the date of inoculation, a guarantee of spawn purity, the success rate of other clients using the spawn, and the attrition rate due to shipping. Once you decide which mushroom you will cultivate, research what it needs to grow and make sure you will be able to provide an appropriate environment for it to flourish.

2. Prepare an environment for your mushrooms. The environment mushrooms need to grow depends on their variety. Oyster mushroom spores require a dark space, such as a basement, garage or cabinet. Since they feed on decomposing wood, you should prepare a mulch of sawdust from logs and 2 cups of either coffee grounds or whole-wheat flour. To sterilize your mulch, put it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for two minutes. Transfer the mulch into two perforated milk cartons that have the tops cut and fill them. Water the cartons thoroughly with non-chlorinated water, then add the spores. Put them in the dark space you have reserved, preferably on top of plastic wrap or a tarp.

3. Maintain your mushroom crop. Keep the mulch continually damp by watering it with non-chlorinated water. In a few months, your mushrooms should be ready for harvest. Harvest them by twisting gently them; avoid damaging the stems.

References

• "Fresh Food From Small Spaces"; R. J. Ruppenthal; 2008
• "Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms"; Paul Stamets; 2000