How to Grow Wild Mushrooms at Home

Grow wild oyster mushrooms in a log at home.

Wild mushrooms are a delicious but expensive delicacy when purchased in a produce market or from a farm stand. Hunting for wild mushrooms in parks and nature sanctuaries should be only attempted by someone with experience and knowledge, for many of the mushrooms growing in the woods are extremely poisonous. You can grow your own wild mushrooms at home via an uncomplicated method in an oak log with mushroom spawn plugs purchased from plant nurseries.

Things You'll Need

• 35 wild oyster mushroom spawn plugs
• 4-foot oak log, cut during the tree's dormant stage
• Electric drill
• Mallet
• Candle wax
• Tin can
• Saucepan
• Small paintbrush
• Spray bottle with mister

Instructions

1. Drill 35 holes, 2 inches deep, with a diameter of 1/4 inch in the log, using the electric drill. Space the holes along the long evenly.

2. Push the oyster mushroom spawn plugs into the holes with your fingers. Hammer them down to the log surface level with the mallet.

3. Melt the candle wax in an empty tin can that has been placed in a saucepan with 2 inches of boiling water over a stove burner.

4. Dip the paintbrush in the candle wax. Paint over each mushroom spawn plug with the candle wax, eliminating any open surface or crevice to protect the spawn.

5. Place the log in an indoor or outdoor location, away from sunlight or drafts. Spray the log and plugs with water every day. Mushrooms should begin growing within a week.

References

• National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service: Mushroom Cultivation and Marketing
• "Mushroom Growing at Home"; Roy Genders; 2008