How to grow mushrooms: A beginner’s guide to cultivating your own fungi

Mushrooms are fungi that have been consumed and used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians thought mushrooms were magical and only allowed their royalty to eat them. In China, mushrooms have been used for over 2,000 years to help people stay healthy and live longer. Mushrooms are popular today because of their distinct flavor and health benefits, such as immune system boosters and antioxidants.

From ancient times to now, mushrooms have been a valuable and versatile ingredient in both cooking and medicine. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy dinner option. They provide important nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, selenium, and potassium, which helps to keep people healthy.

Growing Mushrooms can be a profitable business. It doesn’t cost much to start and can be done on a small scale, making it accessible for many people. The demand for mushrooms is growing as more people enjoy their taste and health benefits. It helps scientists develop new ideas and make discoveries in medicine, farming, and biotechnology. They study mushrooms to create new medicines, improve how we grow food, and find ways to clean the environment. 

Growcycle provides top-notch tools for growing mushrooms at home or on a larger scale. They have various farming products and services, using the latest technology to help growers. Growcycle offers customized solutions for both home and commercial growers, ensuring everyone can grow mushrooms successfully.

Botanical Description

Mushrooms are part of the Kingdom Fungi, which is different from plants, animals, and bacteria. They fall under the division Basidiomycota, which includes many common types of fungi.

• Cap (Pileus)

The cap is the top section of a mushroom. It may be flat, rounded, or bell-shaped. The surface can be smooth, scaly, or hairy and might feel dry, sticky, or slimy. The color of the cap can be white, brown, red, yellow, or blue, and it can range from very small to over 12 inches wide.

• Gills (Lamellae)

The gills are tiny, blade-like appendages located on the underside of the cap. They produce spores and can be close together or far apart. Their color might change as the mushroom grows. Some mushrooms have pores or spines instead of gills.

• Spores

Mushrooms spread by releasing tiny spores, which can be white, black, brown, pink, or yellow. These spores come from the gills, pores, or spines and are spread by wind, water, or animals.

• Stem (Stipe)

The stem supports the cap and helps spread the spores. It might be in the center or off to one side, with varied lengths and thickness. The stem might be smooth or have scales or fibers. Some mushrooms have a ring around the stem from a part that once covered the gills.

• Volva

A cup-like structure called a volva is at the base of some mushroom stems. This leftover part of the covering protected the mushroom when it was growing. The volva helps identify some mushrooms, like those in the Amanita group.

• Mycelium

The mycelium is the component of the fungus that develops underground or near its food supply. It consists of a network of thin, thread-like structures called hyphae. The mycelium absorbs nutrients and supports the mushroom's growth.

The Mushroom Life Cycle 

The life cycle of a mushroom starts with the germination of a spore. The spore produces thread-like structures called hyphae. When hyphae from different spores meet, they combine to form a network called mycelium. This mycelium has two sets of nuclei in each cell. When the conditions are ideal, the mycelium grows into a mushroom. The mushroom grows, and its gills or other parts release new spores and repeat the cycle.

Common Mushroom Varieties

Several common mushroom varieties are popular for their culinary uses and availability. Here are some of the most well-known types:

1. White Button Mushroom

White button mushrooms are small, white, and mildly flavorful. They are the most common type in supermarket stores. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are great in salads, soups, and stir-fries.

2. Cremini Mushroom

Cremini mushrooms, sometimes known as baby bellas, look like white button mushrooms but have a browner hue and a stronger flavor. They are good for grilling, roasting, or adding to sauces and soups.

3. Portobello Mushroom

A mature version of the white button and cremini mushrooms, portobellos are large, with a meaty texture and rich flavor. They are perfect for grilling, baking, and using as a meat substitute in burgers and sandwiches.

4. Shiitake Mushroom

These mushrooms have a dark brown, umbrella-shaped cap and a strong, savory flavor. They are often used in Asian cuisine. They are excellent for soup, stir-fries, and flavor enhancers in various dishes.

5. Oyster Mushroom

With a delicate, slightly anise-like flavor, oyster mushrooms are usually pale or pastel-colored and have a fan-shaped cap. They are ideal for sautéing, soups, and stir-fries.

A Beginner’s Guide to Grow Mushrooms

Growing mushrooms at home is an enjoyable and fulfilling way to obtain fresh, nutritious meal ingredients. From setting up the growing material to harvesting the mushrooms, each step helps growers to understand how to balance growth, patience, and care.

1. Preparing the Substrate

Preparing the substrate is a key step in growing mushrooms at home. The substrate is the material that mushrooms use to get nutrients. Mushrooms require diverse substrates. Straw, wood chips, sawdust, and coffee grounds are examples of often used materials. For example, oyster mushrooms thrive on straw, whereas shiitake mushrooms require wood-based substrates.

For bacterial contamination prevention, manufacturers must sterilize or pasteurize the substrate. Sterilization is carried out by heating the substrate to a high temperature in a pressure cooker or autoclave. To kill all microbes, heat it at 15 psi (pounds per square inch) for about 60-90 minutes. 

Pasteurization requires heating the substrate to a lower temperature, typically 160-170°F,  for roughly an hour.  This method kills harmful microbes but keeps helpful ones alive.

After sterilization or pasteurization, allow the substrate to cool to the room temperature. This step is important to prevent heat damage to the mushroom spores or spawn and to reduce contamination risk. Once chilled, combine the substrate with mushroom spawn, which contains mushroom spores. Growers can purchase spawn at gardening stores or online. Make careful to work in a clean environment to avoid infection.

Check that the substrate is damp but not completely wet. If it is too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, let it drain or spread it out to dry a bit. Place the inoculated substrate into containers like grow bags, jars, or trays. Ensure the containers have ventilation holes to allow air exchange. Keep the containers in a warm, dark place so the mycelium (the part of the fungus that grows) can spread through the substrate. This incubation period usually lasts a few weeks, depending on the type of mushroom.

2. Vaccination

Mushroom vaccination involves adding specific types of beneficial microbes or fungi to the growing environment. These microorganisms can help protect mushrooms from diseases, improve their growth, and increase yield. The process is similar to how vaccines work for humans by helping to build resistance against potential problems.

Select beneficial microorganisms that are known to support mushroom growth and disease resistance. These might include specific types of fungi or bacteria. 

Before inoculating with beneficial microbes, the growing medium (like compost or sawdust) needs to be properly prepared and sterilized. Beneficial microorganisms are either incorporated into the growing medium or directly applied to the mushroom spores or mycelium.

3. Incubation

After inoculating the substrate, the mycelium will grow and spread throughout it during incubation. Depending on the mushroom variety and the growth conditions, this stage can last from a few days to a few weeks. Proper temperature and humidity conditions are required during this stage.

Typically, temperatures should be kept between 65°F to 80°F, and humidity between 85% to 95%. Avoid exposing the substrate to direct light during incubation, since this might cause the mycelium to dry out and die. Regularly inspect the substrate for symptoms of contamination, such as mold or unusual odors during mycelium growth. 

4. Fruiting

Fruiting occurs when the mycelium has fully invaded the substrate. It's essential to ensure optimal temperature and humidity conditions for fruiting, generally between 60°F to 70°F  and humidity between 85% to 95%. Adequate air circulation is also essential for proper mushroom development.

Mushrooms require certain conditions in order to begin fruiting, such as changes in temperature, humidity, or light exposure. Once the mushrooms start to grow, avoid exposing them to direct light, and ensure they are harvested at the right time for the best flavor and nutrition.

5. Harvesting and Storage

Timing is important when harvesting mushrooms to keep them flavorful and nutritious. Mushrooms should be harvested when the caps are fully ripe but not yet open, which normally happens 5-7 days after their initial appearance.To harvest, gently twist the base of the stem and lift upwards, taking care not to damage the substrate or other mushrooms. Removing mushrooms at the right time encourages new growth.

6. Post Harvesting

After harvesting, place mushrooms in a paper bag or container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent slime or mold growth. Mushrooms can be kept refrigerated for up to a week in a container with adequate airflow to prevent moisture accumulation. Avoid storing them in a plastic bag or an airtight container, since this can lead them to spoil faster.

For large harvests, consider preserving mushrooms by drying or freezing them. Drying preserves mushrooms for long periods and intensifies their flavor. Place them on a drying rack or in a dehydrator and let them dry entirely. Freezing is another preservation method. Proper harvesting and storage are essential to maintain the freshness of homegrown mushrooms for weeks or months.

Tips and Tricks for a Thriving Mushroom Cultivation

Here are some simple tips and tricks to help to successfully grow mushrooms:

1. Choose the Right Mushroom Variety

Start with a variety that’s easy to grow and suits the climate or growing conditions, like white button or oyster mushrooms. Check local gardening stores or Growcycle for varieties that do well in the grower's area.

2. Prepare the Growing Medium

Use a clean, suitable growing medium like compost, straw, or sawdust. Sterilize it to remove unwanted bacteria and fungi. For best results, soak and then pasteurize the medium before use.

3. Maintain Optimal Conditions

Keep the growing area at the right temperature, humidity, and light levels. Mushrooms generally need a cool, dark place with high humidity. Monitor conditions with a temperature and hygrometer, and make adjustments as needed with fans or humidifiers.

4. Inoculate Properly

Add mushroom spores or mycelium to the growing medium according to instructions. Make sure the medium is uniformly blended. Work in a clean environment to prevent contamination. Use sterile tools and containers.

5. Water Regularly

Keep the growth medium moist but not overly wet. Overwatering can result in mold and degradation. Using a spray bottle, water softly and evenly. Mist the growing area to maintain humidity.

6. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases, such as unusual spots or mold. Keep the growing area clean, and avoid touching mushrooms with dirty hands. Remove any infected mushrooms immediately.

7. Harvest at the Right Time

Pick mushrooms when they are fully mature but before they release their spores. This is when they have the most amazing flavor and texture. To prevent injuring the surrounding mushrooms, gently twist and extract them from their base.

8. Rotate Crops

Don’t grow mushrooms in the same spot continuously. Rotate crops to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup. Plan a rotation schedule to keep the growing area productive and healthy.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a fantastic source of various essential nutrients. According to research, mushrooms offer abundant selenium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and copper. They also include high levels of vitamin B3, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and potassium. Furthermore, Crimini mushrooms have high levels of thiamin (vitamin B1), zinc, vitamin B6, protein, folic acid, fiber, manganese, and magnesium. At the same time, they are low in fat, sodium, and calories, making them an ideal addition to a healthy diet.

• Vitamin D 

Recent studies reveal that exposing mushrooms to UV light after harvest significantly increases their vitamin D2 levels. Just five minutes of UV exposure can raise the vitamin D2 content in mushrooms to over 800% of the RDA in a single serving. This makes mushrooms an excellent source of vitamin D, particularly for those who avoid fish or dairy, helping them conveniently meet their daily vitamin D needs.

• Dietary Fiber (DF) 

Mushrooms contain a variety of complex carbohydrates, including polysaccharides like glucans and glycogen, as well as monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols, and chitin. Many of these polysaccharides are found in mushroom cell walls and are indigestible to humans, hence they are classified as dietary fiber.

• Selenium

According to the National Nutrient Database, a 3-ounce serving of mushrooms includes about one-third of the recommended daily allowance for selenium. Men with lower blood selenium levels were found to be 4-5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to those with higher levels. Interestingly, selenium levels naturally decline with age. 

Some supplement producers are now including sodium selenite into slow-release nutrients used in mushroom growth to increase selenium concentration in mushrooms.

• Potassium 

Mushrooms are also a valuable source of potassium, crucial in regulating blood pressure, maintaining fluid balance in fat and muscle tissues, and ensuring proper cellular function. A 3-ounce serving of Portobello mushrooms contains more potassium than a banana or an orange. However, efforts to further enhance the potassium content in mushrooms have been somewhat limited so far.

• Antioxidants

Mushrooms have more antioxidants than veggies like carrots, green beans, and broccoli. They are especially rich in polyphenols, which are powerful vegetable antioxidants. Additionally, mushrooms are a top source of L-ergothioneine, an antioxidant that fungi naturally produce. Crimini mushrooms, in particular, contain over 15 times more ERGO than other previously known dietary sources, which makes them an exceptional addition to an antioxidant-rich diet.

Common Mushroom Growing Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems with growing mushrooms and how to fix them:

• Mold or Fungus Growth

Sometimes, mold or unwanted fungus can grow on the mushrooms or their growing medium. To prevent this, make sure everything is clean and sterilized before starting. Control humidity with a dehumidifier and increase ventilation to keep the air flowing and reduce mold.

• Poor Growth or No Growth

If mushrooms aren’t growing or are growing very slowly, check out the temperature, humidity, and light requirements. Make sure the growing medium is moist but not too wet. Also, ensure the medium is well-prepared and not contaminated.

• Contaminated Spawn

Mushroom spores or mycelium can get contaminated with bacteria or other fungi. To avoid this, use clean and sterilized tools and containers. Purchase spores or mycelium from reputable suppliers and keep them in a cold, dry area until growers require them.

• Pests

Insects or other pests can harm mushrooms. To avoid pests, keep the growing area clean. Use barriers or traps to keep them away, and consider using natural predators that can control pests without harming the mushrooms.

• Yellowing or Discolored Mushrooms

Check that the temperature and humidity are correct if the mushrooms turn yellow or another odd color. Make sure the growing medium and mushrooms are clean and free from contaminants. Harvest mushrooms at the right time to avoid discoloration.

FAQs

What are the best conditions for growing mushrooms at home?

Mushrooms thrive in a chilly, dark environment with high humidity. The ideal temperature is usually between 55-75°F,  depending on the type of mushroom. Use a humidifier or regularly mist the mushrooms to keep humidity around 85-95%. Maintain good airflow to prevent mold and keep the growing medium moist but not overly damp.

How do I know when my mushrooms are ready to harvest?

Mushrooms are ready to pick when their caps are fully open, but before the gills underneath start to turn dark or release spores. This usually happens when the cap is fully expanded and has a smooth, rounded edge. Gently twist or cut the mushroom at the base to avoid harming nearby mushrooms. Picking them at the right time gives the best flavor and texture.

How can I use mushroom mycelium beyond growing mushrooms?

Mushroom mycelium can be used for many things besides growing mushrooms. It can be turned into biodegradable packaging, natural fabrics, and eco-friendly building materials. Researchers are also looking into how mycelium can help clean up the environment, like removing toxins from polluted soil. Additionally, some companies are exploring its uses in sustainable farming and alternative medicines.

The Bottom Line

Growing mushrooms can be a highly rewarding experience. People can get fresh, healthy mushrooms that are full of nutrients. Whether growers want to add more nutrients to their diet or find a fun and potentially profitable hobby, growing mushrooms has many benefits. With the right setup and some care, growers can easily grow mushrooms at home and enjoy their great taste and health benefits.

Growcycle provides excellent choices for anyone interested in adding beautiful mushroom plants to their collection. Each mushroom is ready to grow in its new environment. Growcycle is available to share useful tips on caring for these tropical beauties, making the experience enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice.