Growing Mushrooms at Home for Fun and Profit!
By Jackson Forrest
Many individuals find mushrooms a delicacy. Mushrooms, however, are very expensive on
the retail market. For this reason, some people cannot find it within their budgets to purchase
mushrooms. Instead, there has been an influx in the number of individuals who have begun to
grow them at home. The vast majority of people tend to think this is a complicated task. Contrary
to these beliefs, it is a relatively simple process, especially with the use of kits that are
currently available in retail.
The Great Morel Mushroom is one of the most well know and sought after wild mushrooms
available. Gourmet chefs from around the world pay top dollar to get their hands on these incredible
and rare mushrooms, and now you can grow them in your very own back yard!
Growth of a Mushroom
All mushrooms consist of a cap and stem which make up the fruiting body. These are the
most commonly eaten parts of a mushroom and the parts that are usually sold in most grocery
stores. The largest part of the mushroom's mass is located underground. It is a feather-like
network of mycelia. The mycelia absorb the moisture and food that is required in order for
the mushroom to grow. Mycelia need a food source that is not contaminated in order for it to
flourish and colonize. There are a variety of food sources that can be used such as compost
or manure and sawdust or shavings. Once colonization of the mycelia has occurred, production
of the fruit bodies begins. These fruit bodies' mature and soon recognizable mushrooms are
developed.
Know Your Types
Before an individual begins to grow mushrooms, they should educate themselves as to the
various types. Each type of will produce different amounts and will vary in length of growing
time. Some of the more common mushrooms are briefly discussed as follows:
• Shiitake Mushrooms have caps that are brown in color and may have a diameter of three
to four inches when fully mature. Their texture is meaty and rich. When growing indoors, the
temperature at which the kits need to be stored can range from 55 to 75 degrees F. The kit
should produce two to three pounds in an estimated three months. Factually, these particular
mushrooms are revered highly across the Orient and are currently being studied by scientists
for medicinal purposes and anti-viral properties.
• Oyster Mushrooms have a texture and flavor of actual oysters and this is where the
name comes from. The mushrooms come in a variety of colors ranging from white, gray, cream,
and pink. The easiest of these to grow is the white variety. These will begin to fruit in a
wide range of temperatures varying from 55 to 75 degrees F. This type needs misting at least
two or three times each day and they do not fare well in humidity.
• Common White Cap, Crimini, and Portobello Mushrooms are all of the same family. The
smallest is the crimini and it is brown in color. Portobello's can grow in diameter up to six
inches. These mushrooms usually take three months or longer to grow but sunlight is not required
for growth. These kits will yield more than any other as they will harvest between three to
six pounds.
By simply following the directions that accompany the kits, an individual can grow and
harvest all the mushrooms they want or need for much less the expense. Many acquire a true
love of the production and decide to move to outdoor growing. This is even less expensive and
they reproduce for four years in many cases.
Jackson Forrest is a mushroom growing enthusiast and provides free tips, tricks, articles,
and videos on growing chanterelle mushrooms in his best-selling guide
How to Grow Mushrooms for Fun and Profit.
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