Growing Mushrooms at Home

I love mushrooms (I might be alone in this with the rest of my family), but they are an excellent addition to any salad and many different dishes. While it may seem intimidating, growing several different types of mushrooms at home is relatively easy. It might surprise you, but the part of the mushroom we eat is the fruiting or reproductive bodies of the fungi. Unlike many plants, mushrooms do not photosynthesize and rely on the substrate or material on which the mushrooms grow for their food. As the substrate decomposes, the mushroom can absorb the nutrients. Mushrooms can be grown on logs, straw, or other sources; the substrate needed will depend on the mushroom you grow.

Some of the most common mushrooms to grow at home are the Oyster and shiitake mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are delicate with a mild flavor and are rarely seen in grocery stores because they are hard to ship. Their color ranges from tan to pink to white to yellow, and they are grown on a tower of straw. The mushrooms will typically start to form on the outside of the tower in approximately a month. Shiitake mushrooms have a smoky flavor and can be found in stores, but they are inexpensive to grow. Shiitake mushrooms are grown on hardwood logs, and one log can produce mushrooms for up to 3 to 5 years. Several kits are available for sale to help you start this endeavor, or you could attend a class to make your own.

 

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu