We are used to the idea that only houseplants can be grown at home. At most – edible herbs like thyme or basil. But in fact, at home you can easily grow even some types of mushrooms that are often used in cooking.
Button mushrooms
Button mushrooms are among the easiest mushrooms to grow and care for. First, they can grow in complete darkness, so they can even be grown under a bed or in a closet.
They are undemanding. All they need is a substrate with a high nitrogen content (such as compost) and constant moisture. Button mushrooms grow vertically, which means they can be grown in a box rather than in a special grow bag.
How to grow button mushrooms at home: a detailed guide
Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake are a little harder to grow than button mushrooms, mainly because they take longer to grow. They need a wood substrate, since shiitake mushrooms grow on trees in nature. You can grow shiitake mushrooms on a log, a sawdust block or sawdust pellets. It is advisable to keep them in the dark until they begin to fruit. But in fact shiitake can also be grown outdoors.
Maitake mushrooms
These Asian mushrooms are also called «dancing» mushrooms. They can grow quite large – up to 50 cm in diameter at the base. Maitake have an earthy flavor. In natural conditions they usually grow at the foot of oaks and prefer moisture. Grow these mushrooms on a wood (preferably oak) substrate and keep it constantly moist.
Oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are another mushroom usually recommended for beginners. They will grow on almost any substrate, though sawdust, straw and cardboard are considered the most suitable. The only thing oyster mushrooms are really demanding about is the moisture level. Be sure to mist them with a spray bottle.
A peculiarity of oyster mushrooms is that they grow horizontally, so you will need a bucket or a grow bag.
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Enoki
Enoki mushrooms are unusual because they fruit in winter. This factor, combined with the fact that they need little light, makes them an excellent choice for home growing. Like shiitake mushrooms, enoki grow on wood in the wild, so you will need a wood substrate. The big plus is that these mushrooms can be eaten raw as a snack or as a salad ingredient.
Wine cap mushroom
This mushroom, which tastes like the orange-cap boletus, grows better outdoors, in sunny spots. It can be grown on wood chips, straw or a mixture of the two. If there is space in the house that allows for placing growing containers – the mushroom will grow within four walls too.
Lion's mane
The lion's mane mushroom has a distinctive appearance – many long tendrils grow on its cap. In taste it resembles seafood, and it is sometimes compared to crab or lobster.
Lion's mane can be grown on logs or in special grow bags, but it grows much more slowly on logs.
