Ever thought about growing your own mushrooms but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve tried a few times, only to end up with more mould than mushroom? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re just getting started in the world of mushroom cultivation or you’ve had a few frustrating attempts, growing mushrooms can be a bit tricky. But the good news? Most of the common issues are easy to fix once you know what to watch out for.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes people make when growing mushrooms and how to avoid them. With a few simple adjustments, you can turn things around and start enjoying fresh, delicious mushrooms right from home. Let’s dig in!

1. Skipping proper sterilisation and hygiene

If there’s one golden rule in mushroom growing, it’s this: cleanliness is everything. Mushrooms grow best in environments that are moist and nutrient-rich – but so do mould, bacteria, and all sorts of other unwanted stuff. If you don’t start with clean tools, a clean workspace, and properly sterilised substrates, you’re almost guaranteed to run into problems like substrate contamination and mould growth.

How to Avoid It: Make sure everything you use, from your tools to your growing space, is properly sterilised to avoid the risk of contamination. You can use rubbing alcohol, boiling water, or even specialised sterilisation kits. It might sound like overkill, but trust us, taking a few extra minutes to set up a clean, contamination-free space will save you a lot of frustration later on.

2. Not giving your mushrooms enough fresh air

Mushrooms need fresh air, just like us. One of the key stages in growing mushrooms is when the mycelium (the root-like network) spreads through the substrate. During this time, proper airflow is important. Without it, carbon dioxide can build up, which stunts growth and can even lead to a batch that just... stops. Lack of fresh air exchange is a common issue that can easily derail your cultivation process.

How to Avoid It: Make sure your setup has good ventilation. You don’t need a high-tech system – sometimes a small fan or a slightly open window can do the trick. If you're using a grow kit, check that it allows for airflow. Too much air can dry things out, but too little can suffocate your crop, so aim for a balance.

3. Messing up temperature and humidity levels

Mushrooms can be a bit fussy when it comes to their environment. Too hot, too cold, too dry, or too wet – any of these can throw off your entire growing process. Different types of mushrooms have different "happy place" settings for temperature and moisture levels, and if you’re not getting them just right, you might end up with tiny, shrivelled mushrooms or none at all.

How to Avoid It: Before you start, check the ideal conditions for the mushrooms you’re growing. Oyster mushrooms, for example, like it around 15-24°C with a nice, humid environment. While this might sound a bit complicated, maintaining consistent moisture and temperature levels is key to a successful mushroom harvest.

If you're reading this thinking "This is too much hassle for me!" try one of our easy mushroom growing kits! They come with everything you need to get started straight away – just follow the simple instructions to harvest your gourmet mushrooms at home!

4. Using low-quality spawn

Think of spawn as the "seeds" for your mushrooms. If you’re using low-quality spawn or a type that isn’t right for your setup, you’re asking for trouble. Bad spawn equals bad results, and no one wants to put in all that work just to be disappointed.

How to Avoid It: Invest in good-quality spawn from a reputable supplier (like us at Urban Farm-It). Starting off with good spawn gives you the best shot at a successful harvest. Using high-quality mushroom spawn sets you up for strong mycelium growth and healthy mushroom crops.

Ready to get growing? Explore our simple growing kits, or order from our full range of mushroom spawn!

5. Ignoring light needs

There’s a myth out there that mushrooms love the dark – while they don’t need direct sunlight, a little light goes a long way. Growing mushrooms in total darkness can lead to weaker growth, while too much direct light can dry them out.

How to Avoid It: Place your growing setup where it can get some indirect natural light. If that’s not possible, a small artificial light can mimic daylight. Just make sure it’s not blasting direct light onto your mushrooms, or you might end up with a dried-out batch.

6. Harvesting at the wrong time

One of the trickiest parts of mushroom growing is knowing when to harvest. Too early, and you’re missing out on flavour and size. Too late, and you might end up with overripe, spore-covered mushrooms that have lost their peak taste and texture.

How to Avoid It: Watch your mushrooms closely. When the caps start to open but haven’t flattened out completely, it’s usually time to pick them. The more you grow, the better you’ll get at spotting that perfect moment, but don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get it just right.

7. Not knowing your mushroom varieties

Not all mushrooms are created equal, and treating them the same way is a recipe for failure. Each mushroom species has its own quirks, and what works for oyster mushrooms might not work for shiitake or lion’s mane. Trying to grow a mix without adjusting your setup for each can be frustrating.

How to Avoid It: If you’re just starting out, maybe stick to one type of mushroom so you can get a feel for what works best. Oyster mushrooms, for instance, are pretty forgiving and a great choice for beginners, while other types might need more specialised care.

8. Not storing your mushrooms properly after harvest

So, you’ve grown a beautiful batch of mushrooms – don’t let all that hard work go to waste by storing them poorly. Mushrooms can spoil quickly if they’re not kept in the right conditions, and no one wants a slimy mess in the fridge.

How to Avoid It: Store your freshly picked mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge. This keeps them cool without trapping moisture, which can lead to sliminess. Eat them within a few days, or if you’ve got a big harvest, think about drying or cooking and then freezing them to enjoy later.

9. Using the wrong substrate

Mushrooms feed on the substrate they grow in, so picking the right one is really important. Using the wrong type can lead to poor growth or even contamination. For example, oyster mushrooms do well on straw, while shiitake prefer hardwood.

How to Avoid It: Make sure you’re using the right substrate for the mushrooms you’re growing. If you’re not sure, explore our pre-made substrates that are tailored for specific types of mushrooms, or you can grab a grow kit that comes with everything set up for you.

10. Cutting corners to save time

Mushrooms are not a quick crop, and trying to rush the process can lead to disappointment. Skipping steps like proper sterilisation or rushing the incubation period often results in lower yields and more issues.

How to Avoid It: Take your time and follow each step carefully. Patience is key in mushroom cultivation, and by not cutting corners, you’ll get better results and a more satisfying growing experience.

Grow your own mushrooms at home!

Mushroom growing might seem like a bit of a science experiment, but once you get the basics down, it’s super rewarding. Most of the common mistakes come from skipping over little details that actually make a big difference. By keeping things clean, understanding your mushrooms’ needs, and taking your time, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Ready to start your own mushroom-growing journey? We offer a wide variety of kits, including popular species like oyster mushroom kits and shiitake mushroom kits. If you’re looking to grow something with serious health benefits and a unique, delicious flavour, our lion’s mane growing kits are a must-try.

Don’t wait – order your mushroom growing kit today and discover how easy it can be to cultivate your own fresh, gourmet mushrooms right at home!