Ever thought about growing your own mushrooms at home? It’s easier than you might think, and with the right setup, you can have fresh, tasty mushrooms ready to cook for yourself or your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a simple mushroom kit or want to experiment with growing them from scratch, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Pick the Right Mushrooms to Grow

The first step in your mushroom-growing journey is choosing which type to grow. Some mushrooms are easier than others, especially for beginners. Oyster mushrooms are a favourite – they grow quickly and can adapt to different conditions. Shiitake mushrooms are another popular choice, known for their meaty flavour and number of health benefits. For something a bit more unique, try pink oyster mushrooms or lion’s mane.

Find the Best Growing Medium

Mushrooms don’t grow in dirt like your average vegetable. Instead, they thrive on a growing medium, or substrate, that provides the nutrients they need. Some of the best options include hardwood logs, straw, or even potting soil. Many beginners start with a mushroom-growing kit, which comes with pre-prepped substrate to take the guesswork out of things.

Set Up the Perfect Growing Conditions

Mushrooms are a bit picky about their environment, but once you get the hang of it, they’re not hard to please.

Temperature and Light

Most mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures, especially in the winter months. Oyster mushrooms, for example, thrive at 13–24°C. They don’t need much light – just a few hours a day of indirect or artificial light is enough.

Humidity and Watering

Mushrooms love a humid environment, so keep their growing area misted regularly. Use a spray bottle for even moisture without soaking them. Monitor the water levels, too – excess water can ruin your crop. Keep the moisture levels just right – too much water can lead to mould, and too little will slow down growth.

Choose Your Growing Method

When it comes to actually growing mushrooms, you have two main options: start with a kit or go the DIY route.

Mushroom Grow Kits

These are a great way to start because they come with everything you need, from mushroom spores to the perfect substrate. Mushroom grow kits are ideal if you’re new to mushroom growing or just want an easy way to grow fresh mushrooms.

Growing from Scratch

If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can build your own set-up and order your grow bag, substrate type and mushroom spawn (essentially baby mushrooms) to grow your crop. You’ll have more control over the process, but it does require a bit more effort and know-how.

Care for and Harvest Your Mushrooms

Once you’ve set everything up, the magic of mushroom growth happens quickly. With the right conditions, you’ll see actual fruit bodies forming within a couple of days. It’s always super rewarding to watch them sprout and grow!

Harvesting your crop

Pick your mushrooms when the caps are fully opened but still firm. If you leave them too long, they may lose flavour or spoil. Harvesting at the right time also gives them a longer shelf life.

Enjoy the Benefits of Homegrown Mushrooms

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh mushrooms, and growing them yourself has plenty of perks.

Health Benefits

Mushrooms like shiitake and fresh lion’s mane are packed with nutrients and even have medicinal properties. They’re a fantastic addition to any healthy diet.

Sustainability

Growing your own mushrooms is a sustainable way to enjoy them. You’ll cut down on food waste and avoid the plastic packaging that shop-bought mushrooms often come in.

Flavour and Freshness

Homegrown mushrooms taste better, plain and simple. They’re fresher and tastier, and you can harvest them straight from kit to kitchen.

Start Growing Today with Urban Farm-It

Ready to grow your own mushrooms at home? Urban Farm-It offers everything you need to get started, from beginner-friendly mushroom grow kits to supplies for experienced growers who are creating their own set-up

Our range includes options for popular varieties like oyster, shiitake, and lion’s mane, with all the tools and resources you need for a successful harvest! Explore our collection, pick the perfect kit or product for your space, and enjoy growing fresh, delicious mushrooms right from home.