Mushroom gardeners abroad use different techniques for growing this delicacy. With indoor growing becoming an ever popular trend, mushroom growing kits have become a favorite for the majority. Kits contain the supplies and materials that are needed as well as detailed instructions that are easy to follow. There are kits for almost every type of mushroom and they can be grown year round without the climate being an issue. Some of the more popular types for indoor growth are portobello, oyster, shiitake, and morel. These most generally produce a better yield, often as much as three to five pounds, depending upon diligence in harvesting the mushrooms when ready to give room for the maturation of others.

Purchasing a Kit

Growing kits are available at most gardening stores and even in many larger retail stores. With many individuals turning to online shopping, there are many sites that offer supplies and kits for the mushroom enthusiast. Once a kit has been purchased, it should be meticulously inspected for colored mold and other abnormalities. If there are problems of any kind, it should be returned to the source of purchase for a replacement or a refund. Most kits are moderately priced between twenty to thirty dollars. Some types of mushrooms are also available in a jumbo variety yielding fruits that may be as big as a saucer.

Easy Use

Growing organic mushrooms indoors at home using a kit is a rather easy task that takes only a minimum amount of tending once assembled. Individuals should follow the directions that are included for assembly, care, and harvesting. Helpful tips to producing the greatest amount of yield possible are some of the following:

• Never use any type of fertilizer on mushrooms. This will kill the spores and cause the garden to fail. The soil contained in the kits has all the nutrients necessary.

• Use only rain, well, or spring water. This type of water is non-chlorinated.

• Maintain moisture in the beds. They should be damp and never wet.

• Use a spray bottle to water the beds. The bottle will allow for the water to be delivered in a mist and not poured on the beds.

• Always place the mushroom growing beds in a dark, cool, and damp area of the home such as a basement or even a cellar. When there is no other location, a large closet, cabinet, or cupboard can also be used.

• The area where the beds will be placed should be at a temperature of 55 to 65 degrees F. Never allow the temperature to go above 70 degrees F as this will destroy any chance of a yield.

• Watch closely for fully matured mushrooms. Always harvest them as soon as possible after full maturation.

Many mushroom lovers become die hard mushroom gardeners after their first success. Once they succeed indoors many move on to outdoor growing or even do both. It is, after all, rewarding to be able to enjoy the fruits of labor in a favorite dish at the end of harvesting.

By: Jackson Forrest

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