Many individuals find mushrooms a delicacy. Mushrooms, however, are very expensive on the retail market. For this reason, some people cannot find it within their budgets to purchase mushrooms. Instead, there has been an influx in the number of individuals who have begun to grow them at home. The vast majority of people tend to think this is a complicated task. Contrary to these beliefs, it is a relatively simple process, especially with the use of kits that are currently available in retail.

Growth of a Mushroom

All mushrooms consist of a cap and stem which make up the fruiting body. These are the most commonly eaten parts of a mushroom and the parts that are usually sold in most grocery stores. The largest part of the mushroom’s mass is located underground. It is a feather-like network of mycelia. The mycelia absorb the moisture and food that is required in order for the mushroom to grow. Mycelia need a food source that is not contaminated in order for it to flourish and colonize. There are a variety of food sources that can be used such as compost or manure and sawdust or shavings. Once colonization of the mycelia has occurred, production of the fruit bodies begins. These fruit bodies’ mature and soon recognizable mushrooms are developed.

Know Your Types

Before an individual begins to grow mushrooms, they should educate themselves as to the various types. Each type of will produce different amounts and will vary in length of growing time. Some of the more common mushrooms are briefly discussed as follows:

• Shiitake Mushrooms have caps that are brown in color and may have a diameter of three to four inches when fully mature. Their texture is meaty and rich. When growing indoors, the temperature at which the kits need to be stored can range from 55 to 75 degrees F. The kit should produce two to three pounds in an estimated three months. Factually, these particular mushrooms are revered highly across the Orient and are currently being studied by scientists for medicinal purposes and anti-viral properties.

• Oyster Mushrooms have a texture and flavor of actual oysters and this is where the name comes from. The mushrooms come in a variety of colors ranging from white, gray, cream, and pink. The easiest of these to grow is the white variety. These will begin to fruit in a wide range of temperatures varying from 55 to 75 degrees F. This type needs misting at least two or three times each day and they do not fare well in humidity.

• Common White Cap, Crimini, and Portobello Mushrooms are all of the same family. The smallest is the crimini and it is brown in color. Portobello’s can grow in diameter up to six inches. These mushrooms usually take three months or longer to grow but sunlight is not required for growth. These kits will yield more than any other as they will harvest between three to six pounds.

By simply following the directions that accompany the kits, an individual can grow and harvest all the mushrooms they want or need for much less the expense. Many acquire a true love of the production and decide to move to outdoor growing. This is even less expensive and they reproduce for four years in many cases.

By: Jackson Forrest

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There are very few mushroom farmers around. This indicates that there is a need for more. The great thing about having a mushroom farm is that it is a year round crop. Burgeons tend to have steady prices and people who eat mushrooms are very loyal.

Starting a mushroom farm is not easy and not everyone can do it. Knowing what a burgeon is can help you understand how to grow them. A burgeon is made of threadlike cells that are called mycelium. This cell grows by eating dead plants. You must pay extreme attention to details as mushrooms require a very sensitive growing area. Different burgeons prefer different growing environments. There are two types of growing mediums that are ideal for growing mushrooms. Compost is ideal for growing button mushrooms while shiitake mushrooms prefer wood or straw mediums.

When you decide on a medium that you will use, that will determine what kind of burgeon will grow best for you. If you want to become a commercial mushroom farmer you will need to set up a climate-controlled room in order to grow the mushrooms. Most growers use tiered compost beds to grow button mushrooms. Shittake mushrooms were being grown in sawdust or wood chips; recently the trend for mushroom farms is to grow these mushrooms on cut logs because it is felt that they taste better when grown this way. Finding a steady supply of base materials for your medium is very important. Locating an animal farm that will sell the processing waste can be an inexpensive way to supply your medium. When you are first starting out you will want to weigh the cost of different growing mediums.

As a mushroom farmer you must learn to keep very accurate records. When you are experimenting with new techniques such as increasing production you will want to be able to repeat a successful attempt. Growing burgeons is a learning process. By keeping careful records you will start to see trends of what works and what does not work. If your records are sound it should be relatively easy to reuse the most successful attempts you have had. You will also be able to avoid things that did not work.

Starting a mushroom farm is a great idea right now. There are very few burgeon farmers and the demand for mushrooms is increasing. If you have the money, the knowledge, and a strong work ethic, starting a mushroom farm is a great opportunity for a fairly sound investment.

By: Dermound Becker

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