Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and a lot of people are keen to grow their own as a way of being self-sufficient.
The good news is that there are a number of amazing mushroom growing kits on the market that make it easy to grow these fungi, even for a beginner.
However, there are a couple of things you will need to think about when choosing your mushroom growing kit.
What to Expect: We’ve put together some top tips for buying the best mushroom growing kit as well as showing you our top picks! Let’s get started!
Choosing Your Mushroom Growing Kit
One of the things you will need to think about when buying a mushroom growing kit is the type of mushroom that you want to have a go at growing.
There are literally thousands of mushroom species but not all are edible and some are incredibly toxic so it’s important to choose something safe!
Most often, you will see kits for:
- shiitake
- portobello
- crimini
- morel
- oyster
- and the white button mushroom
If you want to grow something a little more exotic then you may also find kits for things like reishi mushrooms.
When choosing your mushroom species, you should keep in mind that each type requires different care and propagating the mushrooms will require varying conditions.
Some mushrooms, like the white button mushroom, will need manure whereas the shiitake mushroom prefers a wooden environment like sawdust of logs.
Moreover, you will need to find out whether the mushroom can be grown indoors as some will only thrive when kept outside.
Fortunately: There are a tonne of mushroom growing kits that make the process as easy as possible and give you lots of options in terms of species.
The Best Mushroom Growing Kits For Beginners
We’ve been checking out some of the best mushroom growing kits on the market at the moment and we have to say, we weren’t disappointed.
Let us share our top picks with you!
1. Root Mushroom Farm Lion’s Mane Gourmet Mushroom Kit
One of the best things about this mushroom growing kit is that it doesn’t matter what time of year you use it.
This is great for beginners who are eager to get started and you’ll have everything you need in one handy kit.
The mushrooms will be grown in the included humidity tent and once you start spraying, you can expect to see growth within as little as seven days!
What’s more, the detailed instructions are super handy for newbies and we think this is a great place to start your discovery of these amazing fungi.
2. Back To The Roots Organic Pink Grow Kit
If you’re looking for a more exotic type of mushroom, this pink grow kit will be just the ticket.
It comes with everything you need to get started and is 100% organic making it much safer and delicious!
This kit requires twice daily misting and placement in an unlit window. With proper care, results will be seen in around ten days.
What’s more, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, this kit can be used all year round which is why we think it would make a great gift for a green-fingered friend or family member who wants to try something new.
3. Mushroom Mojo Shiitake Mushroom
If you’re a beginner who wants a little more of a hands-on mushroom growing experience then we would highly recommend this kit.
You’ll need a log or stump and the kit includes 100 shiitake mushroom plugs that you can propagate yourself.
This kit does take a considerable amount of time to produce the first fruit; around 12 to 18 months.
However, with this patience comes great reward since, when properly cared for, the mushrooms will continue to produce for many years.
Growing Tips to Make Your Mushrooms Thrive
If you’re new to growing mushrooms, it can be a little intimidating.
After all, these are not fruits or veggies so they take a different type of care.
Below you will find some top tips to make your first mushroom growing experience a successful one.
Moisture Levels
One of the things that new mushroom growers find is that the fungi grow very slowly and this can be frustrating.
However, this problem can be sped up by ensuring that the mushrooms have the right moisture level and this means putting it somewhere that is suitable for the species.
All mushrooms like a high level of moisture so putting them somewhere like a humidity tent is a great idea.
However, if you don’t have one of these, your laundry room or basement might be just as suitable a home for your mushrooms.
What to Avoid: Many people are tempted to put the mushrooms in the bathroom and while this is a nice humid environment, it’s also filled with potentially harmful microorganisms so should be avoided. Be sure to mist them regularly to keep the level balanced.
Mushroom Spawns
When you’re growing mushrooms, it is imperative to make sure that the spawn is good.
It doesn’t matter what type of mushroom you are growing, the substance containing the mycelium must be of the best quality.
The mycelium is a type of root from which the mushroom will spawn and if it isn’t healthy, then you won’t get a good crop.
The good news is that most kits sold by reputable manufacturers will contain everything you need for a successful growth.
Growing Your Mushrooms at the Right Time
Mushrooms, just like other living organisms, need the right conditions to thrive and part of this is growing them at the right time of year.
Usually, you will find that mushrooms will do best during either the spring or just after summer. Temperatures need to be between 60 and 85ºf for the best results.
When the weather is too dry, like it may be in the height of summer or the depths of winter, the mushrooms won’t do as well.
That said, there are some species, such as the oyster mushroom that are an exception to this rule.
Conclusion
If you want a fun way to try growing mushrooms for the first time then a mushroom growing kit is the best option.
You won’t need to worry about spawning the spores by yourself, which can be incredibly difficult; it’s simply a case of grow and go.
Of course, there may be some challenges so knowing when and how to grow the mushrooms is essential and our simple growing tips will lead you on the road to success.