A basic understanding of mushroom science will help inspire your own grow efforts.
Have you ever come across a mushroom unexpectedly on a hike or even in your own yard and wondered, “how did that get here?” It can seem a bit random when we experience these “mushroom sightings,” but there is actually a precise set of circumstances that must occur for mushroom growth to occur. Whether it happens in nature or in a controlled environment, mushroom cultivation is a fascinating process that makes an equally fascinating – and increasingly popular – hobby.
However, before we dive into the details, here are a few quick facts you should know about mushrooms:
Are mushrooms grown from seeds like plants?
Mushrooms are not plants, although they seem to have a plant-like form. They are not grown from seeds but instead are grown from fungal spores. Although they are not the same thing, spores are often considered to be mushroom “seeds” in the sense that their function is to spread (i.e., reproduce) the organism.
What is a mushroom spore?
Spores are small, usually microscopic, single-celled structures whose only purpose is to spread the organisms’ genetic material to new locations. All fungi, along with algae, protozoa and bacteria produce spores – which need the ideal conditions in order to thrive and generate new growth.
What conditions do mushrooms need to grow?
Those ideal conditions include damp locations ripe with a medium that is high in decaying plant matter, which is why you often find them springing from dead trees, under brush or in other damp places. As you can tell, mushrooms are not farmed in the same way other fruits and vegetables are produced. You cannot simply “plant” mushrooms on a piece of land or in soil. In order to produce mushrooms commercially, farmers must invest in the proper equipment and facilities. Production of mushrooms involves growing and harvesting them in indoor facilities where temperature and humidity can be carefully controlled.
What do mushrooms grow in?
Outside of temperature and humidity, the necessary components for cultivating mushrooms include a layer of substance to grow the mushrooms (i.e., a “substrate”), a layer of grain to help encourage growth of mycelium (a network of fungal threads), a method to sterilize the substrate and a liquid culture or spores. Once the substrate is sterilized, it can be inoculated with the spores to initiate the growth process. In 10-14 days, white mycelium starts to overtake the substrate to begin the cycle of growth. From there, it is just weeks before mushrooms are ready for consumption.
Today, a common method for growing mushrooms is inside large plastic bags filled with sterilized grain and other materials. These bags retain moisture and help replicate natural conditions. A trusted name in the world of mushroom cultivation since 2019, Monster Mushrooms offers mushroom enthusiasts and home hobbyists the easiest and most convenient way to grow edible mushrooms at home. Take a look at our grow kits to see which one is best suited for your mushroom knowledge and experience.
Growing mushrooms is a journey and we are here to help along the way.
Our goal is to demystify and simplify the mushroom-growing experience, making it accessible to amateurs and experts alike. Good luck on your first (or next) grow experience – and let us know how it goes!