Are you new to growing mushrooms? If you are, you might be feeling a little confused, and that's totally normal.
With so much information to process, terms like inoculation, agar transfers, and laminar flow can be overwhelming. It's understandable to feel lost and wonder which information is necessary for you to know.
But, don't worry! Once you start getting more involved in mushroom cultivation, it will all start to make sense. In the meantime, here are some great tips to help you get started.
1. Start With Mushroom Grow Kit
The easiest way for you to start growing mushrooms is by using a kit. Using a kit will introduce you to the process and help you understand what mushrooms need to grow. As you work with the kit, you will become familiar with what healthy growth looks like, what mycelium looks like, and get a good overview of the mushroom life cycle.
You can find a variety of mushroom kits online, but the most common are oyster mushroom kits. One kit that has had good results is available here.
While there are also kits available for other species like Lion's Mane or Reishi, starting with an Oyster mushroom kit is probably your best option.
2. Get A Good Book On Cultivation
If you want to learn about growing mushrooms, a well-written book can still provide excellent value. Books allow you to learn from the cultivation experts, who share their trials and tribulations so that you can avoid growing methods that just won't work.
One of the most comprehensive guides to growing mushrooms is "Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms" by Paul Stamets. Although it focuses on larger scale commercial cultivation, the knowledge in this book can be easily applied to growing mushrooms at home. You can find out more about the book by following this link.
For those who want something more approachable and easier to follow, "The Essential Guide to Cultivating Mushrooms" by Stephen Russell is a great option. This book is well-suited for new growers looking to pick up some skills for home cultivation. It offers step-by-step guides and helpful pictures to guide you through the process.
3. Join A Mushroom Growing Community
If you are learning to grow mushrooms at home, remember that you are not alone! There are thousands of people like you who are also interested in mushroom cultivation. Why not connect with them by joining online groups like the Mushroom Growers sub on Reddit?
On this subreddit, you can find many helpful folks who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge, from novice growers to experts. You can post pictures of your grows, ask questions, and connect with others. By connecting with others, you can accelerate your learning in this exciting hobby.
Another option for you is to look up your local mycological society. There are thousands of these groups around the world, and you might find one in your area. Connecting with people in your community can be a great way to learn more about growing mushrooms.
You should also consider signing up for the FreshCap mailing list, where hundreds of other growers share articles, exciting news, and anything else that might interest the community. The mailing list also offers giveaways from time to time, so don't miss out!
4. Get The Right Equipment
When growing mushrooms, having the right tool for the job can make a huge difference. There are specific techniques and tools required that can't be replaced with makeshift alternatives.
Once you learn to grow mushrooms and get to know what works, you can start exploring and finding your own way of doing things. However, when you are just starting out, it's best to stick with what is known to work.
When I first started growing mushrooms, I tried using alternative methods. I thought I could skip the pressure cooker and sterilize in a regular stockpot or make my own agar dishes with aluminum tart shells and pectin. However, these methods didn't work, and I wasted time and money.
By getting the right equipment and using known techniques, you can save time, money, and frustration in the long run.
5. Start With A Goal In Mind
If you want to become a mushroom grower, there are many different paths you can take. You can learn to grow outside so that you have fresh mushrooms a few times a year, or you can have a working lab and large grow room for more fresh mushrooms than you know what to do with.
So, what do you want to grow? Do you want to grow mushrooms for fun or is it something you want to do for business?
Setting a goal is important as it sets you up for success. It helps you decide what techniques to learn and where to spend your time and money.
If you have no idea, then it is suggested to learn a complete technique with one species of mushroom. For instance, learning to grow oyster mushrooms on straw starting from grain spawn will teach you many skills that you can translate into other growing methods. On the other hand, learning to grow shiitake on sawdust is a bit more challenging, but you will acquire more skills in the process.
So, start with a goal in mind and get started!
6. Get Outside
If you're looking to improve your mushroom growing skills, observing the way mushrooms grow in the wild can be extremely beneficial! Mimicking the natural mushroom life cycle and trying to optimize for certain conditions has resulted in many of the most effective cultivation techniques.
Exploring mycology in the forest is an incredible experience, and it's the best way to see it firsthand. You can learn a lot from what's going on around you, so take a closer look at the mushrooms that are growing. Once you start paying attention, you'll be amazed at just how many mushrooms you'll be able to spot in the forest!
7. Get Growing
The most important tip for you as a beginner is to just start. Consider getting a kit or begin at a level that feels appropriate for your growing expertise. Head over to our page "start here" for organized blog content that is easier to digest for new growers. Pick a technique and start growing mushrooms today!
Remember that the best part of learning to grow mushrooms is the journey. Even experienced growers learn something new every day. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.
So go ahead and start growing today. Happy growing!
Bottom Line
Growing mushrooms can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, with some guidance and a bit of practice, you can grow your own delicious mushrooms right at home.
Starting with a mushroom grow kit, getting a good book on cultivation, joining a mushroom growing community, getting the right equipment, setting a goal, observing mushrooms in the wild, and, most importantly, starting to grow are all excellent tips to get you started.
By following these tips, you will develop a basic understanding of the process and techniques involved in mushroom cultivation. Remember, don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. It takes time, patience, and practice to become an expert.
Mushroom cultivation offers many opportunities for experimentation and discovery. Whether you are growing for fun or for business, there are many paths you can take. So, if you're ready to take the first step, grab a kit, get growing, and enjoy the fascinating world of mushroom cultivation!