Growing Mushrooms at Home

Mushrooms and fungi are great to add in many meals, as well as for different medicinal purposes, that sometimes it is just easier to have growing at home.

If you're able to grow mushrooms at home, you don't have to worry about running out and not having enough for your spaghetti. Plus, you will be able to grow whatever species of mushroom you like.

There are many mushroom growing kits that you can purchase, which makes growing mushrooms at home really easy. Depending on what kit you purchase and what species of mushroom you prefer, you'll find that the growing tips will vary, as each mushroom species is a little different.

If you're looking for a mushroom kit, you can find Enokitake mushrooms, Pioppino mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, Maitake mushrooms, King Tuber mushrooms, and Shiitake mushrooms.

If you're not sure about growing mushrooms from a kit, rest assured that it is safe and easy. Kids love it, and adults prefer it to buying mushrooms at the grocery store.

This is a real learning experience if you're trying to find a project to do with your children. Otherwise, it's a great way to grow pesticide-free mushrooms for your homemade pizza.

Just keep in mind that when growing mushrooms at home, there are a few simple tips to consider.

1. Each mushroom species will be a little different, so you'll want to make sure that you know the requirements for the particular mushroom growing kit that you've purchased. The different kits will give you more information per that species of mushroom.
   
2. There are both indoor and outdoor mushroom growing kits. The indoor kits are easier for beginners, since most of them include everything you'll need.

When getting everything ready to grow your mushrooms at home, you'll want to keep in mind these tips:

• Different mushroom species require different temperatures. Some will actually thrive in the refrigerator; these cold weather species will burn if you place them outside in the summer.
• Dark places are great for most species of mushrooms, but you'll find that other varieties need some lighting.
  
• Some sunlight will increase nutritional value, especially vitamin D.
• Watch the moisture, as you don't want your mushroom kit to dry out. A mister is a good thing to invest in, as you can just mist the mushrooms as needed. Sometimes the kit's directions may not be 100% perfect and accurate to the needs of the mushrooms in your home. IE sometimes a few drops of water twice a day just isn't enough to keep the kit from drying out.
• Don't use tap water because tap water contains chlorine, which can be hazardous to your mushrooms. Distilled water lacks nutrients, so it will keep the moisture, but nothing else. The best water to use is bottled spring water or natural rain water.
  
• Make sure that you have decent air circulation, as mushrooms emit CO2, which will fall to the bottom of your mushrooms which will build up and prevent mushroom development and growth. Just be careful of too much air, as it can dry out your mushroom kit fast.