Did you know that you can grow your own mushrooms indoors in the spring, summer, fall and even winter – and have fresh mushrooms all year around?
One thing is for sure, store bought mushrooms aren’t always fresh. In fact, mushrooms are one of the most notorious of crops for being held on store shelves far too long. And the longer they sit around, the less tasty they become. But growing your own can solve that issue instantly!
Growing mushrooms indoors during the winter is a great way to continue to garden even while the snow is flying outdoors. The good news is that mushrooms are different from regular plants because they don’t need sunlight to grow, so they’re actually perfect for growing inside.
The biggest key to successfully growing mushroom indoors is to know which mushroom varieties are suited for indoor growth – and then setting up the right conditions they need to flourish. And believe it or not, it’s easier than you might think!
How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors With Ease – All Winter Long
In many ways, growing mushrooms indoors is easier than outside. What makes growing them indoors a bit easier is that you can control all the things they need to grow well. That can include the temperature, humidity, and cleanliness of the soil. It also makes it easier to avoid pests.
Growing indoors is a huge advantage. It allows you to give your mushrooms just what they need to grow healthy and strong, right when they need it. So where do you start? The best place is to first know exactly which mushrooms you can grow indoors – and which you can’t.
Mushroom You Can Grow Indoors – How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors With Ease
Not all mushrooms grow well indoors. But with that said, there are quite a few that do – and one of the best are oyster mushrooms. Oysters are not only one of the most popular of mushrooms, they also happen to be among the easiest to grow indoors.
In addition, the common button mushroom that you often see sold in grocery stores is another easy indoor fungi to grow. And last but not least, Shiitake are another favorite – but it’s important to note that these flavorful mushrooms do require a bit longer to reach maturity.
Now that we have covered the best types for indoor growing, let’s take a look at how to plant and care for each of them.
What You’ll Need to Grow Indoors – How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors With Ease
To start growing mushrooms indoors, you’ll need a few key things. For starters, you will need spawn or spores, which are basically the seeds of mushrooms. If you happen to have a local specialty garden store, they will often carry a few varieties or kits. If not, (see links below) you can also find spawn and spores for sale online.
One quick note, although they both work well, if you are a beginner, it’s usually easier to start with spawn instead of spores.
- Affiliate Product Link: Spawn and Wax Combo – Shiitake Mushrooms Mushroom Mycelium Plug Spawn
- Affiliate Product Link: Back to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit, Harvest Gourmet Oyster Mushrooms In 10 days
Choosing Your Container & Growing Medium – How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors With Ease
You can grow mushrooms in all kinds of various containers you have on hand. Plastic tubs, bags, trays or even a small cardboard box are good options. It will really depend on the type of mushroom you’re growing.
You will also need some type of growing medium. Mushrooms need a special material to grow on, called a substrate. Common substrates include straw, coffee grounds or sawdust. Again, this is where pre-made mushroom-growing kits that come with the right material are great for beginners.
Now that you know what you need, here’s a simple guide to help you grow mushrooms indoors.
Step 1: Preparing The Growing Area
Choose a space in your home where you can control the temperature and humidity. Basements, closets, or other unused spaces are often ideal. Make sure it’s clean and can stay dark or dim most of the time.
Most mushrooms grow best at temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. Because of that, you will need to keep the area where you’re growing your mushrooms steady between those temperatures. They will also need a humid environment to grow well.
For this, you can mist them with water or use a humidity tent or small indoor greenhouse to keep the air moist. Affiliate Link: Mini Indoor Greenhouse Tabletop Garden Nursery Plant Cover Tent Humidity Dome
Step 2: Choose Your Mushroom Type and Substrate
Next its time to pick the mushroom you want to grow and the right substrate for it. For example, oyster mushrooms do well on straw or coffee grounds, while shiitake mushrooms prefer sawdust. The package your spawn or spores came with with will usually list the best medium.
Step 3: Inoculate the Substrate With Mushroom Spawn – How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors With Ease
Inoculating is the process of adding mushroom spawn to the substrate so that the mushrooms can start to grow. Spread the spawn evenly through the substrate and mix it well.
Once the substrate is mixed with the spawn, put it in your growing container. If you’re using a plastic tub or tray, make sure it has small holes for air to flow through. For bags, leave the top loosely closed or poke holes in the sides.
Step 4: Maintaining The Right Environment – How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors With Ease
Mushrooms need specific conditions to grow well. It’s important to keep the temperature steady, and make sure the air stays humid by misting with water or using a humidity tent. Mushrooms don’t need light to grow like plants do. A dimly lit or dark space is perfect for most mushrooms.
After a week or two, you should start to see small mushrooms, called pins, beginning to form. Keep the conditions right (temperature, humidity, and darkness), and your mushrooms will continue to grow. In a few more weeks, they’ll be ready to harvest!
Harvesting – How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors With Ease
Once the mushrooms are fully grown, you can harvest them by gently twisting or cutting them off at the base. Most mushrooms will grow in multiple “flushes,” meaning you can get several rounds of mushrooms from one inoculation or planting.
It’s important to know that mushrooms can be sensitive to contamination from bacteria or mold. Always wash your hands and tools before handling the spawn or substrate, and keep your growing area as clean as possible.
You will also always want to keep on the lookout for mold. If you notice mold growing on the substrate or mushrooms, remove the affected parts immediately and increase air circulation. And last but not least, remember that growing mushrooms can take time, especially during the colder months. Be patient, keep the conditions right, and your mushrooms will grow!
Here’s to growing your own delicious mushrooms over the winter indoors. And even more, to enjoying the fresh taste of them whenever you want! For more on growing indoors – check out our article: How To Grow Ginger Indoors – The Perfect Houseplant For Beauty And Flavor!
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