subject: Growing Mushrooms at Home for Fun and Profit! [print this page] Growing Mushrooms at Home for Fun and Profit!
For this reason, some people cannot find it within their budgets to purchase mushrooms. Instead, there has been an influx in the number of individuals who have begun to grow them at home. The vast majority of people tend to think this is a complicated task. Contrary to these beliefs, it is a relatively simple process, especially with the use of kits that are currently available in retail.
Growth of a Mushroom
All mushrooms consist of a cap and stem which make up the fruiting body. These are the most commonly eaten parts of a mushroom and the parts that are usually sold in most grocery stores. The largest part of the mushroom's mass is located underground. It is a feather-like network of mycelia. The mycelia absorb the moisture and food that is required in order for the mushroom to grow. Mycelia need a food source that is not contaminated in order for it to flourish and colonize. There are a variety of food sources that can be used such as compost or manure and sawdust or shavings. Once colonization of the mycelia has occurred, production of the fruit bodies begins. These fruit bodies' mature and soon recognizable mushrooms are developed.
Know Your Types
Before an individual begins to grow mushrooms, they should educate themselves as to the various types. Each type of will produce different amounts and will vary in length of growing time. Some of the more common mushrooms are briefly discussed as follows:
Shiitake Mushrooms have caps that are brown in color and may have a diameter of three to four inches when fully mature. Their texture is meaty and rich. When growing indoors, the temperature at which the kits need to be stored can range from 55 to 75 degrees F. The kit should produce two to three pounds in an estimated three months. Factually, these particular mushrooms are revered highly across the Orient and are currently being studied by scientists for medicinal purposes and anti-viral properties.
Oyster Mushrooms have a texture and flavor of actual oysters and this is where the name comes from. The mushrooms come in a variety of colors ranging from white, gray, cream, and pink. The easiest of these to grow is the white variety. These will begin to fruit in a wide range of temperatures varying from 55 to 75 degrees F. This type needs misting at least two or three times each day and they do not fare well in humidity.
Common White Cap, Crimini, and Portobello Mushrooms are all of the same family. The smallest is the crimini and it is brown in color. Portobello's can grow in diameter up to six inches. These mushrooms usually take three months or longer to grow but sunlight is not required for growth. These kits will yield more than any other as they will harvest between three to six pounds.
By simply following the directions that accompany the kits, an individual can grow and harvest all the mushrooms they want or need for much less the expense. Many acquire a true love of the production and decide to move to outdoor growing. This is even less expensive and they reproduce for four years in many cases.
Jackson Forrest is a mushroom growing enthusiast and provides free tips, tricks, articles, and videos ongrowing chanterelle mushrooms in his best-sellingguide for growing & selling mushrooms entitled "How to Grow Mushrooms for Fun & Profit". Get your copy today!
