When talking about mushrooms, the main thought that comes to mind is the safety of consumption of these fungi. There are many types of mushrooms. However, only a few are edible and can be used in your culinary endeavors. So, we are going to cover the tips to start an edible mushroom garden and understand which types are edible.
Edible mushrooms are called gilled mushrooms (Agaricus campestris). Even though the Agaricus campestris grows wild in many areas, it is better to buy or produce the mushroom rather than try to distinguish it from its numerous toxic relatives in the wild.
You’ll find mushroom growing to be exactly the thing for your gardening delight. All you need is a dark, wet, and chilly location – although a very little one. For the most part, that location will be in the basement; nevertheless, the area under the kitchen sink may suffice. Let’s dive more into detail about the tips to start an edible mushroom garden
Tip No.1: Grow Mushrooms in a Dark and Humid Environment
It is not required to turn your entire growing area into a “dark room”, a small amount of light will not harm mushrooms. That leads to the conclusion that mushrooms can grow overnight because they are not like other plants, which on the contrary, need sunlight to go into photosynthesis. They do, however, require humidity and temperature management. Strong drafts and dry air, as well as temperatures far above or below 55 degrees, are deadly for the mushrooms such as the Agaricus campestris.
Make some experiments by setting a few thermometers in various areas throughout your home to identify a location that maintains the right temperature range both day and night. Because temperatures can range by up to ten degrees at various levels in the same site, make sure you place the thermometer near where the mushrooms will be growing in order to get more precise results.
Tip No.2: Use Mushroom Spawn For Better Growth
What is mushroom spawns you wonder? Well, they are a substrate that has already sprouted mycelium. To seed or introduce mushrooms to grow on a substrate, mycelium, or actively developing mushroom culture, is placed on a growth substrate.
Keep the surroundings as dark as possible and the temperature no higher than 70 degrees for the following 21 days to ensure a strong run of spawn. The beds should next be “eased,” or covered with a one-inch layer of high-quality garden soil, and the temperature should be decreased to around 60 degrees. Many home growers retain their beds near the heating plant for sweating out and spawning the mushrooms, then relocate them to an environment where the temperature is 60 degrees.
Using a moderate spray, water the plants thoroughly. Don’t let the soil get dry, water it whenever you feel the topsoil is powdery and dusty.
Tip No.3: Carefully Harvest The Edible Mushrooms
Tiny white spots will form in around three weeks. These are found in groupings, which are called “flushes” or “breaks”. The biggest will be ready to pick in about ten days but don’t rush the harvest. Only choose those whose cap has separated from the stem. These ripe ones will taste far better than the “green,” immature ones.
Pulling them up might damage the other mushrooms which are just coming through. With one hand, press the soil down around the bottom of the stem, and with the other, twist it off at soil level. Alternatively, you can cut the stem at its base with a sharp knife.
Final Thoughts On “Tips to Start an Edible Mushroom Garden”
The delicious flavor of grown mushrooms, as well as their potential to lift any meal from average status, make them an important element of the diet.
Cultivated mushrooms also provide important nutrients. They are a fantastic source of additional protein, iron, vitamin C, riboflavin, and niacin, according to nutritionists.
When looking for tips to start an edible mushroom garden, focus on the ones we mentioned. These are the core ones that will lead toward successful mushroom growth.
Thank you for reading this article, now go and grow your own mushroom garden.
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Tony Manhart is the founder and editor in chief at Gardeningdream. Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.
