How to Grow Backyard Mushrooms

Overview

No matter the type of mushroom you prefer, a growing method is available for even the most inexperienced mushroom grower. You can buy mushroom growing kits at most garden centers, plant nurseries and online at various retailers. The kits contain everything needed to grow several pounds of mushrooms in your back yard. Read the instructions that come with your mushroom kits. Each type of mushroom will have slightly different soaking times, incubation periods and daily care before the harvest.

Step 1

Soak the log, block or bag according to the kit instructions. Shiitake logs are generally soaked for one or two days, while button mushroom blocks soak for only a few hours.

Step 2

Wrap the log or block in the plastic bag that came with the kit. Follow instructions for how long to incubate the spores in the bag. This may be as short as five days or as long as two weeks.

Step 3

Place the kit in the desired area for the mushroom spawn to grow into edible mushrooms. Button mushrooms are often grown in the dark, so choosing a well-shaded spot in your back yard works well. Shiitake and oyster mushrooms prefer some sunlight to grow.

Step 4

Harvest the mushrooms from the log or block when they reach the desired size by slicing the stem level with the medium.