By Marissa Velazquez


If you're looking to buy mushroom growing kits you're almost certainly aware of what a great project they can make. You can save money, have a lot of fun, and end up with a ready supply of delicious food. Using these kits is a very easy way to get going with this pastime, here's what you need to know before getting started.

Kits are great for beginners, but are certainly suitable for seasoned growers, too. They make everything very straightforward, and this easily makes up for the initial cost of purchasing a kit. A big benefit of them is that you can grow such a large variety of fungi. You can grow whatever you desire, rather than being limited to what you can find in your local supermarket. You also avoid the dangers of foraging for wild fungi, and can be assured of safe food.

Whatever your taste in fungi, you can probably get a kit to grow it. Everything from plain portobellos to the more substantial shitake are available, and are very easy to cultivate. Other varieties include crimini, enoki, maitake, and white button. Note that each variety has its own needs, with some needing a different kind of substratum (see below) than others.

There is a huge selection of kits on the market, and they can be found at home and garden centers and of course online. If you prefer to go the organic route, these are available too. You should be aware that the quality of kits can vary, with some manufacturers producing better ones than others. It's therefore always best to buy from a reputable supplier.

A kit is basically mushroom mycelium plus material on which to grow them. This material is known as the substratum. The substratum can comprise of quite a number of different materials. Popular types are sterilised sawdust/wood chip block, a log or piece of wood and pasteurized straw. Each will be sterilised and ready to use once they have been prepared.

Preparation will generally consist of cooling the substance in water and/or the refrigerator, then placing it in a suitable area ready for the fungi to spawn. Your kit will provide full instructions on the correct preparation for the substratum. This cooling simulates fall climatic conditions and stimulates the mycelium to spawn the fungi.

Moist, cool and dark places are best for fungi cultivation, with basements and under-sink areas often being good choices. Most fungi thrive in a temperature range of between fifty-five and sixty degrees Fahrenheit, so it is wise to check the temperature of your intended cultivation spot. This spot should also be free of draughts or anything else that may have a drying effect on your crop.

Once in a good spot, all that is needed is to water the substratum every day. After a few weeks (depending on the variety), your fungi should be ready to harvest. Harvested every day, your kit should produce crops for some time (up to six months). If you're looking to buy mushroom growing kits then you're on to a great way to get started. Many people begin this way and are delighted with the results.




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