There are many types of edible mushrooms you can grow at home, but your options depend on the growing conditions you have. For beginners, we suggest starting with oyster mushrooms (suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation), shiitake mushrooms (best grown on outdoor logs). These varieties are reliable and will enhance your chances of a successful first harvest!

Indoors, you can grow mushrooms on your countertop (with a kit), in jars, in bags, in a monotub, or in a martha tent. Outdoors, you can grow mushrooms in containers, garden beds, and on logs.

If you're new to growing mushrooms, we suggest beginning gradually to familiarize yourself with the process. Start with a Spray & Grow kit or a beginner Fruiting Block kit, as these don’t need any special equipment. Once you gain confidence, you can invest in a monotub or Martha tent for indoor cultivation. For outdoor growing, consider starting with a container or a drill bit for plug spawn. As you get more comfortable, you can upgrade your equipment, but starting out doesn't require a significant investment.

Mushrooms thrive in indirect sunlight, high humidity, and temperatures ranging from 16-24° degree celsius. While some species, like pink oysters, can handle higher temperatures, and others can adapt to varying humidity levels, the ideal environment for most mushrooms is cool, damp, and shaded.

Many mushroom species can grow from "pin" to "flush" in just two weeks! However, some, like reishi, may take several months. Additionally, if you are cultivating mushrooms on logs, remember to account for the inoculation period, which typically ranges from 6 months to a year.

If you don't have a humidity-controlled setup (like a humidity tent or Martha tent), you should water your mushrooms generously 2-3 times a day. However, avoid overwatering them. Use a fine mist spray until water droplets are visible, then monitor them for signs of drying out. If the mushrooms start to wilt or the edges curl, it indicates they need more frequent watering or a different location.

Yes, growing mushrooms at home is generally safe if you choose known edible varieties, maintain a clean and well-ventilated growing environment, and control humidity and temperature levels. Using sterile techniques and wearing protective gear when handling spores also helps ensure safety.

You can use various types of substrates to grow mushrooms, depending on the species you are cultivating. Common substrates include:

1. Straw: Often used for oyster mushrooms, straw is inexpensive and easy to work with.
2. Hardwood Sawdust: Ideal for shiitake and other wood-loving mushrooms, sawdust can be supplemented with bran for added nutrients.
3. Coco Coir and Vermiculite: A mixture often used for growing species like the psilocybin mushrooms, this substrate retains moisture well.
4. Coffee Grounds: Suitable for oyster mushrooms, spent coffee grounds provide a nutrient-rich medium.
5. Composted Manure: Commonly used for button mushrooms, composted manure from horses or cows provides a rich nutrient base.
6. Wood Chips: Good for species like wine cap mushrooms, wood chips mimic natural growing conditions.
7. Grain: Used primarily as a spawn substrate, grains like rye, wheat, or millet can also support mushroom growth.

Selecting the right substrate is crucial for the successful cultivation of different mushroom species.

Growing mushrooms at home can be rewarding for several reasons. It's a cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, organic mushrooms with better flavor and nutritional value than store-bought varieties. Additionally, mushroom cultivation can be a fun and educational hobby, offering insight into the fascinating world of fungi. It's also environmentally friendly, as you can recycle organic waste materials like coffee grounds and sawdust into productive substrates for growing mushrooms.