Mushroom Cultivation
Mushroom cultivation relies on the basic principle of introducing an organism to a food source. Mushrooms and other fungi digest organic material and draw that nutrition to a reproductive structure that we call a “mushroom,” a fruiting body that’s the reproductive part of a fungus. The fungal mycelium secretes enzymes to break down the nutritious matter it encounters.
To cultivate mushrooms at home, you can start with a mushroom, mushroom spores, or spawn (a culture of the fungus, typically on grain or sawdust). Spawn can be purchased, and it’s a great option for beginners. And for the advanced mycophile, there are multiple ways to make spawn at home, starting with a piece of mushroom or with spores.
Mushroom Cultivation on Household Compost
You may have a compost pile at home, where grass clippings, fall leaves, and garden scraps go. Why not employ mushrooms to help break it down? Agaricus species will work if the matter is well-composted already. If it’s not broken down, try wine cap mushrooms or blewit mushrooms. You can start with pieces from freshly collected mushrooms (the trimmed ends of stalks) or with spawn.
To prepare the site, just rake back a layer of compost. Add your spawn, and cover it with compost.
Water the soil to help keep moisture levels up and to help speed up the spawn run. The mushrooms will fruit in late fall,
