Growing Mushrooms
Great edible and medicinal mushrooms aren't only found in the wild; you can also cultivate them at home! Since a spray mister or outside sprinkler can make it rain any time, growing your own mushrooms means they can be available when the wild patches are sparse. Growing mushrooms these days can be done just about anywhere, from in the garden to a small corner of your house or even in your closet!
A variety of fungi can be grown at home, including everything from common "button" mushrooms to gourmet morels, shiitake and even truffles. Some species are harder to grow than others, so if you're just starting out, try oyster mushrooms and shiitake first, which are some of the easiest to cultivate.
Get started cultivating mushrooms
The easiest way to get started cultivating your own mushrooms is with a “mushroom kit.” These kits typically include everything and just need a few tiny holes and some water. Here are some great companies to purchase kits from:
Some things to consider: Invasive fungi
While we know a lot about invasive plants, animals and even disease-causing microbes, invasive mycology is still in its infancy - we might describe this as the field studying the impact of non-native fungi in any particular area. There are an increasing number of studies being published highlighting species of mushroom-forming fungi that have essentially “escaped” cultivation or have spread from the import of trees for industry, causing unforeseen ecological consequences in their wake. Invasive fungi, just like invasive plants and animals, have the potential to displace native and specialized populations of organisms, causing changes in biogeochemical cycling, trophic interactions and even possibly extinction events.
As a community of fungi lovers, it is our responsibility to take into consideration the complex and nuanced interactions of the fungal world and try our best to cultivate bio-regionally appropriate species/varieties/strains when possible, especially if we are growing outdoors.
Andi Bruce’s Research on the Spread of Golden Oysters
Concerns Rise as Golden Oyster Mushrooms Spread Across North America
Invasive Californian Death Caps Develop Mushrooms Unisexually and Bisexually
Resources for more information and growing materials
If you're a SOMA member, check out our Cultivation Committee to learn more about cultivating mushrooms and get involved with us.
Free Growing Guides from North Spore
CA Based Mushroom Farms / Supply Companies:
Mushbarn - Based in Nevada City, CA
Far West Fungi - Based in Santa Cruz, CA
Moon Fruit Mushroom Farm - Outdoor log farm based in Sonoma County, CA
Mycopia Mushrooms - Mushroom farm and culinary mushroom supplier based in Graton, CA
Supplies & Materials: