Growing house-plant mushrooms is a great way to get acquainted with the fungi and increase your knowledge of botany. It’s also a relaxing hobby that can help you decompress from a hectic week or simply bring some peace and serenity into your life. But before you go out and buy a few more potted truffles, there’s one thing you should know: garden fungi are not for everyone.
In fact, having them in close proximity to your home can be seriously detrimental to their long-term growth and health. This is because mushrooms require specific environmental conditions in order to thrive. If the temperature outside is too cold, if it rains frequently or if it gets too humid, then these same conditions will affect the plant in question as well.
Why can’t I grow mushrooms in my garden?
Since there are more than 1,500 species of mushrooms, it’s pretty hard to pin down which ones are suitable for growing in a garden. There are many factors that can affect the growth and health of a mushroom, including climate, outdoor air quality, soil conditions, and the species in question. In general, outdoor fungi are not recommended. Not only do they require specific environmental conditions, but they are also extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
If you have outdoor mushrooms in your garden, they will very likely die because they have no way to regulate their own environment. Additionally, many edible mushrooms are poisonous in others. If you have a poisonous mushroom in your garden, it can be deadly to the humans and animals that happen to be nearby. Finally, many garden plants are better suited to warmer climates than mushrooms.
How to grow mushrooms in a container
Growing mushrooms indoors in a container is a great way to try growing mushrooms in your home without the risk of harming an outdoor plant. Containers can be bought or constructed from sturdy plastic, clay, or gravel, with soil mixed with pumice, vermiculite, or perlite.
You can also use a plant soil substitute such as coco coir, as long as it’s acidic and has good drainage. Bury the container in the soil to create a barrier between the soil and the air, and make sure the container has good ventilation.
How to grow shiitake mushrooms
These mushrooms love warm, humid conditions, and can flourish in both indoor and outdoor environments. Shiitake mushrooms like high humidity; if you don’t have high humidity in your home, then growing shiitake mushrooms indoors is an ideal solution. These mushrooms need a steady supply of moisture, so you’ll need to water them regularly.
While growing shiitake mushrooms is a bit more challenging than growing other types of mushrooms, it’s still a relatively simple process. Shiitake mushrooms require a nutrient-rich environment to flourish, so you’ll want to use compost-based soil. You can also use sawdust-based soil, but that will result in a lower yield of shiitake mushrooms.
How to grow oyster mushrooms
Like the shiitake mushroom, oyster mushrooms enjoy a warm, humid climate, making it easy to grow these mushrooms indoors or outdoors. Unlike other mushrooms, oyster mushrooms prefer low humidity, making them an ideal indoor crop.
Like shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms prefer nutrient-rich soil, but you can use standard potting soil if you don’t have time to create nutrient-rich compost. As with the shiitake mushroom, you’ll want to water your oyster mushroom regularly to keep it happy.
Can you grow other types of mushrooms in a container?
It depends. If the species of other fungi you are planning to grow is native to a warm, tropical climate, then yes, you can grow them in a container. If it’s a non-tropical species, then it’s more likely that it will not thrive in a container. As with growing mushrooms in a container, it’s important to ensure that the temperature and humidity levels inside your home are conducive to the fungi’s needs.
Ensure that your home has good ventilation and that your humidity level is low. You’ll also want to consider using a container that is the right size for the fungi you’re growing. Some species require a large pot while others will do just fine in a smaller container.
Summary
Growing your own edibles at the home is a rewarding hobby that allows you to reap the benefits of a healthy, homemade diet. While it’s challenging at times, the rewards are well worth the effort. With the right planning and preparation, you can grow mushrooms at home with ease. Before you head out and buy a few potted truffles, there’s one thing you should know: garden fungi are not for everyone.
In fact, having them in close proximity to your home can be seriously detrimental to their long-term growth and health. This is because mushrooms require specific environmental conditions in order to thrive. If the temperature outside is too cold, if it rains frequently or if it gets too humid, then these same conditions will affect the plant in question as well.
