The first time I tried growing mushrooms, I thought I’d mess everything up (after all, it’s mushrooms, right?). But it turned out that they’re way easier than I expected!
It’s almost like they simply want to grow. I mean, if I can do it (and I once killed a cactus), anyone can. And honestly, there’s something kind of magical about watching little fungi pop up overnight.
But the best thing about growing mushrooms is that you can add them fresh to your meals!
You’ll forget all about those store-bought shrooms once you’ve tried homegrown ones. They’re fresher, tastier, and packed with flavor in a way that store-bought mushrooms just can’t match.
If you’re ready to grow your own mushrooms, these are the easiest varieties to kick off your journey:
1. Start Growing Oysters First
Oyster mushrooms are hands down the easiest to grow, especially if you’ve ever used one of those simple kits where you just spray a block and, boom, mushrooms appear in a few days!
Chances are, those were oysters.
With around 40 species in the Pleurotus genus, these mushrooms grow fast and thrive in all sorts of materials like straw, sawdust, and even cardboard.
Ready in just a few weeks, they’re just ideal for home-growing. Most kits come with golden, pink, or blue varieties, which all grow the same way – just spray it (don’t say it) and wait!
2. Consider Growing Wine Caps
If you’re thinking about growing mushrooms in your garden, wine caps (Stropharia rugosoannulata) are a great choice!
These “toadstool” mushrooms have the classic stem and cap look and are known as garden giants. They’re perfect for any shady spots in your yard, and you can even grow them along pathways.
All it takes is layering wine cap spawn with wood chips or sawdust as the substrate. Keep the area moist (but not soaked), and in just a few weeks you’ll see those wine caps pop up. Yay!
3. Lion’s Mane Is Also On The Menu
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) stands out compared to your typical mushroom. This “tooth fungus” looks like a fluffy white ball with dangling spines (unique, right?).
In the wild, they grow on tree trunks in summer and fall, but at home, you can easily grow them with a kit.
Since they taste just like crab meat, you can whip up “crab” cakes or soup using these funky mushrooms, and they even have that crab-like texture.
If you decide to grow them, just spray your kit with water daily, and soon you’ll have your own lion’s mane harvest!
4. Mix Things Up With Golden Oysters
Here’s my all-time favorite mushroom – the golden oyster aka Pleurotus citrinopileatus.
These mushrooms look like little sunshines with their bright yellow caps.
The caps are solid yellow, while the stems and gills are a lighter, almost white shade. They’re smooth and round, with a small dip in the middle.
As for the taste, they have a nutty, citrusy flavor that’s more aromatic than other oysters.
When cooked, they lose a bit of their color and fade to brown, but the flavor stays just as delicious!
Also read: Are Yellow Mushrooms Growing In My Houseplant Dangerous?
5. Shiitake Mushrooms Are Everyone’s Favorite
If you love Asian cooking, then you’ve probably heard of Shiitake mushrooms (also called Lentinula edodes).
Truth be told, they can be a bit trickier to grow compared to other mushrooms, but they’re definitely worth the effort.
You can either buy a grow kit, inoculate your own spawn block, or even try growing them on logs with plug spawn (if you are feeling a bit adventurous).
Their rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture make shiitakes an excellent substitute for meat, or a great addition to any dish.
I usually cook them as a main dish because they are super delicious and nutritious!
6. Add Some Color With Pink Oysters
All my fellow girl gardeners out there, you must try growing pink oysters!
Pleurotus djamor, or the pink oyster, definitely stands out with its vibrant, salmon-pink caps and stems. Sometimes pastel, sometimes neon, they’re absolutely adorable!
Unlike golden oysters, pink ones have ridged caps and a woodier texture. Their hearty, “meatier” taste makes them a great option for adding flavor to dishes.
So, these are my top 6 picks for growing mushrooms indoors. If you give them a try, be sure to send some pics – I absolutely love seeing homegrown shrooms!
Also read: Are Mushrooms Decomposers? Learn Everything You Need To Know