The world of edibles mushrooms is vast, but we're going to take a look at a few easy-to-grow species. The key to growing mushrooms efficiently is to pick species that match the natural climate in your home. All mushrooms should be cooked before eating to make the nutrients available for your body. Raw mushrooms have no nutrition available.
It is not recommended to gather wild mushrooms, unless you can provide a 100% positive identification. Instead of collecting from the wild, a better strategy for beginners is buying spawn for species you are interested in.
Grey Oyster
Pleurotus ostreatus
Spawn Run: 75F, 85%-95% humidity, 12-21 days
Primordia: 50F-60F, 95%-100% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, full light, 3-7 days
Fruiting: 60F-70F, 85%-95% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, full light, 4-7 days
This is the easiest mushroom to grow. It can be cultivated on a wide variety of substrates, including sawdust, straw, paper, cardboard, and even coffee grounds.
Pink Oyster
Pleurotus djamor
Spawn Run: 75F-85F, 90%-100% humidity, 7-10 days
Primordia: 65F-75F, 95%-100% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, full light, 2-4 days
Fruiting: 70F-85F, 85%-95% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, full light, 3-5 days
Here's an oyster species for a warmer climate.
Shiitake
Lentinula edodes
Spawn Run: 70F-80F, 90%-100% humidity, 35-70 days, low light
Primordia: 50F-60F, 95%-100% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, medium light, 5-7 days
Fruiting: 50F-70F, 60%-80% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, full light, 5-8 days
Shiitake are a popular species to eat, and they do well on logs and stumps.
Garden Giant
Stropharia rugosoannulata
Spawn Run: 70F-80F, 90%-100% humidity, 25-45 days
Primordia: 50F-60F, 95%-100% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, low light, 14-21 days
Fruiting: 60F-70F, 85%-95% humidity, fresh air 3 times a day, low light, 7-14 days
This mushrooms can get big, with a diameter exceeding one foot!
Paddy Straw
Volvariella volvacea
Spawn Run: 75F-95F, 80%-90% humidity, 5-10 days, no light
Primordia: 80F-90F, 90%-100% humidity, fresh air twice a day, low light, 4-6 days
Fruiting: 80F-90F, 85%-95% humidity, fresh air twice a day, low light, 6-10 days
Paddy Straw mushrooms are grown on rotting rice straw. This species does well outdoors in hot, humid climates.
