How to Cultivate Mushrooms at Home: Everything You Need to Know

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Grow your own edible mushrooms at home

Co-authored by Olivia Choong and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: December 12, 2024 Fact Checked

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Growing Mushrooms in a Container

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From a Kit

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On a Log

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Best Mushrooms to Grow at Home

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Video

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Q&A

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Things You'll Need

Growing mushrooms at home is a task that any gardener interested in growing their own food can attempt. Mushrooms are a healthy addition to any diet, as they are low in calories and fat, high in fiber, and contain high amounts of potassium and selenium. Mushrooms are best grown indoors where the temperature and light conditions can be more readily managed. Learning how to grow mushrooms indoors is a matter of managing their growing conditions carefully.

Quick Guide to Growing Mushrooms Indoors

Fill a sterilized container with a substrate like straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds.
Mix prepared mushroom spawn into the substrate.
Cover the container and keep it a dark place at about 70 °F (21 °C).
Lower the temperature to 55 °F (13 °C) once the substrate is covered in white fuzz.
Harvest the mushrooms when they're mature.

Section 1 of 4:

Growing Mushrooms in a Container Indoors

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Purchase mushroom spawn of the species you want to grow. Mushroom spawn is sawdust or grain that’s been permeated with mushroom mycelia — essentially the root structure of the fungus. It is used much like plant seedlings to facilitate growth.^{[1]
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Go to source} You can purchase high-quality mushroom spawn from online retailers, gardening supply stores, or specialty mushroom cultivators.
- Make sure to buy spawn rather than spores. Some retailers will also sell spores, which are more like the seeds of plants (rather than seedlings). Growing mushrooms from spores takes more time and practice, and is best suited for a seasoned mushroom grower.
- Which types of mushrooms are easiest to grow at home? Oyster, white button, and shiitake mushrooms are the easiest to grow at home. The method for growing each mushroom is similar, but the ideal growing substrate differs.^{[2]
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Choose a substrate that works for the species you’re growing. Once you decide which type of mushroom you want to grow, choose a substrate that’s well-suited for that species. For oyster mushrooms, you might choose shredded newspaper, straw, sawdust, or cardboard. If you’re growing shiitake or lion’s mane, you might use sawdust or wood fuel pellets.^{[3]
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- If you use sawdust, make sure it is from untreated hardwood.
- Other common substrates include used coffee grounds or tea bags or composted manure. If you use spent coffee grounds or tea bags immediately after using them, they’ll already be sterile, so you can skip the step on sterilizing the substrate.
- For an easy option, buy a pre-made mushroom substrate block. It will come pre-sterilized, so you can skip the next step.
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Sterilize your substrate to kill any bacteria. One of the most difficult aspects of growing mushrooms is avoiding contamination. You have to sterilize the substrate to kill off any microorganisms that could compete with the mushroom mycelia. There are a few different methods for preparing your substrate for inoculation, including:
- Heat: Bring the substrate to a temperature of at least 160–170 °F (71–77 °C) for about 1 hour to pasteurize it. For instance, you might put the substrate into a mesh bag or pillow case and submerge it in 170 °F (77 °C) water for an hour.^{[4]
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- Peroxide: Soak your substrate in water, then soak it in a solution of 4.2 cups (0.99 l) of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 US gal (3.8 l) of water. Leave it submerged for about 24 hours, then drain it well and rinse it twice with fresh water.
- Water: Place the substrate in a mesh bag or pillow case and submerge it in water for 1-2 weeks.
- Microwave: Place your substrate in a heat-safe plastic bag and dampen the substrate, then place the bag in a microwave-safe bowl. Leave the bag slightly open and cover the container loosely, then microwave for about 5 minutes. Use a thermometer to make sure the substrate reaches 175 °F (79 °C).^{[5]
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Mix the substrate and mushroom spawn in a sterilized container. Sterilize your environment as much as possible to avoid contaminating your substrate—wear a fresh pair of gloves and wipe down your work surface with a disinfectant or rubbing alcohol. Also sterilize your container, then mix the sawdust or grain containing your mushroom spawn into the container holding your substrate.^{[6]
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- The process of spreading the mushroom spawn into the substrate is called inoculation.
- Suitable containers include large plastic bags, buckets, or storage totes.
- Some mushroom growers prefer spreading the spawn on top of the substrate instead of mixing it in. This may be a good option if you’re using a container that’s difficult to mix in, like a mason jar, but it may take longer for the substrate to be fully colonized.^{[7]
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Cover the container and place it in a warm, dark area. If you’re growing the mushrooms in a bag, close the bag tightly—you may need to seal it with tape. If you’re using a container that doesn’t have a lid, cover the container with plastic.
- To create a dark environment, you may need to place another container over the grow bag, like a plastic storage tote.
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Keep the container at around 70 °F (21 °C) during colonization. It can take a few weeks for the mushroom mycelia to permeate the substrate. During this time, monitor the temperature in the container. Ideally, it should stay at around 70 °F (21 °C). It’s okay if the temperature is a little higher or lower, but it shouldn’t go above 80 °F (27 °C) or below 55 °F (13 °C).^{[8]
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- The mushroom mycelium will produce heat as they grow, so watch carefully to make sure the container doesn’t get too hot—the mycelium will start to die off and unwanted bacteria can start to grow. You may need to turn on a fan near the container to help keep it cool.
- If you’re colonizing the mushrooms in a very cold room, you may need to place the container on a small heat mat, like the kind used for plant seedlings or reptile habitats.
- Some mushrooms species may need slightly higher or lower temperatures for colonization.
- When you’re checking the temperature inside the container, avoid exposing the substrate block to too much light or the mycelia might die off.
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Move the container to fruiting conditions once it’s completely white. Once the substrate is fully colonized, you’ll need to create fruiting conditions for the mushrooms to start growing. The exact fruiting conditions can vary by species and strain, but most species will prefer cooler temperatures of about 62–65 °F (17–18 °C), 80-85% humidity, and bright, indirect lighting.^{[9]
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- It can take up to 4 weeks for colonization to take place. Don’t switch to fruiting conditions until the substrate is entirely covered with white fuzz. You may also see tiny mushrooms called “pins” starting to appear.
- If you’re growing shiitakes, keep them in the colonization environment for an extra 2-3 weeks after the substrate colonizes—they require an additional “popcorning” period in order to fully fruit. You’ll also need to shock the substrate block in water after the popcorning period to start the fruiting process.
- For most species, just opening the bag and lowering the temperature will be enough to encourage the mushrooms to start fruiting.
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Maintain steady temperature and humidity while the mushrooms fruit. Check the conditions in your fruiting container every day using a hygrometer and thermometer combo. If the humidity drops below about 80%, mist the container with a spray bottle filled with water. If the temperature gets above 70 °F (21 °C), turn on a fan or move the mushrooms to a cooler area. If the temperature drops below 50–55 °F (10–13 °C), add a heating mat.^{[10]
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- Each mushroom species may have its own fruiting requirements for temperature, humidity, and airflow, so be sure to check the suppliers’ website for growing specifics.^{[11]
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- Also, watch for any purple, green, or brown spots growing on your substrate—these indicate contamination. If you see this, remove these areas from your substrate and throw them out.
- If you’re keeping your mushrooms in an enclosed container, like a plastic tote, open the lid a few times every day to give them fresh air.
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Harvest your mushrooms when they are fully grown. In about three weeks, you should see small mushrooms appearing. When the mushroom caps separate fully from their stems, they are ready to harvest. To harvest the mushrooms, plant and garden specialist Olivia Choong recommends either plucking the mushrooms out with your fingers or using a sharp knife to cut the mushrooms at the base of the stem.
- It is best to rinse the mushrooms before cooking or eating. You can store harvested mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Section 2 of 4:

Growing Mushrooms from a Kit

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Choose a ready-to-grow kit of edible mushrooms. Growing mushrooms from a ready-made kit can be a fun, easy option for producing your own mushrooms. Start by deciding what type of mushrooms you want—oyster mushroom kits are common and easy to grow, but you can also find edible mushroom grow kits containing Lion’s Mane, shiitake, white button, and more.^{[12]
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- Kits will usually cost between $20 and $30.
- Be sure to research the supplier—you’ll get better results if you start with a high-quality grow kit from a reputable company.
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Open the kit and mist it with water. The exact way you’ll prepare the kit will vary, but in general, you’ll need to cut an X into the plastic covering your mushroom block. Many kits will have you mist the substrate block with a spray bottle full of water.^{[13]
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- In some cases, you’ll need to take extra steps, like soaking the substrate in water after you open the bag—so be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.^{[14]
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Place the kit in a humid area with indirect light. Some kits recommend placing your mushroom block near your kitchen sink, where it will get plenty of humidity. Just make sure it’s out of direct sunlight.^{[15]
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- Different mushroom species may have different lighting, temperature, and humidity requirements—be sure to check these when you’re deciding where to keep the bag.
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Mist the kit twice a day as the mushrooms grow. Follow the instructions in the kit—you’ll probably need to mist the mushroom block with a spray bottle at least a few times a day. This will help the mushrooms maintain the humidity they need to start growing.^{[16]
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- Watch the mushrooms carefully during this time—their appearance will give you clues to what they need. If the stems start to look fuzzy, for instance, mist them less often. If they’re not growing or the caps look cracked, add more humidity. If the mushrooms look pale, move them to a brighter area.^{[17]
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- The mushrooms will probably start to sprout after seven to ten days, but it can take a few weeks for them to fully mature.
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Harvest the mushrooms once they’re mature. Follow the kit’s instructions for determining when the mushrooms are fully mature, like watching for the outside edge of the mushroom to start curling upward. When they’re ready, either pull the mushrooms off by hand or use a sharp knife to carefully cut them off of the block.^{[18]
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- You now have home-grown mushrooms to add to your favorite salad, stir-fry, or soup!
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Keep the block moist to get a second flush. Many kits will continue growing mushrooms after the first harvest. Each batch of mushrooms is called a flush, and you might get two or three flushes from a kit. Continue harvesting mushrooms until you don’t see any new growth.
- The great thing about these kits is that after they have finished producing mushrooms, you can bury them outdoors under bark mulch or in your compost pile. Then, depending on weather conditions, mushrooms may start to pop up in that spot.

Section 3 of 4:

Growing Mushrooms on a Log Indoors

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Start with a log from a non-aromatic hardwood tree. Good options include maple, poplar, oak and elm. Choose a log that’s 3 or 4 feet (0.9 or 1.2 m) in length and no more than 14 in (36 cm) in diameter.^{[19]
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- Cut the log at least two weeks before plugging, to allow the tree's naturally-formed anti-fungal properties to degrade.
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Drill holes in the log. Use a ⁵⁄₁₆ in (0.79 cm) drill bit to make 2 in (5.1 cm) deep holes in a diamond pattern over the entire log. Space the holes about 4 in (10 cm) apart.^{[20]
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- To colonize a 3–4 ft (0.91–1.22 m) log, you will need approximately 50 plugs.
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Push inoculated plugs into the holes. Use birch plugs that have been fully colonized by mushroom mycelium. These plugs are available online and from specialist mushroom spore suppliers. Place the birch plugs into the holes and tap with a hammer to insert fully.^{[21]
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- If you plan on leaving the logs outdoors you may need to seal the holes with cheese wax or beeswax to protect the plugs from insects and harsh weather. If you plan on keeping the log indoors, in a garage or basement, this usually isn't necessary.
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Wait about six months to a year for mushrooms to appear. Over time, the mushroom mycelium will spread from the birch plugs throughout the log, until the entire piece of wood has been colonized. Once fully colonized, mushrooms will begin to sprout from cracks in the log.^{[22]
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- This typically takes between 6 and 12 months, but depending on temperature and humidity conditions, the mushrooms should return year after year.

Section 4 of 4:

Best Species of Mushrooms to Grow at Home

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Oyster Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest types of mushrooms to grow indoors. There are a number of different strains of oyster mushrooms, each with its own distinct flavor:^{[23]
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- Golden oyster: Golden oysters have a sweet, melon-like smell, but they develop a nutty flavor when cooked. Golden oysters needs a temperature of 65–80 °F (18–27 °C) to grow, and once colonized, they're ready to harvest in about 7–14 days.
- Blue oyster: Blue oyster mushrooms are meaty with a mild flavor. They need temperatures between 55–75 °F (13–24 °C), and they're ready to harvest 7–14 days after colonization.
- Pink oyster: Pink oyster mushrooms are prized for their delicate pink tint and meaty flavor. They can even be used as a substitute for bacon! They need higher temperatures, around 70–80 °F (21–27 °C), and are ready to harvest 7–14 days after colonization.
- Italian oyster: These are considered a delicacy, and they have an aroma similar to licorice. They prefer temperatures of 65–75 °F (18–24 °C), and they're ready 7–10 days after colonization.
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White button Most people are familiar with white button mushrooms—they’re the kind you usually see in grocery stores. They’re versatile and easy to grow, making them a good choice for beginners. They need temperatures between 55–65 °F (13–18 °C) and take about two weeks to mature after colonization.^{[24]
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- White button mushrooms and larger portabellas are actually the same species—white buttons are just harvested earlier.^{[25]
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Lion’s mane Lion’s mane is considered a delicacy—it has a sweet, meaty flavor similar to lobster or crab. It’s also easy to grow, making it a favorite of at-home mushroom growers. They need temperatures of 55–70 °F (13–21 °C) and can be harvested 10–14 after they start fruiting.^{[26]
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Shiitake Shiitake mushrooms are mild and meaty, making them a versatile addition to many recipes. They’re also great for drying to use later. Shiitake mushrooms need temperatures of 55–70 °F (13–21 °C) and take about 10-14 days to fruit after they're colonized.
- Shiitakes require a little additional care to start fruiting, so it may be better to try these after you’ve had success with a beginner-friendly species.^{[27]
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Reishi Reishi mushrooms aren’t good for eating, but they’re often dried and used in teas. They require high temperatures of 65–80 °F (18–27 °C) and are slow-growing—it can take up to 4 months before they're ready to harvest.^{[28]
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- Some studies have shown that reishi mushrooms may help boost the immune system.^{[29]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Where can I buy mushroom spores?

Community Answer

There are many reputable sellers online, but it's worth doing your homework and knowing who you're buying from. Don't just go with a random seller you haven't investigated. You’ll want to know that if they are wild culturing (which usually produces the best mushrooms), and confirm that they have the laboratory facilities to test what they've got. You also want to know that they have a reputation for plugs, spawn or spores that reliably fruit.

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Assuming I use Method #1, how long will the mushrooms continue to grow for further harvests? What additional steps would need to be taken to keep them coming back?

Community Answer

Mushrooms will continue to grow from the medium for 2-4 months, depending on how large the area is. As long as the medium has the required nutrients, they will keep growing. Then, make a new batch and start all over.

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Can mushrooms be grown in ice cube trays or is something deeper needed?

Community Answer

The larger you can make the block, the better. That way it doesn't dry out as easily and has more energy to make mushrooms. You can buy bags of spawn and inoculate bulk substrate, but you need a way to sterilize or pasteurize substrate, so it depends what you plan to grow and what kind of yields and how involved you want to be in the process. You can also buy premade blocks and just open them and let it grow, or buy a mushroom from the store and start from scratch working from agar to a culture to spawn to bulk.

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