Great edible 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 your wild patches are sparse. Growing mushrooms is also a great school project, and can be done safely and easily on a spare countertop.
Agaricus augustus Photo © Fred Stevens
What kind of mushrooms can I grow?
Agaricus augustus Photo © Fred Stevens
A variety of fungi can be grown at home, including everything from common "white button" mushrooms to gourmet morels, shiitakes, and even truffles. Some species are harder to grow than others, so if you're just starting out, try oyster mushrooms and shiitakes 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 start-up kit. These kits typically include everything, and just need water. Check the links in the sidebar to the right for places to get kits.
SOMA Cultivation Group
If you're a SOMA member, you can join the Cultivation Group to learn more about cultivating mushrooms at home, and make your own cultivation kit.
