Growing your own mushrooms at home can be a satisfying and profitable hobby.
Champignons are a delicious mushroom that many people love, and with proper care and a little patience, you can have fresh, high-quality mushrooms in the comfort of your own home. In this article, I will provide you with a practical guide to growing champignons at home, suitable for beginners.
🌿 Choosing the type of mushroom :
Before you start growing mushrooms , it is important to choose the right species. The most commonly grown species are the white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and the brown mushroom (Agaricus bisporus var. brunnescens). The white mushroom has a mild aroma, while the brown mushroom has a richer flavor. Depending on your preferences, choose the species you want to grow.
🌿 Substrate preparation :
Mushrooms grow on a substrate consisting of a mixture of different materials such as straw, sawdust, manure, compost or a combination of these. The substrate should be sterile to prevent the growth of unwanted organisms. You can buy a ready-made mushroom substrate or prepare it yourself using the appropriate ingredients and a sterilization process.
🌿 Substrate inoculation :
After preparing the substrate, inoculation follows, i.e. introducing mushroom mycelium into the substrate. The mycelium is a network of fine threads that will develop and produce mushroom fruits. You can purchase mycelium as a sterilized commercial culture or you can prepare the mycelium yourself using mycelial prints or starters.
🌿 Creating conditions for growth :
Mushrooms need certain conditions to grow, including the right temperature, humidity, and light. The ideal temperature for growing mushrooms is between 18 and 24°C. It is important to keep the humidity of the substrate at the right level, usually around 70-80%. You can use a humidifier to maintain humidity or cover the substrate with plastic wrap. Mushrooms do not need direct sunlight, but they do need light to thrive, so provide diffused lighting in the room or use artificial lighting with fluorescent or LED lights.
🌿 Maintaining optimal conditions :
Regularly check the temperature and humidity in the room and adjust if necessary. If you notice that the substrate is dry, you can lightly spray it with water. Also, check the substrate for the presence of diseases or pests and take the necessary measures to control them.
🌿 Proper harvesting :
When the mushrooms have reached the desired size and shape, it is time to harvest. Mushrooms are best picked when the caps are fully developed, but before they open and start releasing spores. Use a sharp knife or your fingers to carefully cut the mushrooms above the substrate. Some mushrooms will regrow after the first picking, allowing you to harvest more.
🌿 Maintaining hygiene :
To prevent disease and infection, it is important to maintain high standards of hygiene. Regularly clean your work surface, tools, and containers used to grow mushrooms. Also, wash your hands before handling mushrooms to prevent the introduction of unwanted organisms.
Growing mushrooms at home can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and a careful approach, you can achieve successful results. Enjoy the fresh and delicious fruits of your own cultivation, whether you use them for culinary purposes or as part of a healthy diet.
Grow your own mushrooms at home , together with your children, and watch them grow quickly. The starter set gives you everything you need to start growing mushrooms at home: https://gardenshop.hr/products/set-uzgoj-ekoloskih-gljiva-sampijona-za-djecu
Start your adventure of growing mushrooms at home today and discover the joy and satisfaction that comes from growing these delicious mushrooms yourself. Follow our steps and instructions, adjust the conditions to your needs, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy growing!
