How to Grow Your Own Edible Mushrooms

Mushrooms, a delicacy to many people, are rare in certain parts of the country and the world. They're used in all types of dishes or sauteed and eaten alone. People have a little trouble finding mushrooms, though, because they grow in the wild and only in certain conditions. When it comes to hunting mushrooms for food, unless you're an expert, you could end up with toxic varieties which can kill. Avoid paying high prices for a few mushroom slices or journeying through the woods in search of your own by growing some in your basement or another dark area of your home.

Although you may not have a store in your hometown that sells mushroom kits they're available online in assorted varieties. Some places that sell flowers or garden seeds offer the mushrooms in a kit. Although some mushroom kits are only available during certain months of the year others are shipped year-round. It's illegal for these companies to send the mushroom kits to some states, though, so be sure your state allows the transport of mushrooms, through the mail, before ordering.

Mushroom kits are generally a cardboard box that has been pre-inoculated to grow mushrooms. Buttons, portabella and shiitake mushrooms are some of the edible varieties that can be ordered in a kit. Usually, all that is required of the grower is to water the container then place in a cool, dark area. Some kits, however, come with a "humidity tent" to keep the mushrooms damp. No matter what type of mushroom kit you order instructions will be included to guide you through growing the delicious edibles.

Kits can be ordered in various sizes, sometimes, with choices like standard size or giant size mushrooms. The kits, after watered and sheltered from light, can produce mushrooms for up to 15 weeks, depending upon the variety. Some mushroom kits can produce five pounds of mushrooms over weeks. The kits can cost $25 and up, but most kits remain under $50.

The kits make a great gift for mushroom lovers, cooking enthusiasts, or even school-aged children. Kids can learn a lot about science and nature by growing their own mushrooms. Check online to find the kits and compare prices before obligating yourself. Make sure the website states the type of mushroom, approximate yield, and what type of container houses the mushrooms. You won't believe the difference in taste between canned or jarred mushrooms and ones picked fresh from your own basement or closet. You're in for a tasty treat.