Kits are great for beginners, but are certainly suitable for seasoned growers, too. They make everything very straightforward, and this easily makes up for the initial cost of purchasing a kit. A big benefit of them is that you can grow such a large variety of fungi. You can grow whatever you desire, rather than being limited to what you can find in your local supermarket. You also avoid the dangers of foraging for wild fungi, and can be assured of safe food.
Whatever your taste in fungi, you can probably get a kit to grow it. Everything from plain portobellos to the more substantial shitake are available, and are very easy to cultivate. Other varieties include crimini, enoki, maitake, and white button. Note that each variety has its own needs, with some needing a different kind of substratum (see below) than others.
There is a huge selection of kits on the market, and they can be found at home and garden centers and of course online. If you prefer to go the organic route, these are available too. You should be aware that the quality of kits can vary, with some manufacturers producing better ones than others. It's therefore always best to buy from a reputable supplier.
The products themselves usually consist of fungi mycelium and a substratum to spawn it on. As mentioned earlier, the substratum will differ based on the type of fungi to be grown. Whatever type it is, it will sterilised and ready to be prepared for cultivation.
In general, the substratum will need to be prepped by cooling it. This mimics the effect of fall temperatures and spurs the fungi mycelium into action. Each kit should provide adequate instructions on how to properly prep the substratum for optimum results.
It is best to place your fungi in a dark, cool, moist environment for growing. A basement is often a good place, or under a sink. A good idea is to check the temperature of your intended growing space to ensure it is in the ideal range. Most fungi do best in a temperature of between fifty-five and sixty degrees Fahrenheit. They should be kept away from drafts, heat and anything else that may dry them out.
Once you have decided on a good place for cultivation, all you then need do is spritz your substratum every day to keep it moist. Within a few weeks your fungi should be ready for harvesting. If done every day, you should get crops for some months. When you buy mushroom growing kits you are investing in a terrific way to grow your own food. Many folks start this way and find it to be an incredibly satisfying way to get a steady supply of delicious fresh food.
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