There has been a huge resurgence of people growing their own food, with urban farming, growing kits, and window ledge gardens booming in popularity.
To combat increased living costs and be more conscious of the environment, many people are reducing the amount of food they’re buying from stores and big suppliers.
It’s one thing to enjoy cooking a delicious meal, it’s a whole other level when you have grown the ingredients yourself.
To be more conscious of the time and energy required, as well as have an understanding of the growing process, leads to a deeply appreciative and respectful attitude towards food.
This has never been more important than now when we are living in a world of convenience in which many people have disconnected from nature, and in effect, their food.
Mushrooms are a delicious and densely nutritious plant-based food source. They are experiencing a surge in popularity as more people switch towards a plant-based diet.
Their earthy, nutty flavors and succulent textures, when cooked, offer a protein-rich meat substitute for vegan and vegetarian diets. Whether tossed in a stir-fry, layered on toast, or cooked into a soup, mushrooms are a fantastic addition to any dish.
Mushrooms growing kits make growing your own mushrooms at home easier than it's ever been. There's a wide range of kits available that can be used at home, many of which can be used year-round.
Which mushrooms should I grow? Do I want Pink or Pearl Oysters? What is a flush of mushrooms?
All valid questions and just a few of the many things to consider when growing your own mushrooms.
We’ve sampled the best available mushroom growing kits to provide a breakdown of their contents, growing process, and expected harvest. Read on to find the perfect mushroom growing kit for you.
OUR TOP PICK
The company founders at Back to the Roots learned about growing mushrooms from coffee grounds whilst studying at college.
Soon after, they set up the company and created their first product.
They are on a mission to reconnect people with their food, encouraging people to grow their own food and to gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from.
Their products are 100% organic and non-GMO, meaning that there are no added chemicals or intoxicants added.
The instructions are detailed yet laid out clearly and concisely, which makes the whole process quick and easy. Follow the instructions, and you will be able to harvest and cook your mushrooms in around ten days.
The mushrooms' will grow year-round, and each kit should produce two to three flushes of delicious oyster mushrooms.
The company has a 100% growth guarantee, whilst they will happily replace any product a customer may not be completely satisfied with.
For those who share their mushroom progress on social media, the company will donate a mushroom growing kit to a school class of their choice.
The company offers a range of different growing kits, including mini mushrooms and pink Oyster mushrooms.
Pros
- Organic - 100% organic and non-GMO
- Instructions - Detailed yet easy to follow instructions
- Year-Round - These will grow all year round as long as the instructions are followed
- Customer Service - 100% guaranteed to grow. Customers can request a replacement if not completely happy
- Yield - Two to three flushes of mushrooms per growing kit
Cons
- Harvest - All the mushrooms must be harvested as soon as they are ready, or they might dry out quickly
EDITORS CHOICE
Forest Origins was founded by Alan after he grew up watching his father farm mushrooms for over thirty years.
The company is about “reconnecting with nature and discovering new passions.” The companies deep history and passion is evident in their products and customer service.
The kit is easy to set up and use, requiring only a couple of mists of water a day to grow the first flush of mushrooms in only seven days.
Each kit should provide two to three flushes, though some customers have noted they managed up to five flushes per kit. Their fantastic customer service is highlighted by their 100% guaranteed growing promise.
If any customer isn’t satisfied with the results, they can contact the company for a replacement or refund.
This kit really is suitable for all ages and levels of experience, meaning the whole family can get involved and enjoy watching the mushrooms grow before they’re gobbled down.
Pros
- Growing Speed - Fast-growing mushrooms, ready in only 7 days
- Yield - Two to three flushes of mushrooms per growing kit
- Customer Service - 100% guaranteed to grow. Customers can request a replacement or a refund if they’re not completely happy
- Experience - The company founder's father was a mushroom farmer for over thirty years
Cons
- Toughness - These mushrooms might have a tougher texture than some other Oyster varieties
BEST VALUE
The team at Root Mushroom Farm has grown its passion for Fungi into a booming business.
They offer a wide range of mushroom growing products including growing kits, liquid cultures, and other growing supplies any mushroom farmer might need.
They have a strong affinity for nature and respect for the environment, with their products being 100% organic and all-natural.
One way they put this into action is the use of agricultural waste such as coffee grounds, sawdust, and wheat bran to grow their gourmet mushrooms.
Their growing kits come ready to go and provide everything required for growing a successful flush of mushrooms.
The instructions are clear and concise, with additional information also being available on their website.
After setting up the kit, around seven days later the mushrooms will be ready to harvest and cook.
The company demonstrates commendable customer service with its 100% guaranteed satisfaction promise. If any customer is unsatisfied with their product or results, they can claim a refund or replacement growing kit.
Pros
- Contents - Everything required to start growing mushrooms the day your package arrives
- Instructions - Clear and concise instructions
- Organic - 100% organic and all-natural
- Fast-Growing - Mushrooms ready to harvest after only seven days
- Customer Service - 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Customers may claim a refund or replacement if they are not fully satisfied
Cons
- Multiple Flushes? - Some customers reported only growing one flush, though this could be to any number of variables
RUNNER UP
The Michigan Mushroom Company has built up a stellar reputation with their prize-winning Lions mane mushrooms causing quite a stir in the restaurant industry.
They also supply numerous gourmet restaurants across Metro Detroit, Michigan.
The kit will allow you to grow your own nutritious and delicious Lions Mane mushrooms at home. Mushrooms will even grow quite well in warmer climates, and these succulent delights can grow to sizes of seven inches in diameter.
The extra-large grow bag provides a bigger growing environment to aid you in growing a large and hearty amount of mushrooms.
Each yield can produce a whopping 4 lbs of mushrooms, whilst each growing kit can yield up to four flushes of mushrooms over two months.
The company also displays exemplary customer care as they offer discounts on delays, will replace any damaged package, and offer a money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Reputation - Prize-winning mushroom farmers who provide mushrooms to gourmet eateries across Metro Detroit
- Yield - Up to four flushes of mushrooms from each growing kit
- Growing Speed - Fast-growing mushrooms
- Extra-large Grow Bag - Bigger environment for a larger amount of mushrooms
- Customer Service - Delay discounts, replace all damaged packages, or a money-back guarantee
Cons
- Variant - Some packages have contained a different variant of mushroom
RUNNER UP
Once again, the team at Root Mushroom Farm has excelled with their Shiitake mushroom log growing kit.
100% organic agricultural waste is used to grow their mushrooms to reinforce their commitment to the environment.
The kit provides a log for growing mushrooms instead of being stuffed away in a box or grow bag.
This log is then kept in the provided humidity tent during the growing process. This adds a special feeling as one watches the mushrooms grow on the log, just like they would in the great outdoors.
Growers can expect tasty Shiitake mushrooms to start appearing after only four days.
Customers can also expect multiple flushes per kit. Everything is included in the kit along with their simple, clear, and informative instructions.
The company website also has further instructions if needed, as well as a useful question and answer section. It’s important to remember that Shiitake mushrooms generally grow much better in cooler climates.
The company provides excellent customer care with a promise to refund or replace any product a customer is not 100% satisfied with.
Pros
- Contents - Everything required to start growing mushrooms the day your package arrives
- Instructions - Clear and concise instructions
- Organic - 100% organic and all-natural
- Log Kit - Fascinating and engaging way to grow mushrooms at home
- Fast Growing - Mushrooms will grow in only four days
- Customer Service - 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Customers may claim a refund or replacement if they are not fully satisfied
Cons
- Space - Some users may find the log and humidity tent takes up too much room in their allotted growing space
Best Mushroom Growing Kit Buying Guide
Types Of Mushroom
There are around fourteen-thousand species of mushrooms that have so far been discovered, and dozens of these are known to be edible.
Some of the most common mushrooms seen in the store or at the market include white button, Oyster, Shiitake, Portabello, Chanterelles, and Lions Mane mushrooms.
Below is an insight into the species of mushrooms featured in the growing kits above.
- Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Oyster mushrooms have a savory, nutty flavor with a hint of anise. They have a soft, slightly chewy texture, and they are delicious when sautéed or stir-fried.
There are numerous kinds of oyster mushrooms including Pearl, Blue, Golden, Pink, Phoenix, and King Oyster.
They are one of the easiest to grow at home, hence the incredible variety of oyster mushroom growing kits available.
- Lions Mane (Hericum erinaceus)
Lions Mane mushrooms are notorious for their seafood-like taste. When cooked, they are tender, juicy, and delicately chewy, whilst they are highly absorbent when taking on the flavor of spices and sauces.
Often they are a popular meat replacement for many dishes due to their meaty texture and ability to absorb flavor.
- Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms are used fresh or dried in cooking and are known for their strong, earthy aroma.
They have a prominent umami taste, that is rich, buttery, and meaty when cooked. Incredibly popular in Asian cuisine, delicious when grilled or used in stir-fries, hot pots, and pot roasts.
Climate
Different species of mushrooms can have specific requirements when growing in relation to light, moisture, and air circulation.
It’s essential to carefully read the requirements for a growing kit before you purchase it, to ensure that you can create the right environment in your home for a successful growing experience.
Hygiene
Hygiene is imperative to consider when growing mushrooms outside or with an indoor growing kit.
Mushrooms need a sterile environment that hasn't been exposed to potentially harmful bacteria. As such, it's essential to thoroughly wash your hands, and arms up to the elbow when handling spores or spawn.
It’s also important to thoroughly wash all containers with soap and water before they are used.
Kit Contents
Most growing kits will come with everything you need to successfully grow your own mushrooms. Many of them simply require you to open the box, arrange the package as instructed, then add water.
If you are looking to grow mushrooms often, then you might find that certain tools or equipment become useful to you and your methods.
With these kits, the main thing is finding a suitable place in your home for them to grow according to the environmental requirements.
Difficulty
Although some species of mushrooms can be easier to grow at home than others (for example Oyster mushrooms), most growing kits are suitable for those without any growing experience.
They are designed to encourage new inquisitive growers to take on the challenge of growing their own food.
As long as the instructions are followed, then anyone can feel the pride in growing their first flush of mushrooms in no time at all.
Growing Time
Although the growing time with the growing kits can vary, many of them will provide mushrooms ready to eat after around ten days.
The growing kits are designed to provide fast-growing mushrooms that, ideally, will then provide additional flushes after the first successful harvest.
Yield
The expected yield from mushroom growing kits is dependent on a number of variables. The species of mushroom, size of the growing bag, and the number of flushes depend on each specific growing kit.
Some suppliers will state the expected yield per flush, whilst others may advise the expected number of flushes (harvests) for each growing kit.
Some might provide one or two flushes, whilst others can provide over four with attentive care.
Best Mushroom Growing Kit - FAQ's
What Is A Flush Of Mushrooms?
A flush refers to the harvest of mushrooms. Each kit will grow the first flush before being ready to harvest. Most kits will then be able to continue growing multiple additional flushes, though this does vary from kit to kit.
What Nutritional Value Do Mushrooms Have?
Mushrooms are a fantastic rich and low-calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. If exposed to sunlight or UV grow lamps, they will also hold a hefty amount of vitamin D.
They can even be left out on the counter in sunlight before cooking to increase their vitamin D count 9important if they have been grown indoors without UV lights).
Mushrooms also contain B vitamins and the antioxidant selenium, which aids the immune system whilst protecting cells and tissues. They may also help manage neurodegenerative conditions and Alzheimer’s.
Which Kind Of Mushroom Is Best?
This comes down to personal preference regarding taste, aroma, and texture. Each species of mushroom has its unique flavors and textures.
This means some species are better suited for certain cooking techniques (such as sautéed or fried) or some may work better as replacements for meats in other dishes (such as Lions Mane having a seafood-like taste.)
How Long Should It Take To Grow Mushrooms?
Mushrooms that grow outside can take between six months and three years to grow in the presence of sunlight.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons that mushroom growing kits continue to increase in popularity and use.
The growing time can vary with each kit, though many of the kits detailed in this article will be ready to harvest around a week to ten days.
What Time Of Year Should I Grow Mushrooms?
Most mushroom growing kits are suitable to be grown all year round, though in some extreme climates this may not be possible.
As long as the instructions are followed, there shouldn't be an issue with harvesting a good yield of mushrooms come rain or shine.
It’s important to consider how the season may affect temperatures within the household that you are growing in. It may be that you can only grow it in one room which provides the most suitable temperature and climate.
How Often Should I Water My Mushrooms?
This is dependent on the specific growing kit you are using. Each will come with detailed instructions on how frequently the kit will need watering, and how much water to use each time.
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