Most of the people who are embarking on their journey to grow mushrooms at home, often get this question in their mind – “Whether I should grow mushrooms indoor or outdoor?”
Don’t worry, we asked Elena Karlsen-Ayala, A Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Plant Pathology at University of Florida, where she shared her knowledge on the mushroom farming practices, Environmental requirements and growth substrates with us.
Mushrooms in potting soil are a frequent issue in both nursery production and home landscapes, both indoors and outdoors. These saprotrophic fungi thrive on the organic components of potting soil and mulch, which can include tree bark, wood chips, pine straw, moss, or leaves. While they generally do not harm plants, their presence can make plants less appealing for sale. Concerns also arise due to potential toxicity to pets and children.
Elena Karlsen-Ayala, Romina Gazis, and Matthew E. Smith –
A Basic Guide to Mushrooms Commonly Encountered in Potted Plants in Florida
What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing mushrooms “indoor” vs “outdoor”
Advantages:
– Year-round production regardless of weather conditions
– Precise control over temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels
– Protection from pests, diseases, and contaminants
– Faster growth cycles and higher yields per square foot
– Ability to grow diverse mushroom species
– More consistent and predictable harvests
Disadvantages:
– Higher startup and operating costs for equipment and facilities
– Space limitations, especially in small living quarters
– Requires specialized knowledge and technical skills
– Higher energy consumption and utility costs
– May produce distinct aromas that could be unpleasant
Outdoor Mushroom Cultivation
Advantages:
– Lower startup and operating costs
– More environmentally sustainable approach
– Better suited for large-scale production
– Makes good use of shaded garden areas
– Can be integrated with other agricultural systems
– More natural growing conditions
Disadvantages:
– Limited by seasonal weather patterns
– Higher contamination risks from pests and wildlife
– Slower growth rates compared to indoor cultivation
– Less control over environmental conditions
– Vulnerable to weather fluctuations that can damage crops
– May require longer time investments
Economic Considerations
Indoor cultivation, despite higher initial costs, often shows better profit potential, with reported estimates of $1 to $3 per square foot net income[8]. However, outdoor cultivation can be more cost-effective for seasonal production, particularly when using natural materials and existing garden space.
About the expert
Elena Karlsen-Ayala is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the field of International Business Development, focusing on Sustainability and Innovation. She has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering strategic partnerships across various industries, particularly in Renewable Energy and Technology
Sources:
- University of Florida IAFS Extension: “A Basic Guide to Mushrooms Commonly Encountered in Potted Plants in Florida”
- Institute of Horticulture Technology: “Is Mushroom a Vegetable? Exploring the World of Mushroom Farming”
- Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences: “Most specialty mushrooms are best cultivated in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) scenarios”
- Urban Farm It: “How to Grow Mushrooms Outdoors”
