How to Grow White Mushrooms at Home

A large variety of mushroom species will grow in home controlled circumstances, from shiitakes to oysters. The most popular worldwide mushroom, according to the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Botany, is the white button mushroom. Unlike shiitakes and other brands, white buttons are not grown on logs, but in compost or other organic material. Proper preparation and protection of your mushroom crops will ensure fresh and healthy food for the grower.

Things You'll Need

Compost
Rake or shovel

Mushroom spawn
Clay soil

Instructions

- 1
  Lay a 5- to 6-inch layer of compost in an area of your yard protected from sunlight and wind. The size of the compost pile you create will vary by the number of mushrooms you want to grow.
- 2
  Apply button mushroom spawn to the compost pile, spreading it out along the length of the pile. As the compost settles and cools in place, it will gain a thick consistency, and the nutrients in the compost will feed the mushroom spawn.
- 3
  Maintain the temperature near the compost pile between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This cool, shady location will encourage the mushroom spawn to grow mycelium, which will appear as a white web growing out of the compost.
- 4
  Cover the mycelium with a casing layer of clay soil with no amendments; the casing layer is only to provide protection to the mycelium, not to feed the growing mushrooms.
- 5
  Lower the temperature to between 57 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The mycelium will develop small protrusions that will poke through the soil layer; these will eventually grow into button mushrooms. Full mushrooms will form within two to three months of laying the casing layer.

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