How to Grow Morchella Mushrooms

Morchella (morel) mushrooms have a unique flavor prized by gourmet cooks. Used extensively in French cuisine, Morchella have an earthy, woodsy, intense taste often described as addictive. Morchella are expensive because they take a long time to fruit and tend to grow naturally in areas burned by forest fires. Many people enjoy mushroom hunting, but Morchella also grow in backyards with the proper soil preparation, care and patience. Using a commercially purchased mushroom spawn eliminates much of the difficulty of growing these mushrooms.

Things You'll Need

Partially shady area
Morel mushroom spawn
Oak wood chips or mulch

Wood ashes from a wood stove, firepit or fireplace (optional)
Peat moss
Clean sand

Instructions

- 1
  Place the purchased mushroom spawn in a dark location with a temperature of 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for one week. This allows the spawn to recover from traveling.
- 2
  Locate a shady growing area facing north. In the wild, Morchella mushrooms generally grow near oak trees on a north-facing slope. Cool locations away from sprinklers produce the best yields.
- 3
  Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Mix the wood chips, wood ash, peat moss and sand in equal amounts. Apply a 4-inch layer of the mixture to the soil and mix well. Distribute the mushroom spawn according to the product instructions and mix into the soil. Water thoroughly.
- 4
  Cover the entire bed with 4 inches of wood chips and water again. Continue to water when the soil feels dry on the surface, but avoid soggy soil.

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Growing Mushrooms