Guide to Growing Mushrooms Outdoors

Types of Mushrooms

• Shiitake and oyster mushrooms are the only domesticated mushroom varieties and the most common for growing at home. Additional edible wild mushroom varieties include morels, Chinese Ling Chi, Chicken-of-the-Woods and White Button.

Kits and Spawn

• Blocks of spores called spawn are required for growing mushrooms. Kits are available that include laboratory grown spores necessary for growing mushrooms. Kits range from just-add-water types for beginners to prepared spawn for more experience growers.

Light and Temperature

• Mushrooms grow best where consistent temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit are maintained. They thrive in dark locations but will tolerate light. Mushrooms require consistent moisture.

Surface Requirements

• Mushrooms grow in compost, manure, on logs and tree stumps, wet straw, and sawdust. Purchase prepared manure compost or grow mushrooms around trees, depending on the selected variety. Some mushroom varieties will grow in the lawn and in other dark, moist locations and materials.