How to Grow Mushrooms to Eat

Purchase sterile compost for growing mushrooms. Although mushrooms naturally pop up in rotting vegetation on forest floors or among piles of cow manure, growing these tasty morsels for consumption requires safety precautions. You can avoid bacteria by using fresh, sealed bags of compost.

Select a broad, shallow container such as a large casserole dish or plastic storage tub. Place a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost in the waterproof container. Smooth the top of the compost so it forms an even surface, free of dips and ridges.

Mist a fine spray of water over the surface of your compost until it glistens with moisture. Do not allow pools to form or water to puddle.Scatter your mushroom spores, also known as spawn, evenly over the damp surface of your compost.

Place a thin layer of peat, about one-quarter of an inch thick over the top of your scattered spores. Lightly mist the surface of the peat until evenly damp. Cover the top of your container with a piece of plastic wrap to help hold in humidity. Puncture the wrap in four or five places with the tip of a sharp kitchen knife.

Place your mushroom garden in a dark, warm location, such as a closet or cupboard. Keep the temperature in this location around 75 F. Watch for mushrooms to begin appearing in one to two weeks. Small mushrooms can cover the surface of your soil after two to three weeks. Check the moisture in your mushroom garden about once every three to four days. Add a fine spray of water over the surface when it shows signs of slight dryness.

Harvest your mushrooms as they begin to mature. Known as a mushroom run, this harvest period may last several weeks as new mushrooms grow and ripen. Thoroughly rinse the harvested mushrooms in clean water before adding to your dishes.