How to Grow Mushrooms From Mushroom Humus

Prepare the Compost

• 1

  Lay the tarp on a flat area outside. Soak the bail of hay with water. Mix the bail of hay, manure and just 1 cup or so of gypsum with the pitch fork or shovel. Place the mixture into a compost bin or tumbler in a sunny location.

• 2

  Keep the ingredients mixed, by either forking the contents over or turning the tumbler every two to three days. Keep moist and do not allow to dry out.

• 3

  Test frequently with the soil thermometer to make certain the compost is processing at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is not maintaining temperature, try moving the mixture into a barn, garage or other enclosed area.

• 4

  After about four weeks, the compost should be ammonia free, a rich dark color and uniform in texture. Use the mushroom compost as soon as it is done.

Sowing Spawn

• 5

  Line the bottom of a wooden crate with the mushroom humus. Add the compost evenly on top of that.

• 6

  Spread a light layer of peat moss over the compost/spawn mixture. In about two weeks, you should see growth through the peat.

• 7

  Start harvesting when there are buttons or wait until the gills have opened and the mushrooms are larger.

• 8

  Add compost to the garden. The compost that you grew your mushrooms in is useless for another crop, as it has broken down into humus. It makes a great addition to the garden as the humus attracts nutritive compounds and binds them, thus enriching the garden soil.