How to Grow Mushroom Spawn

Mushrooms are a fungus rather than a leafy plant, so have a different manner of growing and set of needs. They require extreme humidity and moisture, but can grow effectively without much soil or light. Unlike plants, which grow from seeds or bulbs, mushrooms grow from spores, also known as spawn and cultures. To grow mushroom spawn, gather some common household items.

Things You'll Need

Shoe box
Wood shavings
Topsoil

Heating pad
Spray bottle
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Put 3 to 4 inches of wood shavings in a shoe box as your mushroom-growing foundation. These fungi need support and moisture, and can grow without too much soil. Spray your foundation with water, then inject your mushroom spawn into the shavings, following the instructions that come with it.
- 2
  Set your heating pad to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and put it in a cupboard or drawers. Mushrooms need a warm, dark place where humidity can build up, so unused cupboards are ideal. Set your mushroom box on the heating pad and leave it for three weeks for the mushroom colony to establish. Spray the shavings every day with water to maintain humidity.
- 3
  Add a 1/4 inch layer of topsoil after the third week, to encourage mushroom sprouting, and set your heating pad to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to spray the foundation with water once a day, and watch for mushrooms to sprout in another three to four weeks.

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