Select a mushroom variety suitable for home cultivation. Popular options include oyster mushrooms, button mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms.
Mushrooms grow on a substrate which can be made from various materials such as straw, sawdust, or compost. Sterilize the substrate to remove any competing organisms that could hinder mushroom growth.
Once the substrate is prepared, inoculate it with mushroom spawn. You can purchase mushroom spawn from local suppliers or online stores. Spread the spawn evenly throughout the substrate.
Place the inoculated substrate in a warm, dark environment to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate. Maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for your chosen mushroom variety.
After the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate, introduce the substrate to light and fresh air to initiate fruiting. Maintain proper humidity levels by misting the growing area regularly.
Harvest the mushrooms when they reach the desired size. Use a clean knife to cut them close to the substrate surface. Reaping should be done gently to avoid damaging the mycelium.
After harvesting, the substrate may produce additional flushes of mushrooms. Continue to provide proper care and maintenance to encourage more fruiting cycles.