Best Reasons to Learn How to Grow Mushrooms
Do you love mushrooms? Are you tired of spending a lot of money on them at the store? Maybe you are just interested in learning how to grow different things. Learning to grow mushrooms is a worthwhile endeavor whether you want to grow for yourself and your neighbors, or you want to eventually create a business. If you are still on the fence, consider all of the best reasons to start growing mushrooms that we’ve detailed below.
They Are Tasty
Of course, one of the main reasons people choose to grow mushrooms is because they enjoy the taste. By learning to grow a range of different types of mushrooms, they can be used in a wide variety of different types of food. These yummy fungi can be used to make soups, add them to stir fry, and put them on pizza, in tea, gravy, and countless other dishes.
You will also find that the mushrooms you grow yourself tend to be superior to those found in the stores. They are fresh, they tend to retain nutrients, they taste better, and you know exactly what went into growing them.
Mushrooms Are Healthy
Although mushrooms might look unassuming, they are good for you. They tend to be high in B vitamins, as well as vitamin C and minerals. Mushrooms also contain selenium, which works in conjunction with vitamin E to help remove free radicals. Some of the other nutrients found in many mushrooms include zinc, copper, phosphorus, and potassium.
You will also appreciate that they are high in protein for their weight, low in fat, and contain all of the essential amino acids. They truly are a superfood, so be sure to add some fresh, homegrown mushrooms to your diet.
Growing Is Fun
Learning something new is always a great experience. You will find that growing mushrooms happen to be a lot of fun, too. Think about the satisfaction you will have when learning more about mushrooms and how to improve your cultivation techniques. Once you begin, you will likely want to start growing other types of mushrooms, not just for the variety, but for the joy of seeing them grow.
Mushrooms Grow Quickly – One of the Best Reasons
You might be surprised when you compare the growth rate of mushrooms to a lot of other foods. It generally only takes a few weeks to get the first mushrooms to the point where they are ready to harvest. Some types of mushrooms may grow even faster, as different ones have different rates of growth.
Some of the types of mushrooms often grown on logs include oyster, shiitake, lion’s mane, reishi, and maitake. Those who are growing from kits will find that white button, wine cap, enoki, and shaggy mane work nicely. Experiment and find which ones you enjoy the most and focus on those.
It’s Easier Than You Think
It doesn’t cost much to get into growing mushrooms whether you are doing it as a hobby for yourself, or if you want to feed all of your friends. Also, you don’t need to have a lot of space to grow. It is often possible to grow them indoors, even in an apartment, with the right types of kits. However, when you are getting started, the best course of action is to get some insight from those who have done it before. This will reduce the risk of making mistakes that could cost you a harvest.
It Is an Educational Experience
When you start to grow mushrooms, you are going to learn more than you might realize. Not only will you understand the various cultivation techniques, but you will start to learn more about different types of mushrooms. You will also learn more about how important mushrooms are to the ecosystem. Whether you are an adult who wants to learn more, or you have kids who will benefit, it is an enjoyable and enlightening experience.
Additionally, you will start to become more aware of mushrooms that you see out in the wild. Of course, you should never eat any mushrooms you find unless you can 100% identify what they are and whether they are safe. Learning to grow your own, though, is often the start of another hobby—mushroom hunting.
Become More Self-Sufficient
If you are like a lot of people today, becoming more self-sufficient is important to you. The more you learn to grow for yourself the better. You will love adding another type of food to your usual harvests whether you have a farm of your own or you are living downtown in a condo. What about using them to barter with your neighbors? If you have mushrooms, they might be willing to trade eggs for them, for example.
Save Money
When was the last time you bought quality mushrooms at the grocery store? You probably balked at the price. They can be quite costly. However, when you take the time to learn how to grow your own, you will save a ton. If you have family members and friends who enjoy mushrooms, consider expanding and growing enough to provide some mushrooms to everyone.
Learn the Right Way
Foraging for mushrooms can also be fun, but it has the potential to be dangerous for those who don’t have proper training. It’s far safer to cultivate mushrooms you know are safe to eat. Although growing is easy, it is a good idea to get some help and guidance along the way, so you know you are doing it right. That’s where we can help.
Start Growing Your Own Mushrooms
If you are interested in learning how to grow mushrooms, you will want to check out the Mellow Nomad mushroom class that will be taught by John and Amanda Gasner here at Stoney Creek Farm. It takes place on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $40 and comes with instructions and a small kit to help you get started growing. The class will cover various cultivation techniques, growing parameters, and more.
