How To Grow Button Mushrooms Without A Kit? Complete Guide

How To Grow Button Mushrooms Without A Kit?: If there’s one thing I’ve struggled with, it’s figuring out how to grow mushrooms without a kit. However, there were so many advantages that I couldn’t bring myself to stop.

I’m sure you’d like to reap these benefits while growing your mushrooms. The good news is that you won’t have to face the same difficulties that I did. I conducted extensive research and recorded them. I’ve then compiled them in this article for your convenience.

What Are Button Mushrooms?

There will be a lot of talk about button mushrooms. That is why you want to incorporate them into your gardening activities. That’s what piqued my curiosity in the first place.

So, what exactly are they?

They are, as the name suggests, a type of mushroom. They are, however, the most popular type. They’re also available in most supermarkets.
It is a gilled fungus that grows naturally in North America and Europe. It has an excellent flavor and can be cooked as food.

Button Mushroom Varieties

If you wish to grow mushrooms, you can do so in a number of ways. Generally, all forms can be grown, with the exception of certain unusual mushroom varieties.

You can grow the following varieties:

Cremini mushrooms
White button mushroom
Enoki mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms
Wine caps

However, it is important to understand that these varieties have specific requirements. To get the best results, for example, you’ll need unique rising mediums.

For example,

I discovered that straw is best suited for oyster mushrooms. When I tried shiitake mushrooms on hardwood sawdust and wood, I got the best results.
Then, for white button mushrooms, decomposed manure served best.
As a result, you should keep this in mind when selecting a variety.

Button Mushroom Growing Conditions

When it comes to growing conditions, mushrooms are one-of-a-kind. And if you don’t fully comprehend these circumstances, you’re in for a bad time.

I tried mushrooms for the first time a few months ago. I figured I could do it now that I wasn’t a newbie gardener. Ok, I was mistaken. Button mushrooms have their own set of rules. And I say rules because failing to obey them would result in the death of your mushroom.

Don’t worry; I’ll explain these rules to you. However, before you can do that, you must first understand how mushrooms grow.

How Does Mushroom Grow?

Mushrooms begin as spores and develop from there. Are sounds familiar, doesn’t it? These are, after all, mushroom seeds. The only difference is that you can’t see them through your own eyes. These spores are usually better suited for substances such as dust, grain, wood chips, and straw rather than normal soil.

To make a spawn, combine the spores with each of these substances. This spawn then develops into a threadlike structure. In exchange, this structure, known as mycelium, is what eventually turns into your mushroom.

Conditions Needed for the Growth of a Button Mushroom

Here are the guidelines or requirements that must be met in order for you to grow a mushroom.

Ideal Temperature

The first set of rules concerns the temperature of the area in which you intend to expand.

Mushrooms usually grow best in warm climates. As a result, you’ll need to keep your compost wet.
It’s actually very easy. Your mushroom begins to die as soon as it comes into contact with cold compost.
As a result, keep it warm at all times. In colder weather, you can also use a heating pad. You’re ready to go once the temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, keep in mind that although being warm is beneficial, being overheated is detrimental. As a result, keep your spawn at the recommended temperature.

To Moisten Or Not

If you want to track progress, you can’t play with your spawn’s moisture level. It will need to be kept moist. As a result, it is best to check it every day to ensure that it is moist. If it isn’t, you can still squirt a little more water on it. However, use a gentle spray. Also, make sure not to spill water directly into your spawn. This is because if you don’t, your spores won’t develop as quickly as they can.

Ideal Location

If you want to get the best results, you’ll need to pay attention to your place.

This usually entails finding a humid and dark location for your rising activities.
Typically, a place underneath your basement or near the sink would suffice. Only bear in mind that you’ll need a dark place where sunlight won’t get in.
Even unless you have three years to grow your mushrooms, stop growing them outside. You’ll squander a lot of time on it.

How To Grow Button Mushrooms Without A Kit?

To tell you the truth, I thought it was difficult to get my mushroom without a pack. Ok, it turns out I was mistaken. The wonderful truth is that you can grow mushrooms without the use of a kit. Yes, it takes a long time. Yes, it is a little overwhelming. However, if you take this approach, you will be pleased with the outcome.

So, Let’s get started with a step-by-step guide to growing mushrooms without a mushroom kit.

Step 1: Get some Spawns

As I previously said, spores and spawns work similarly to seeds. So, in order to begin planting, you’ll need to buy your mushroom variety’s spawn. While spores can be purchased, the process is more time-consuming. So going for spawns will be beneficial.

Step 2: Fill Your Medium or Container

The next step is to identify a growth medium.

Typically, a shallow container would suffice. Pots or grow pockets, on the other hand, have proven to be useful in the past.
Then, add decomposed manure to this container or grow bag. Also, be certain that the manures have fully decomposed.
It’s also a good idea to blend the compost with vermiculite. It adds moisture retention and aeration to the nutrients produced by manure.
After that, sprinkle some spawn on top of your manure. Don’t forget to provide water at this stage.

Step 3: Moisture Content

As I previously mentioned, your mushrooms need a lot of moisture to grow. As a result, provide them with a moist environment. It is important that the medium does not dry out. You can still do this with a sprinkler and a damp rag. Then, if the cloth feels dry, you add another sprinkler.

Step 4: Adjust the Heating Level

Once again, your button mushroom needs a very warm temperature. As a result, you must keep this in mind throughout the growing stage.
However, as mushrooms grow, their temperature requirements alter. For example, 70 degrees Fahrenheit works properly at first.
Then, once you’ve obtained your threadlike mycelium, you’ll need to reduce the room temperature to between 55- and 60-degrees Fahrenheit.
Although this can be difficult, it is not. What you will need is a heating pad. Then you can use it to optimize the temperature of your mushroom for the best effect.

Step 5: Pick Your Mushrooms

You should be able to reap after going through the rising process. And this is normally 3 to 4 weeks after sowing.
You’ll need to have your mushroom caps open. Then, with a sterilized and sharp knife, you can easily harvest them.
During harvest, stop pulling the stem of your plant. This is due to the fact that this procedure has the potential to kill your young mushrooms.

Read more about How Hard Is It to Grow Mushrooms?

Button Mushrooms Growing Tips

So far, you’ve probably noticed that growing mushrooms isn’t like growing other fruits and vegetables. For example, while tomatoes need a constant supply of light, sunlight destroys mushrooms.

So, in order to have the best experience possible, keep the following tips in mind.

Casing

A casing is something that I’ve found to be really useful. And this will come in handy once you start seeing mycelium.
This usually happens within three weeks. You can discontinue using the heating pad I mentioned earlier when you see this.
Then, in an equal proportion, combine vermiculite and manure. After that, apply one inch of the mixture to the mycelium.
This will allow your button mushrooms to bloom and appear.
It’s also a good idea to combine soil and peat, or chalk and peat. However, after this, make sure to cover the mixture with plastic wrap.
Even, it’s a good idea to get some water before you cover. Once more, a sprinkling. So don’t saturate your mycelium with water.

Constant Supply

After my first harvest, I returned to the store to purchase spawns. I had picked all of my mushrooms, and there was nothing growing on them anymore. You should easily prevent this. With the damp cloth on, what you’ll have to do is make sure your mushroom has a high moisture level. Then you can ensure a consistent supply for at least six months.

Pests and Diseases That Are Common

This is necessary if you want to reap any benefits from your growing expedition. You’ll have to battle rodents and diseases. I’ve had my share of issues with them. And I can assure you that they are incredibly upsetting. So, here are some of my top picks for you to keep an eye out for. Of course, there’s still the question of how to get rid of them.

Dactylium Illness

This is a common disease that you will encounter. It appears as a cottony, webbed growth on the surface of your mushroom and casing.
It can turn pink or gray in some cases. The mushroom will then grow a watery and soft rot as a result.
Fortunately, good sanitation practices will easily eliminate this disease. All you have to do is keep your instrument, tools, and casing clean and sanitized.

Spotted Verticillium

This is also very normal, and it manifests itself as deformed mushrooms or slight spotting on your mushroom.
It can even be serious, resulting in a dry bubble. Your mushroom will also develop fuzzy, gray development.
It is not, however, irreversible. You can quickly get rid of this by using salt.
All you have to do is put some salt in a cup. After that, placed it near the fuzzy bubbles. They should dry in a reasonable amount of time.
Fungicides should be avoided. This is due to the fact that they have the potential to consume your mushrooms as well.

Green Mucus

When the thick layer of mycelium in your mycelium starts to turn green, you have green mold. You’ll know for sure when your mushroom becomes twisted, broken, or green.
This can still be avoided and remedied by using good sanitation methods. Also, make certain that your compost has been properly sterilized before use.

Frequently Answered Questions Regarding Growing Mushrooms

Is it Possible to grow Mushrooms from Store-bought Mushrooms?

Yes, you can, and the process of growth is even quicker. You don’t have to wait for spores; you can quickly increase the amount of mycelium on your mushroom.

Learn more about How to Get Rid of Mushrooms in the Lawn with Vinegar?

Is It Possible to Grow Button Mushrooms at Home?

Mushrooms can be grown at home. All you have to do is mix equal parts manure and compost, then dump it into a tray with spores and wait for your mushrooms to sprout.

How Do You Naturally Grow Mushrooms?

You just need to do the following:

Fill a pan halfway with sawdust and dampen it with sweat.
Cover it with sawdust and add your spores; cover it with a plastic bag or place it in a plastic jar.
Continue to mist your tray every day until it maintains its moisture level

Read more about What Mushrooms Are Safe to Eat?

Is It Difficult to Grow Mushrooms at Home?

Due to the strict climatic conditions required, growing your mushroom at home can be very difficult. Even so, with a little effort, you can recreate the conditions and have it growing in no time.

Conclusion: How To Grow Button Mushrooms Without A Kit?

You should still go out and buy a mushroom kit for about $50. However, it can be very costly. You don’t have to waste money any longer. You can easily cultivate your own mushroom. And without a mushroom to boot. I‘ve been there, done that. It’s now your turn. All you have to do is follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be fine.