Monster Mushroom Company works to simplify the experience of growing mushrooms. We aim to empower those seeking to grow their own food and fungal medicine. Shop now for mushroom growing equipment and mycology supplies.
Mushroom cultivation is fun and educational. In our opinion, it will deepen your appreciation for nature in a way unlike any other hobby.
Growing edible mushrooms is a wonderful way to learn about the incredibly important role of fungi in the ecosystem. It can empower yourself through the self-sufficiency gained by growing your own food. It will also introduce you to a worldwide community of mushroom enthusiasts.
It doesn’t matter if you’re growing pearl oysters, reishi, lion’s mane, turkey tails, or shiitake mushrooms. The moment that you eat mushrooms you grew yourself no other will be the same. It offers a sense of satisfaction that no other meal, tea, or supplement can possibly compare to!
Growing mushrooms is super affordable and doesn’t take up much space in your home. If you have room for a shoebox, you have room to grow mushrooms! Though once you get started, you’ll probably love the experience so much that you’ll want to expand.
You can upgrade to a monotub to really level up. These are typically a 54 quart plastic storage bin.
To become a successful mushroom cultivator, you should have a solid understanding of the fungal life cycle. Don’t worry too much though. As you continue your research and actually begin your first grow, you’ll naturally pick up on all the different stages. This is knowledge best acquired through action so don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
Now let’s briefly go over the fungal life cycle. Get used to using the term “fungi” instead of “mushroom.” A mushroom (the fruiting body) is just one part of a fungal organism.
In essence, fungi go through three phases in their life cycle:
Spores
Mycelium
Fruiting bodies
THE MUSHROOM CULTIVATOR’S SHOPPING LIST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST GROW
You may be surprised to learn that you don’t actually need that much to get started growing mushrooms. You need a source of spores (such as a spore print or spore syringe) and a clean room to work in. Make sure the room is free of any fans running or pets running around.
After that you only need a few more things to get started. You will need:
A monotub for incubation and fruiting. We recommend our 54 quart tub.
Sanitizing spray to clean surfaces, spawn bags, and the monotub itself.
Air filtering system (see Polyfil in the glossary section above)
Non-latex sterile gloves
While not strictly needed, a hygrometer and thermometer is very useful
Grain spawn
Fruiting substrate
All of the above and more comes with our Complete All-In-One Mushroom Grow Kit. Let’s take a closer look at the purpose of each component.
The monotub is the key part of your grow. It must have holes to allow for air flow, as well as a dark bottom. Our kit comes with pre-drilled holes and Polyfill for air filtering. Also a black plastic tarp for the bottom of the tub.
If the bottom of the tub isn’t dark, fruiting bodies may be attracted to other lights. It could start to grow in the wrong direction!
Sanitizing spray and sterile gloves along with a face mask are all critical part of the inoculation process. While “total” sterility isn’t necessary, the cleaner the environment is, the better.
Grain spawn is the substance which your spores will germinate in and eventually form into mycelium. The grain spawn will need to be fully colonized with mycelium. The next step is to break it up and introduce it to the fruiting substrate.
Given proper lighting conditions, moisture, and loving attention from a happy mushroom cultivator, fruiting bodies will start to appear. All that’s left to do is harvest your mushrooms! Dry them using desiccants (included in the kit), and preserve them to be enjoyed at a time of your choosing.
The All-In-One kit from Monster Mushroom Company is truly a magic mushroom grow kit! If you already have some components of your grow, Monster Mushroom Company can help get you the rest of the way!
