The key ingredient for growing your own mushrooms for food is represented by the growing medium, also known as substrate. Mushrooms require a specific environment to grow, and the substrate provides the necessary nutrients and support for their development. You can purchase an affordable spore syringe of your favorite mushrooms from Shaman Mushroom Spores to grow in the appropriate substrate.
Sterilized straw is a popular substrate for many mushroom varieties, such as oyster mushrooms. The straw is typically chopped, soaked, and then sterilized to remove competing organisms before inoculating with mushroom spawn.
Gourmet mushrooms like shiitake or lion’s mane can grow well on hardwood sawdust. The sawdust is mixed with other ingredients, such as bran or gypsum, to enhance its nutritional content. Another good idea for shiitake cultivation is using logs or wood chips. Freshly cut hardwood logs are often inoculated with mushroom spawn or mycelium and left to colonize several months before fruiting.
Other mushroom species, such as the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), can grow very well on composted manure. Manure is composted to create a rich, nutrient-dense substrate for mushroom cultivation.
Coffee grounds can be an excellent substrate for certain mushrooms, such as the pearl oyster mushroom. They are readily available, have favorable nutrient content, and are easy to work with. Therefore, many mushroom enthusiasts prefer this cultivation medium.