Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) in 2024 - Garden Gate (2024)

Compare the Best Mushroom Growing Kits in 2024

• Michigan Mushroom Company - Best Beginners Mushroom Growing Kit
• Forest Origins Mushroom Growing Kit - Best Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
• North Spore Mushroom Growing Kit - Best Mushroom Growing Kit for Cooks
• Virgenu Mushroom Growing Kit - Best Mushroom Cultivation Set for Experienced Growers
• Root Mushroom Farm - Best Golden Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
• 2funguys Mushroom Growing Kit - Best Shiitake Mushroom Growing Kit
• Mushroom Man LLC Growing Kit - Best Lion's Mane Mushroom Kit

Best Mushroom Growing Kit Buying Guide

• Things To Consider When Buying a Mushroom Kit
• Types of Mushrooms
• Growing Medium
• Level of Difficulty
• Growth Cycle
• DIY Mushroom Growing Tips
• PEOPLE ALSO ASKED

Mushroom grow kits are a great project for seasoned gardeners, beginners, or as a project for kids. Essentially they are mushroom mycelium growing on any substrate which could take the form of straw, logs, or sawdust. The kit is designed to be delivered to you just before the mushrooms begin to grow and take form. It is then up to you to raise them to maturity. There are a variety of kits on the market to choose from. Consider the below factors when deciding which kit is the best fit for you.

Things To Consider When Buying a Mushroom Kit

Before you get into the details of your kit’s make-up, think about what you mainly want the kit for? Is it as a project for your children, or to grow your own culinary mushrooms? Some kits can be cost-effective in producing enough mushrooms to offset the cost of purchasing exotic mushrooms at a grocery store. Once you know what and who the kit is for you can consider factors like the level of difficulty and the type of mushrooms that are best suited to you.

Types of Mushrooms

These are some of the most popular types of edible mushrooms available as mushroom growing kits.

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are recognizable for their brown and slightly curled umbrella cap appearance. They have a dense texture and an earthy flavor. They are great for cooking and intensify in flavor when dried out. They also have significant medicinal properties.

Oyster

Oyster mushrooms have a striking fan-shaped growing pattern which makes them intriguing to grow yourself. They have a subtle flavor and soft texture. These mushrooms are popularly used in Asian dishes. They are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties.

Lions mane

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are so-called because they resemble a lion’s mane in their large, white, shaggy appearance. They have both culinary and medicinal uses and are eaten raw, dried, cooked, or steeped as tea. The flavor of these mushrooms is often compared to that of lobster or crab.

Morel

Morel mushrooms are expensive to buy and that makes it somewhat advantageous to grow your own. They are light brown with an unusual cone-shaped look and are sponge-like. Morels have a strong flavor with nutty, smoky notes.

Portabella

Portabella mushrooms are common in grocery stores and restaurants. They are white and light brown with large flat caps. These mushrooms are dense and meaty, rich in flavor, and stand up well to grilling. They are also delicious in sauces and stuffings.

Growing Medium

Growing kits can vary in the substrate types used as well as the containers the substrates come in. Some mushroom growing kits use logs, some use bags, and others require you to grow your mushrooms inside an included container. To choose the growing medium you want, consider how hands-on you prefer to be. Think about how important the aesthetic appeal of your kit is to you. Mushrooms are incredibly unique and may look more appealing growing out of an elegant block or log than a delivery box.

Level of Difficulty

Mushroom growing kits are often very easy to set up and require little work to maintain. You do however get kits designed for experienced growers including specialized equipment and lengthy maintenance procedures. Check the kit beforehand to determine how much work and knowledge is required to grow your mushrooms as well as whether you need to purchase any additional tools or products.

Growth Cycle

Consider the length of time it will take before your mushrooms are ready to harvest as some take a lot longer than others. Oyster mushrooms, for example, take only one month to grow while morels take a few months to mature. Brands may also design their kits to be delivered at a specific stage of the growing cycle which means that the mushrooms may be further along in the maturation process and yield produce faster.

DIY Mushroom Growing Tips

1. Mushrooms thrive in temperatures between 65-70F.
2. Keep them in cool, dark, and damp growing conditions.
3. If your kit requires fertilization, use mushroom compost as your best option.
4. Water the mushrooms regularly.
5. Some kits do state that you can store them for a while before using them, however, it is usually best to use your mushroom growing kit soon after you receive it.

PEOPLE ALSO ASKED

The Garden Gate Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate’s editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Garden Gate Review Team is composed of authors, editors, and gardeners. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content. Please reach out to aimperiapt@gmail.com with any questions regarding product testing or specific articles.