Grow mushrooms for profit
Grow mushrooms for profit - Many individuals find mushrooms a delicacy.
Mushrooms, however, are very expensive on the retail market. For this
reason, some people cannot find it within their budgets to purchase
mushrooms. Instead, there has been an influx in the number of
individuals who have begun to grow them at home. The vast majority of
people tend to think this is a complicated task. Contrary to these
beliefs, it is a relatively simple process, especially with the use of
kits that are currently available in retail.
Growth of a Mushroom
All mushrooms consist of a cap and stem which make up the fruiting body.
These are the most commonly eaten parts of a mushroom and the parts
that are usually sold in most grocery stores. The largest part of the
mushroom's mass is located underground. It is a feather-like network of
mycelia. The mycelia absorb the moisture and food that is required in
order for the mushroom to grow. Mycelia need a food source that is not
contaminated in order for it to flourish and colonize. There are a
variety of food sources that can be used such as compost or manure and
sawdust or shavings. Once colonization of the mycelia has occurred,
production of the fruit bodies begins. These fruit bodies' mature and
soon recognizable mushrooms are developed.
Know Your Types
Before an individual begins to grow mushrooms, they should educate
themselves as to the various types. Each type of will produce different
amounts and will vary in length of growing time. Some of the more common
mushrooms are briefly discussed as follows:
• Shiitake Mushrooms have caps that are brown in color and may have a
diameter of three to four inches when fully mature. Their texture is
meaty and rich. When growing indoors, the temperature at which the kits
need to be stored can range from 55 to 75 degrees F. The kit should
produce two to three pounds in an estimated three months. Factually,
these particular mushrooms are revered highly across the Orient and are
currently being studied by scientists for medicinal purposes and
anti-viral properties.
• Oyster Mushrooms have a texture and flavor of actual oysters and this
is where the name comes from. The mushrooms come in a variety of colors
ranging from white, gray, cream, and pink. The easiest of these to grow
is the white variety. These will begin to fruit in a wide range of
temperatures varying from 55 to 75 degrees F. This type needs misting at
least two or three times each day and they do not fare well in
humidity.
• Common White Cap, Crimini, and Portobello Mushrooms are all of the
same family. The smallest is the crimini and it is brown in color.
Portobello's can grow in diameter up to six inches. These mushrooms
usually take three months or longer to grow but sunlight is not required
for growth. These kits will yield more than any other as they will
harvest between three to six pounds.
By simply following the directions that accompany the kits, an
individual can grow and harvest all the mushrooms they want or need for
much less the expense. Many acquire a true love of the production and
decide to move to outdoor growing. This is even less expensive and they
reproduce for four years in many cases.
