Because of Covid-19 restrictions, people all over the world have taken up hobbies that keep them occupied while they are quarantining and socially distancing from friends and family. This includes horticulture. If you have even a tiny space to grow plants, you can do this little hobby while staying safe at home and keeping a peaceful mindset with all that is going on in the outside world. Aside from monsteras, philodendrons, pothoses, alocasias, and other plants that have grown (pun intended) quite famous these days, you might also want to add some fungi into the mix. Why mushrooms, you ask? Like most plants, they play an integral part in our ecosystem. Plus, the edible ones are packed with protein and vitamins, which could be an excellent substitute for meat if you are thinking of eating less. Start your mushroom farming journey here. Don’t forget to get in touch with Labrador Landscape Supplies for cypress mulch, sand, soil, and other gardening and landscaping needs.
They are everywhere!
Mushrooms are not that difficult to grow. They practically grow everywhere with high humidity. You will find them sprouting on a pile of logs, woodchips, trees, potted plants, and any damp area outdoors.
How to make a mushroom bed
If you want a specific place for these fungi to grow, then you must make a bed. It consists of cardboard pieces, wooden planks, straw, and cypress mulch, wooden chips, sawdust, or any soil that is moist enough for the mushrooms to grow in. You will also need a bag of mushroom spawn to grow your fungi of choice. Now that you have all your materials ready, you can start building your mushroom bed.
- First off, create a four-cornered bed for your mushroom with wooden planks. You will need some basic carpentry skills for this one.
- Once you have made your bed’s foundation, place the cardboards at the bottom of the bed. This is to support all the mulch or soil and mushroom you will layer in the next step.
- Layer your bed with cypress mulch or soil and mushroom spawn one after the other (as you would layer your lasagne). Make sure to spread the spawn evenly.
- Top the bed with straw. Sprinkle the straw with water to lock the moisture in. Remember to keep adding water whenever you notice the bed is starting to dry out in the coming weeks or months.
- Optional: cover the bed with a shade cloth. This prevents the bed from getting too warm and dry. If the bed is situated in a shaded area, a fabric covering is not necessary.
In about several weeks or so, you will find sprouts of mushrooms growing from the bed. Continue to keep it damp until your mushrooms are full-grown and ready for harvesting. Then, prepare them how you like in your meal and enjoy!
Labrador Landscape Supplies for your mushroom farming needs
It is easy to grow mushrooms when you have the right tools in hand. Growing edible fungi makes for a great hobby while in quarantine. Adding mushrooms to your meals makes for a healthier diet as well. You can start your journey as a mushroom farmer here. Make sure you get your supplies at Labrador Landscape, whether you need soil, cypress mulch, sand, compost, rocks, or other materials for gardening and landscaping work.
