10 Best Mushroom Grow Kits in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed)
Whether you're interested in growing mushrooms as a culinary pursuit, gardening hobby, or science experiment, a mushroom grow kit makes the process easy and accessible. You can grow a range of species right on your kitchen counter, including oyster mushrooms, shiitakes, and lion's mane. Not only is it fun to watch them grow from little pinheads to full-sized fungi, but you also get fresh mushrooms to use in soup, pasta, pizza, and more.
In this article, we'll explain how mushroom grow kits work and show you our 10 favorite kits. If you're not sure where to begin, we recommend reading our buying guide reviewed by a master gardener and homestead blogger for some helpful tips. But if you just want to dive right in, Back to the Roots' Organic Mushroom Growing Kit is an excellent place to start. This kit is beginner-friendly and can yield your first harvest of oyster mushrooms in just 10 days!
Quick List - Top Mushroom Grow Kits
Gardening and wildcrafting food for her family, Amy grows in a variety of gardens including hydroponic, raised beds, containers, and in the ground. As a master gardener, she has successfully gardened across the country.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
- How Do Mushroom Kits Work?
- 10 Best Mushroom Grow Kits Ranking
- No. 1Back to the Roots | Organic Mushroom Growing Kit
- No. 2Michigan Mushroom Company | Grow Your Own Mushrooms Kit
- No. 3North Spore | Grow Your Own Pink Oyster Mushrooms
- No. 4Cascadia Mushrooms | Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit
- No. 5Root Mushroom Farm | Golden Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
- 5 more products
- Grow Your Own Food at Home
- In Collaboration With Master Gardener and Homestead Blogger Amy Jeanroy
How Do Mushroom Kits Work?
While buying a mushroom grow kit is a virtually foolproof way to get mushrooms, it can be helpful to understand the mushroom growing cycle so that you can better evaluate different kits. When you purchase a mushroom grow kit, you get a substrate that has been inoculated with mushroom spawn (mycelium in a carrier) and is incubating.
During the incubation process, the mushroom mycelium starts to take over the substrate. The mycelium is what will produce the mushrooms and is sort of similar in function to a sourdough starter. It looks like a mat of soft, white threads.
When you receive your kit and cut open the plastic, you begin exposing the mycelium to air and water, which will then form mushrooms! After harvest, if the substrate still contains nutrients, the mycelium will usually continue to produce mushrooms until the nutrients are exhausted.
How to Choose Mushroom Grow Kits
When choosing a mushroom grow kit, be sure to pick a mushroom that you enjoy eating since you'll likely have a lot of it! Personal preference aside, here are some important factors to consider.
Pick a Mushroom Type for Your Skill Level
Some mushrooms are easier to grow than others. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to pick a more forgiving mushroom type so you can familiarize yourself with the process before attempting to grow more difficult mushrooms.
Oyster Mushrooms for Beginners
The number one recommended mushroom for beginners is the oyster mushroom. They come in many varieties, including pearl, blue, golden, pink, and king oysters.
Each type has slightly different preferences when it comes to temperature and moisture, but in general, they’re aggressive growers that can grow on just about any substrate, or growing surface.
They tend to require less attention than other varieties and they're also quick to fruit; the fastest growing oyster mushroom kits can take less than a week!
Other Easy-to-Grow Mushrooms
Of course, oyster mushrooms aren’t the only option! Shiitakes are a popular mushroom for their meaty texture and are fairly easy to grow. In nature, they grow outdoors on logs, but can also be cultivated on straw or sawdust. They tend to be less sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations than other mushrooms.
Lion’s mane is a unique-looking mushroom that's edible and used in Eastern medicine. It fruits reliably and can produce multiple batches of large mushrooms. Button mushrooms, like the ones commonly seen at the grocery store, can also be grown fairly easily, both indoors and outdoors.
Fancier Mushrooms for More Advanced Growers
If you have the basics down, try your hand at growing a different variety. Reishi, or lingzhi, mushrooms are traditionally used in Eastern medicine and can take one of two forms depending on light, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. They typically produce a single batch.
Maitake mushrooms have a nutty flavor and crunchy texture and can be grown outdoors on logs or indoors on sawdust. They’re more sensitive to their environment and require attentive care and plenty of time for the best results.
Mycorrhizal Mushrooms for an Outdoor Challenge
Some mushrooms, like chanterelles and morels, can only be grown outdoors. These types of mushrooms form symbiotic relationships with the roots of other plants, exchanging nutrients and minerals.
If you’re interested in cultivating chanterelles or morels, know that it can be a difficult undertaking that may take years to yield mushrooms. But once you see results it can be very rewarding!
Consider Your Growing Space
Generally, mushrooms need humidity, airflow, and a steady temperature to thrive. Some prefer indirect light while others like total darkness. Most mushrooms can be grown both indoors or outdoors, but the environment is easier to control indoors.
If you do want to grow your mushrooms outside, look for a spot that doesn’t get too much direct sunlight. Also, research the mushroom’s preferred humidity, temperature, and season to make sure it will work with your climate.
For indoor growers, find a spot in your home where you can have some control over the temperature and humidity. Some kits do well in basements, closets, or cabinets, while others can be placed on your kitchen counter.
You can also consider placing your grow kit inside a container with holes or under a plastic tent to help trap moisture. Just make sure that there’s still room for air to flow.
Check the Mushroom’s Preferred Conditions
Just like plants, different mushrooms prefer different environments. Some thrive in temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit, while others do better around 75. Some need constant humidity, while others can withstand drier periods.
Once you know where your kit will go, you can assess your ability to control the temperature and humidity of the space. Then, take a look at the product descriptions and manufacturer recommendations to ensure you get a kit that will thrive.
Know Your Substrates
The substrate is what the mushrooms grow on. It provides their nutrition as well as a place for them to grow. Substrates are typically a natural, fibrous material and can include straw, corn cobs, sawdust, newspaper, wood pellets, logs, and even kitty litter.
With mushroom growing kits, you don’t need to worry about which substrate to use, since it will be provided for you. Logs and compressed sawdust are both common and can come in cube or cylinder shapes that sit horizontally or vertically. They'll all work; the concern here is mainly aesthetic.
The substrate is typically enclosed in a plastic bag to keep it sterilized, which is important for growth. Some kits come contained in a box, while others come with just the bag. The kit will instruct you to slice an opening in the bag or box and the mushrooms will grow from there.
10 Best Mushroom Grow Kits Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Growing Kit | | Grow Oyster Mushrooms Right in the Box | |
2 | Michigan Mushroom Company Grow Your Own Mushrooms Kit | | Meaty Lion's Mane Mushrooms for Any Diet | |
3 | North Spore Grow Your Own Pink Oyster Mushrooms | | Oyster Mushrooms That are Pretty in Pink | |
4 | Cascadia Mushrooms Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit | | A Simple Shiitake Growing Kit | |
5 | Root Mushroom Farm Golden Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit | | The Kit That Keeps Giving | |
6 | Bluff City Fungi Oyster Mushroom Kit | | Mushrooms That are Ready to Burst out of the Bag | |
7 | Willow Mountain Mushrooms White Button Mushroom Growing Kit | | Grow Mushrooms from the Missouri Ozarks | |
8 | Sno Valley Mushrooms Shiitake Mushroom Growing Kit | | Fresh Shiitakes in Just One Week | |
9 | QH Mushroom Farm King Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit | | A Great Vegan Replacement for Scallops | |
10 | MycTyson Mushrooms Organic Red Reishi Mushroom Growing Kit | | Used in Traditional Eastern Medicine |
Grow Oyster Mushrooms Right in the Box
This kit from Back to the Roots takes the mystery out of mushroom growing and makes it easy for people of all ages. All you have to do is soak the inner bag, put it back in the box, and mist twice a day. The mushrooms can be ready in as little as 10 days. Each crop has about three to four servings and one box should yield two crops.
Some reviewers complained that their kit grew mold, while others said they only got one crop. However, the majority of reviewers loved how easy this kit is to use. They said it's a great activity to do with kids; since the mushrooms grow so quickly, there's something new to see every day. And they said the mushrooms were delicious!
Meaty Lion's Mane Mushrooms for Any Diet
Lion's mane mushrooms aren't very common at stores, so growing your own is a great way to get a taste. This kit contains a prize-winning mushroom strain and can produce up to four pounds over the course of a couple of months. The inoculated substrate comes in a breathable plastic bag and just needs a twice daily misting.
Some reviewers didn't like that their kit had already started fruiting when they received it. Others said the instructions were quite vague. On the other hand, many said their mushrooms were giant and grew like crazy. They praised the meaty texture and said they make a great meat substitute, similar to chicken or crab.
Oyster Mushrooms That are Pretty in Pink
Pink oyster mushrooms are a tropical species that grows well in warm, humid environments. They contain protein, B vitamins, and essential amino acids and have a unique pink-red hue. This kit is grown in the box and can be placed right on your kitchen counter. Growth takes around two to three weeks.
Reviewers said this kit was super simple and rewarding. Many saw pins (the beginnings of mushroom heads) after just a few days and said they grew quickly from there. They liked watching the mushrooms progress and said the harvest was delicious! They also said this kit makes a great gift.
Cascadia MushroomsShiitake Mushroom Grow Kit
A Simple Shiitake Growing Kit
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia, but you can easily grow them at home. This kit from Cascadia Mushrooms is made from certified organic materials and provides everything you need, including instructions and even recipe ideas. The kit can produce up to two crops, with the first one ready to harvest in two weeks.
Some reviewers were disappointed that they only got one crop. However, most reviewers found that this kit reliably produces mushrooms quickly and in large quantities. They said the instructions were easy to follow. Many beginners used this kit with great success!
Root Mushroom FarmGolden Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
The Kit That Keeps Giving
Golden oyster mushrooms have a ruffled appearance and a bold yellow color, making them an eye-catching choice. This kit from Root Mushroom Farm includes a mushroom log, humidity tent, spray bottle, and instructions. There's no need to soak this one, just open and mist it and you should see it start to grow within a week.
A few reviewers complained that their mushrooms shriveled or turned to mush. However, experienced growers noted that these mushrooms need to be harvested at the right time because they age quickly. Many got multiple harvests from this kit, and some got as many as seven! And reviewers said the results were delicious.
Mushrooms That are Ready to Burst out of the Bag
This oyster mushroom kit from Bluff City Fungi comes with a four-pound block of enriched sawdust that's been fully colonized. Their website has videos on how to get started and they show you how to create your own humidity tent with a plastic grocery bag. You should have mushrooms within two to three weeks.
Overall, reviewers were pleased with this kit. Most said their block started to fruit within a week, and sometimes as little as three days. They found the block to be well-packaged and said the instructions were easy to follow. And once they harvested and cooked the mushrooms, they said they were super flavorful!
Willow Mountain MushroomsWhite Button Mushroom Growing Kit
Grow Mushrooms from the Missouri Ozarks
While you can buy button mushrooms at the store, growing your own can be a fun project. This kit requires just a foot of space and no light. It includes the colonized substrate, instructions, and a casing layer you mix and apply to help trap moisture. You can get up to four pounds of mushrooms in six to eight weeks.
A handful of reviewers said their kit didn't yield any mushrooms. However, others were successful and said they got a large harvest full of plump, tasty mushrooms. They appreciated the clearly written instructions and also said the seller was extremely responsive and helped them with any questions or issues that came up.
Fresh Shiitakes in Just One Week
For a quick harvest, try this shiitake growing kit from Sno Valley Mushrooms, which can be ready in as few as seven days. You get the same substrate used on their commercial mushroom farm in a bag with a filter patch for breathability. And their website has tips on how to harvest and how to get a second crop.
Reviewers said this kit was easy to set up and yielded an abundant harvest. Most said their mushrooms began to grow within a few days and were ready to eat within a week. And they agreed that the taste of these mushrooms knocked store-bought shiitakes out of the park!
A Great Vegan Replacement for Scallops
King oyster mushrooms are prized for their umami flavor and resilient texture that's reminiscent of seafood. This kit contains a three-pound cylindrical substrate log so you can grow your own. There are just three easy steps: cut the bag, mist it, and then harvest!
A few reviewers said they didn't get any growth from this kit. Some did warn that king oysters take longer to grow than regular oysters. Still, most reviewers saw plenty of progress and said their mushrooms grew to be huge. Many got multiple harvests from this kit.
MycTyson MushroomsOrganic Red Reishi Mushroom Growing Kit
Used in Traditional Eastern Medicine
Due to their tough texture and bitter taste, reishi mushrooms aren't ideal for eating but have a variety of uses in traditional Eastern medicine. This kit comes with two options: a set and forget method and a more traditional method where you control the humidity and fresh air. Reishi grow best in warmer temperatures.
Reviewers said this kit made for an easy growing experience, while still letting them be involved. They praised the seller's communication and were able to get quick replies to any questions. And they said the log and the resulting mushrooms were beautiful and high-quality.
Grow Your Own Food at Home
Whether you have a whole backyard or just some extra space on your kitchen counter, growing your own food is a rewarding experience that can strengthen your bond with Mother Nature. Check out some more of our favorite gardening products below.
In Collaboration With Master Gardener and Homestead Blogger Amy Jeanroy
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Mushroom Grow Kits
No. 1: Back to the Roots｜Organic Mushroom Growing Kit
No. 2: Michigan Mushroom Company｜Grow Your Own Mushrooms Kit
No. 3: North Spore｜Grow Your Own Pink Oyster Mushrooms
No. 4: Cascadia Mushrooms｜Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit
No. 5: Root Mushroom Farm｜Golden Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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