Fungi FRUIT

GROW GOURMET AND MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS.

- BY JEREME ZIMMERMAN

I once thought of gourmet mushrooms as delicacies that I could afford as treats only on special occasions. Then I discovered how simple they are to grow. Now, mushrooms are standard fare in my house.

CHOOSE VARIETIES

There are a wide range of mushroom varieties from which to choose. Your choices will depend on a number of factors, but there is no correct choice. Your location (whether you have a shaded backyard or only a small kitchen) and climate, the availability of mushroom strains that interest you, and your palate are all contributing factors.

Several online resources and print catalogs exist for procuring mushroom spawn, as well as cultivation supplies and instructions for growing. Most of these have sections on selecting mushroom strains for beginners. Read these sections thoroughly, and examine each strain you're interested in for the optimal growing medium and climate (if growing outdoors), and any necessary cultivation materials.

INDOORS OR OUTDOORS

Commercial growers tend to prefer indoor cultivation, as they are able to have more control over environmental conditions. For home growers with limited outdoor space, or who want to explore mushroom growing with minimal expense and effort, a ready-to-grow indoor kit is the way to go. The majority of the work has already been done; simply open the kit and follow the instructions.

Growing mushrooms outdoors can be a rewarding and attractive addition to your existing gardening projects, and fungi are highly beneficial for maintaining ecologically sound landscapes.