We are going to grow some mushrooms in 2010.

After getting a taste of this mushroom growing thing, I am hooked. I will always love to hunt for wild mushrooms, but they are unpredictable and impossible to control. The best way to insure you will actually get to harvest mushrooms is to grow them.Not only that, but you will have control of the growing conditions. We would like to think that our mushroom picking spots are pristine, but lets face it, there are very few wild places that you can guarantee have not been contaminated.

Another great thing about growing is that you can control the watering and take a big variable out of the picture. The rain does not always cooperate. By watering at the right time and temperature you can greatly increase your chances for a successful harvest.

The other plus to growing is that you get to control the volume and variety of different strains and types of mushrooms. There is a growing number of varieties and products for growing out doors available. I like to find mushrooms I like, and transplant them to my yard or a place close by for easy access. This also insures that you will be able to pick this particular mushroom if your spot becomes a parking lot or a subdivision. A simple thing like a change of ownership can legally close you out of you favorite spot.

I like to spread fungus wherever I can. Whether it is whole mushrooms, cut off stems, or just spreading spores whenever I can. Mushroom kits that have been flushed out are reused and spread all over again and again. Let the mushroom decide where it wants to grow. Mushroom scraps from picking or pieces from the kitchen are never thrown away. They go in the yard or in the compost bin. Unless that is, I have a secret spot scouted out  where I think they will grow.