Mushrooms
Mushrooms need no sunshine and very little space, which makes them one of the most approachable crops in a small homestead. These 4 guides cover growing oyster mushrooms on straw, shiitake on logs, wine caps in garden beds and lion’s mane on sawdust blocks, with realistic expectations for Australian conditions.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Hericium erinaceus · Hericiaceae family
Oyster Mushrooms
Pleurotus ostreatus · Pleurotaceae family
Shiitake Mushrooms
Lentinula edodes · Omphalotaceae family
Wine Cap Mushrooms
Stropharia rugosoannulata · Strophariaceae family
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special equipment to grow mushrooms at home?
Not much. Oyster mushrooms can be grown in a bucket or bag of straw in a cool, shaded spot, and wine caps in a garden bed of woodchip. Cleanliness matters more than equipment, because mould is the main enemy.
Is it safe to eat home-grown mushrooms?
Mushrooms grown from purchased spawn on the correct substrate are safe, but wild mushrooms can appear in the same bed or on the same logs. Positively identify every mushroom before eating it, and if you are unsure, do not eat it.