Ever lamented the fact that you don’t have enough sun to grow food? Rejoice! There are edibles you can grow in shade—even indoors (and it’s definitely easier than making a mushroom log). Here’s how to grow mushrooms indoors using a mushroom kit.
Last month, on my birthday, I picked up a few things to make my favourite kind of lunch: a couple of gooey, stinky cheeses; a good, crusty baguette; some nice olives; paté; and an arugula salad tossed with balsamic and olive oil. And because it was my birthday, some bubbles.
While at Whole Foods, I noticed kits for growing oyster mushrooms indoors (by fresh-thinking Back to the Roots). They were compact, utilized recycled materials (used coffee grounds! Hello!), and (here’s what really got me) had irresistible packaging. So, because it was my birthday, I bought one.
The package says “fun for kids!” and it’s true. Even if she’s refused to eat them, Lila has definitely enjoyed growing mushrooms.
Growing mushrooms from a kit is definitely easier than inoculating logs with mushroom spawn. Just cut open the bag…
…and soak overnight in water.
Keep out of direct sunlight and two weeks later (after misting one or two times daily), you’ve got mushrooms! It’s that easy. And once you’ve harvested the mushrooms, just soak the bag again and repeat the misting process for a second and third harvest. And once the coffee grounds are truly exhausted? Just toss ’em on the compost.
Oyster mushrooms: perfect in an omelette. Maybe along with some of my stinky cheese and olives.
meemsnyc says
I’ve seen this before and it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. It looks amazing.
Sue McShane says
I love these kits. I am going to write a blog about them on Super Salads And More. Thanks for a healthy and fun product.
commonweeder says
I am happy to let my neighbor grow mushrooms in his mushroom nook – and wait for a phone call when the harvest begins.
Nikhil Arora says
Hi Andrea,
This is Nikhil, one of the founders of Back to the Roots! Just wanted to thank you so much for your support and helping us spread the word! Just wanted to give your readers a 10% discount code: Mushrooms4me10! Feel free to reach out to us if anyone has any questions and thanks again! If you’re ever in the Bay Area, CA email us and we’ll happy to give you a tour of the facilities!
Nikhil Arora says
BTW. I LOVE the pictures!!
Rob says
I just got and started my mushroom kit! I was inspired by a guy at our community garden, who grow a nice size patch of mushrooms and used coffee grounds as the medium, and since back to the roots also uses coffee grounds as a growing medium, seemed like a natural!