Grow mushrooms at home with our mushroom growing kits. We have the largest range in the UK, designed for every skill level. Beginner Kits, like the MushBag™ All-In-One, make it quick and easy. Our Advanced Kits, like the MushPro™ Monotub, are ideal for the experienced mycologist seeking larger harvests. We also offer ready to fruit kits for popular varieties like Lion's Mane, Oyster and Reishi. Plus, our premium Millet Grain Spawn and CVG Substrate bundles for your own custom projects. Explore the range and harvest your own delicious mushrooms in just a few weeks.
Your Guide to Growing Mushrooms at Home
If you’re interested in growing your own mushrooms at home, a grow kit is a great place to start. However, before choosing one, it is important to understand what it is you’re trying to cultivate - because the more you know, the more you grow!
The Secret to a Great Harvest: Understanding the Mushroom Life Cycle
So, what exactly are mushrooms? Well, mushrooms are only the tip of the fungal iceberg. This is because when we refer to a mushroom, what we’re actually talking about is the final phase in the life cycle of a fungus.
The fleshy, spore-producing mushrooms, or ‘fruiting bodies,’ usually occur for just a few days. While mushrooms sprout above ground or on their chosen food source, hidden away from sight is the fungal, mycelial mass that produces and feeds them. The majority of the fungal life cycle takes place hidden underground.
As a cultivator of mushrooms, it is critical to understand this life cycle. What we really aim to cultivate and nurture is fungal mycelium. If you can learn to do that effectively, then rest assured you will grow plenty of mushrooms.
Why Grow Your Own Mushrooms? The Benefits of Fungi
So, how can fungi help us? Well, edible gourmet mushrooms provide a nutrient-dense, low-calorie source of fibre, protein and antioxidants. Mushrooms can support wellness, they’re delicious to eat, as well as being fun to grow!
Many popular species can be readily grown at home in the UK, including:
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Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
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Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
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Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
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Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi)
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Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
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Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Choosing the Right Mushroom Growing Kit for You
The idea of cultivating homegrown mushrooms can seem intimidating, but it’s actually remarkably simple for beginners. Starting with a grow kit removes the guesswork, making the entire process fun and effortless. A great introduction to a wonderful, new (and hopefully lifelong!) hobby.
With so many mushroom grow kits available, finding the right one comes down to your experience level and goals.
For Beginners and Easy Results
If you're new to mycology, we highly recommend our MushBag™ kits. These all-in-one grow kits contain both sterilised grain and substrate together within a single grow bag, providing all the 'food' the mushroom mycelium needs to grow. Using this style of grow kit is as simple as inoculating the substrate and waiting for it to fully colonise with mycelium. Once colonised, a small hole is made to allow some extra airflow into the bag, and very soon the mushrooms will begin to grow right inside. Easy peasy! This type of grow kit is small, discreet and requires minimal setup, and can be used to grow a wide variety of mushroom species.
For an even simpler start, especially for growing specific gourmet varieties, our ‘cut and grow' style Mushroom Grow Kits are the perfect choice. They arrive fully colonised and ready to fruit, allowing you to harvest delicious Oyster or fascinating Lion's Mane mushrooms right on your kitchen counter with just daily misting. These kits are quick and easy, taking just 2 weeks until they’re ready to harvest.
For Maximum Yields and Experienced Growers
For those looking to maximise their yield, the MushPro™ Monotub kit is the industry standard, providing a perfect microclimate for robust growth from your own chosen spores or culture. And for seasoned growers with their own fruiting rooms or Martha tents, our larger 3kg colonised Fruiting Block Kits are the ideal next step. These skip the incubation phase entirely, allowing you to introduce them directly into your controlled environment for consistent, large-scale harvests.
How to Grow Mushrooms With a Kit
Now that you’ve chosen your grow kit, how do you grow your mushrooms at home? This largely depends on the style of kit you’re using, but most follow the same basic principles. First, you inject the sterile substrate with your gourmet spore or culture syringe. The substrate will colonise over a period of several weeks, but be patient! It can sometimes take longer.
Once fully colonised, you will want to place the substrate into fruiting conditions. High humidity and lots of fresh air are the name of the game here. Very soon you will start to see your first mushrooms. Remember, patience will be rewarded. Growing mushrooms is not always easy, but those with perseverance will succeed in this wonderful hobby.
When purchasing a kit for the first time, it is always a good idea to read through the guide thoroughly to avoid mistakes and ensure the highest chance of success. With our range of kits, we provide full and comprehensive guides.
GET IN TOUCH
If you’re interested in starting your growing journey, shop now at Martian Mushrooms! We’re proud to be one of the number one mushroom supply stores in the UK. We like to take care of our customers, so if you have any questions about our products or need advice, reach out to us at support@martian-mushrooms.com. If you are looking to make a bulk order, please visit our wholesale page.
We look forward to hearing from you. Happy growing!