How to Grow Mushrooms at Home or Farm: Simple & Profitable Method

How to Grow Mushrooms at Home or Farm:- Mushrooms, the fruiting body of fungi, are gaining immense popularity as a nutritional, medicinal, and commercial crop. With low investment, minimal space requirements, and high returns, mushroom farming is a profitable agribusiness idea. This guide will help you understand the step-by-step process to start a mushroom farm from scratch.

. Oyster Mushroom – grows quickly and requires minimal care.

. Button Mushroom – most commonly consumed, needs controlled temperature.

. Milky or Paddy Straw Mushroom – suitable for tropical climates.

Tip: Start with oyster mushrooms if you are new to farming.

You don’t need expensive land or greenhouses. A small dark room, shed, or unused basement is sufficient.

. Temperature: 20°C to 28°C (varies by type)

. Humidity: 70%–90%

. Low light or indirect sunlight

. Good ventilation to avoid contamination

. Hygiene is critical. Wash hands, clean surfaces, and avoid pests.

The substrate is the growing medium for mushrooms. Common substrates:

. Wheat straw

. Paddy straw

. Sawdust

. Cotton waste

. Cut straw into small pieces (2–4 cm).

. Boil or soak in hot water to sterilize.

. Drain and cool before use.

. A clean substrate prevents fungal competitors and improves yield.

. Mushroom spawn is like the seed of the mushroom.

. Mix spawn with the cooled, damp substrate.

. Fill it into poly bags or trays.

. Tie and poke holes in the bag for air exchange.

. Maintain hygiene while handling spawn to avoid contamination.

. Store bags in a dark, warm room (24°C–27°C).

. Leave for 2–3 weeks until the mycelium (white thread-like structure) fully spreads.

. No need for light or watering in this phase.

. Shift bags to a humid, cooler room with some indirect light.

. Cut slits in the bags for mushrooms to emerge.

. Spray water 2–3 times a day to maintain humidity.

. Within 4–7 days, mushrooms will start fruiting.

. Harvest mushrooms before the cap opens completely.

. Use a sharp knife or twist gently by hand.

. Collect every alternate day during peak fruiting.

. Clean and pack in paper bags or plastic trays.

. Local vegetable markets

. Grocery stores

. Restaurants

. Online platforms

. Always maintain cleanliness to avoid pests and diseases.

. Monitor temperature and humidity regularly.

. Start small, learn, and then scale up for commercial profit.

Mushroom farming is a low-risk, high-reward agricultural business that anyone can start with basic knowledge and hygiene. Whether you aim for personal consumption or full-scale commercial farming, this step-by-step process ensures a healthy, productive harvest.