Grow Fabulous Mushrooms

When to Start: early spring
At Their Best: summer
Time to Complete: 1 hour

Materials Needed:

• mushroom kit
• measuring cup

Fill Box With Soil

Box kits come with mushroom soil that has been injected with mycelium, and a "casing layer" that holds water and protects the developing mushrooms. First, line the box with a plastic bag (most kits come with this too) and add the mushroom soil.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Add Water to the Casing

Open the bag of casing and slowly add 1 pint of water. Leave for about an hour to allow the moisture to soak in. Take a small handful of the mushroom soil and mix it into the casing layer in the bag.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Ruffle the Surface

Empty the contents of the bag onto the soil in the box. Spread the casing evenly over the soil and ruffle the surface with a small fork. This creates a microclimate where the young mushrooms can form. Rest the lid at an angle on the box so that air can circulate.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - How to Grow Practically Everything © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited