Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (2024)

Growing Mushrooms isn’t exactly straightforward, but with good mushroom grow kits, it can be! There are dozens of brilliant mushroom grow kit brands out there, and the choice can be a little perplexing at times, so we thought we’d run through some of our favourites.

In this article, we’ll share our thoughts on how to choose mushroom growing kits, and what mushrooms are best for different uses too, because, like everything in the garden, variety makes all the difference!

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Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (1)

Best Mushroom Growing Kits (2024 Review)

What are Mushroom Grow Kits?

How do Mushroom Grow Kits Work?

What are the Best Mushroom Varieties to Grow in the US?

Best Mushroom Grow Kit Brands in the US

Taylor’s Mushrooms

Fungi Ally

North Spore

Hodgins Harvest

Mushroom Growing Kit FAQs

Start Growing Your Own Mushrooms with these Mushroom Growing Kits

What are Mushroom Grow Kits?

Mushroom grow kits are designed to make growing mushrooms easy, without the unnecessary confusion of lighting and temperature control.

While more complex mushroom grow kits produce better harvests, for beginners, it’s always better to start small and build up, using affordable mushroom grow kits that anyone can master.

How do Mushroom Grow Kits Work?

Mushroom grow kits, particularly those for more common varieties like button or shiitake mushrooms, are essentially just boxes, packed full of inoculated growing mediums.

The growing mediums contain all the essential nutrients for mushrooms to develop quickly, and the inoculated materials contain active spores that will start to grow when they are exposed to moisture.

One really important thing to remember, with any mushroom grow kit, is that you should start using it as soon as it comes through the door. The sooner you use it, the better it will work!

What are the Best Mushroom Varieties to Grow in the US?

Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (2)

Any US mushroom growers will tell you to start small. Choose simple varieties like button mushrooms or Oysters to get started. As you get more used to the process, move into bigger and better things, like Lion’s Mane or Wine Cap.

Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, most mushrooms cope well with all ranges of US climates, so don’t feel limited by your garden's light levels, or kitchen temperatures.

Just go for it. The worst that can happen is a small harvest, but if everything goes to plan, you could be harvesting mushrooms for the next five years from a single inoculated log!

Best Mushroom Grow Kit Brands in the US

There are too many great mushroom grow kits in America for us to list them all, but a few of our absolute favourites are below, with some basic info on what you can expect from each:

Field & Forest

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Source: Field & Forest

Field & Forest is probably the most wide-ranging supplier of mushroom grow kits in America. Their kits come pre-packaged for indoor growing, or outdoor growing, with varieties to suit all situations.

What’s extra special about them, is that you can choose pretty much any growing medium, and get the tools you need to match; from plugs and pegs to sawdust and even mushroom planters that are pre-built and ready to go.

For anyone who’s tried to grow mushrooms before and failed, try Field and Forest for guaranteed results.

Taylor’s Mushrooms

Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (4)

Source: Taylor’s Mushroom

Of all the mushroom grow kits we’ve come across, Taylor’s Mushrooms is perhaps the least well-known. But, they are also one of the best. They sell a wide range of mush varieties, and their kits are stunningly easy to use.

They take up a little bit more space and can be quite a big commitment, but you’ll get longer harvests, and can expect several years’ worth of mushrooms from most Taylor’s Mushroom kits.

Fungi Ally

Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (5)

Source: Fungi Ally

Fungi Ally are more than just mushroom grow kit suppliers, they sell mushroom extracts and all sorts of other products derived from their own mushroom farms.

If you’re after more unusual varieties, Fungi Ally is the place to go. Their kits and spawn include rare types like Almond Agaricus and the delicious, but odd-looking, Chicken of the Woods.

Back to the Roots

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Source: Back to the Roots

If you’re just starting out with mushroom grow kits, try Back to the Roots. Their brand is all about making gardening simple. While they’re not mushroom specialists, their kits are well-made, and come with everything you need to get started.

Back to the roots mushroom grow kits are suitable for kids as well as adults, and are fun to use, with loads of different mushrooms to choose from.

North Spore

Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (7)

Source: North Spore

Branding isn’t everything, but if you’re looking to buy a mushroom grow kit as a gift, North Spore mushroom grow kits are beautifully presented and make an ideal gift for any keen gardener or foody.

My personal favourite from North Spore is the Wine Cap sawdust grow kit, which grows pretty much anywhere and produces some of the most delicious, firm mushrooms you could imagine.

Hodgins Harvest

Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (8)

Source: Hodgins Harvest

Hodgins Harvest mushroom grow kits are really well produced. They sell on Amazon as well as direct from their website, but you’ll find more variety by shopping direct.

Their kits and extracts are limited to Oyster Mushroom, Pink Oyster, and Lion’s Mane, but we’d suggest Lion’s Mane if you want to grow something truly unusual that you won’t find in grocery stores, simply because it tastes incredible.

Mushroom Growing Kit FAQs

How long does a mushroom grow kit last?

When you receive your mushroom grow kit, it will usually last for about 3 weeks before it stops working. The longer you leave your mushroom grow kit unused, the less likely it is to work, so use it straight away if possible, and store it in an air-tight container in the fridge if you can’t use it straight away.

What are the most valuable mushrooms to grow?

Shiitake mushrooms are the most expensive mushrooms in grocery stores, but there are a few more valuable rare mushrooms you can grow at home once you’re used to the methods.

Start with shiitake though, if you want quick results and valuable mushrooms on your first try!

What is the best place to put a mushroom grow kit?

Mushroom grow kits need light, but not much. We usually place ours on top of the refrigerator, where there is light exposure, but never direct sun.

That keeps humidity at reasonable levels, and the warmth of the kitchen is perfect.

Are mushroom grow kits worth the money?

Mushroom grow kits are always worth trying. If you’ve never used one before, aim for something simple like button mushrooms, which are affordable and productive.

For more experienced growers, the more you spend, the more you get.

Do mushroom grow kits keep growing?

Simple mushroom grow kits, grow bags, or grow boxes, tend to produce mushrooms for around 3 months. Inoculated logs last longer and can come back year after year.

Do mushroom plugs come back every year?

Mushrooms grown from mushroom plugs will grow back every year for four to five years. Limit their exposure to frost and wind where possible, to elongate their life span.

How long does it take for mushroom grow kits to grow to full size?

Mushroom grow kits, particularly the smaller types of mushroom, are surprisingly fast-growing. They can grow from nothing to full mushrooms in about 3-4 weeks in the right conditions, and we’ve even had mushrooms from budget-friendly grow kits grow from box to harvest in as little as a fortnight.

Should mushroom grow kits be kept in the dark?

Mushroom grow kits should not be kept in complete darkness. They need light and a little bit of heat to work properly. Find somewhere as shaded as possible, with no direct sunlight, but avoid completely dark situations like cupboards.

What do you do with mushroom logs in the winter?

In winter, mushroom grow kits can still work indoors. If you have mushroom logs, bring them inside, or away from bitter winds. Wind can dislodge spores, and frosts can ruin growth in the New Year, so bring any loose mushroom logs into the garage or shed to protect them.

For more on growing mushrooms, don't miss our in-depth guide to growing portobello mushroomsboth indoors and outdoors.

Start Growing Your Own Mushrooms with these Mushroom Growing Kits

If you’ve never grown mushrooms before, the best mushroom grow kit for you, is going to be a lot cheaper than one for someone with a bit more expertise. Choose a fast-growing variety, like button or shiitake, and take good care of it.

One successful harvest is all it takes to get to know the basics of mushroom grow kits. And who knows? You might be an expert by this time next year, and move up to the more in-depth mushroom grow kits, spore kits, and hardwood logs.

About the AuthorPat Moreno

Pat is our gardening tool expert here at Sumo Gardener. Working for many years as a private and commercial landscaper, Pat has used almost every type of gardening tool there is. Along with a vast knowledge for types of plants and putting together an amazing looking and maintainable garden, Pat developed a passion for gardening tools as he found that using the right tools vastly improved the ease and outcome of any landscaping job he undertook. When spending hours, days or years using a particular tool, you want to make sure you’ve got the best one for the job, and Pat is the right guy to guide us to the best gardening tools.

Best Mushroom Growing Kits (Review) (2024)

FAQs

Are mushroom growing kits worth the money? ›

Mushroom grow kits are a great solution as they're easy to use and allow even the most inexperienced growers to produce fresh gourmet mushrooms year round. But not all mushroom grow kits are equal, so it's advisable to research and find a reliable supplier who offers a grow guarantee.

Which mushroom farming is best? ›

Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Sl. NoMushroom TypeOptimum Growth Conditions
1Button MushroomTemperature: 13-21℃Humidity: 90-100%Good ventilation required
2Straw MushroomTemperature: 35-40℃Humidity: 85-95%Well ventilated rooms
3Oyster MushroomTemperature: 13-18℃Humidity: 70-90%Good air circulation
May 5, 2024

Do mushroom log kits work? ›

Mushroom log kits - on the other hand - take longer to grow, but they are also productive for a few years, and the results of mushroom growing log kits are especially tasty! Chestnut Mushrooms with their nutty flavor and crisp texture - grown on logs!

Do mushroom grow kits keep growing? ›

If well cared for, mushroom grow kits are capable of producing two, three or more crops of mushrooms before they are fully 'spent'. After the first crop of mushrooms have been harvested, there are several steps to follow to help the block produce another flush.

What are the drawbacks of mushroom farming? ›

The Down-Side (Cons)

Unless you can get your product to market quickly, refrigerated storage is required. Forest cultivated mushroom production is seasonal (unlike year round indoor production). Logs must be inoculated soon after cutting from live trees. You can't use dried logs for anything but “firewood”.

How many times can you harvest a mushroom grow kit? ›

Some mushroom grow kits have harvested a third, fourth, and even fifth crop from their kit.

Do mushroom farmers make a lot of money? ›

Oyster mushrooms sell for about $6 to $9 a pound. A 100-square-foot growing area can produce, on average, 2500 pounds in a year. That's around $15,000, or $1250 a month. Need more money?

What is the easiest mushroom to grow? ›

The 3 types of mushrooms that are easiest to grow at home are oyster, white button, and Shiitake. The method for growing each mushroom is similar, but the ideal growing medium differs. Oyster mushrooms grow best in straw; Shiitakes grow best on hardwood sawdust; button mushrooms grow best in composted manure.

Should mushroom kits be kept in dark? ›

4. Many gourmet mushroom grow kits need light to grow, so keep them in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. This allows you to watch your mushrooms grow and some types will double in size every 12-24 hours.

Where is the best place to put a mushroom grow kit? ›

While this can be good, airflow is also important and small enclosed spaces can cause your mushrooms to suffer from lack of oxygen. We recommend placing your grow kit on your kitchen bench, out of direct sunlight.

Do mushroom grow kits expire? ›

If your Mushroom Grow Kit is in a dry environment we recommend using a humidity tent to increase moisture. Here's how: Re-soak your kit overnight fu... Expiration Date? There is no expiration date on the Mushroom Farm but we recommend growing it within the first few months for the best results.

Are mushroom grow kits legit? ›

If you can find a high quality kit, then yes- absolutely. There are loads of different branded mushroom kits available, and lots of different species of mushrooms you can grow… so it's worth it to do a little bit of research before diving in.

What speeds up mushroom growth? ›

Gypsum has been found to shorten the time it takes for the mycelium to grow throughout the substrate, according to researchers at the University of Putra Malaysia. That means it's quicker for the spores to grow throughout the growing block and start to grow mushrooms.

How do I get the most out of my mushroom grow kit? ›

Give your block some fresh air
  1. Take the mushroom block out of the box (and recycle the box!)
  2. Leave the block in the plastic bag.
  3. Place the block cut side up in a shady area where it will receive rainfall.
  4. Check on the block periodically, especially after rain or humid days.

Is a mushroom farm a good investment? ›

Mushroom cultivation can be profitable due to its low startup costs and the ability to produce a high yield in a small amount of space. Mushrooms also have a short time it takes to grow from spores to full size, with some types taking as little as 30 days.

How much do you get out of a mushroom grow kit? ›

Yields in traditional grow kits vary, with some achieving 10-15 dried grams per pound, affected by conditions like side pinning or loss due to contamination. Generally speaking, mushroom dry weight yields are about 15% of the dry weight of the nutritious components of the substrate.

What are the cons of mushroom compost? ›

The Pros and Cons of Mushroom Compost
ProsCons
High in organic matter, which increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, and boosts the activity of beneficial soil microbesHigh in soluble salts and other nutrients potentially kills germinating seeds, harms young seedlings, and causes damage to salt-sensitive plants
4 more rows
Aug 5, 2024

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