Growing champignons (also known as white button mushrooms) at home is a fun and rewarding hobby. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Choose a growing medium: Champignons can be grown on a variety of substrates, such as composted manure, straw, or sawdust. You can purchase pre-made growing kits that contain a growing medium and mushroom spores, or you can make your own growing medium.
- Select a growing container: You’ll need a container to hold the growing medium and mushroom spores. You can use plastic containers, cardboard boxes, or even coffee cans.
- Inoculate the substrate: Once you’ve prepared your growing medium and container, you’ll need to inoculate the substrate with mushroom spores. You can purchase mushroom spores online or from a specialty store.
- Incubate the substrate: After inoculating the substrate, you’ll need to incubate it in a warm, dark place. The ideal temperature for champignon growth is around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
- Allow the mushrooms to grow: After a few weeks, you should start to see mushroom growth. Make sure to keep the substrate moist and well-hydrated.
- Harvest the mushrooms: Once the mushrooms are fully grown, you can harvest them by twisting them gently at the base of the stem. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Growing champignons at home can be a fun and rewarding hobby. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious mushrooms.