How to grow your own Chestnut / White Mushrooms.
Chestnut / White Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) not to be confused with the "chestnut mushroom" Pholiota adiposa are the most commonly cultivated and consumed mushroom in the world, it is a huge industry world wide, although in recent years more and more exotic mushrooms are being consumed also.
To grow Chestnut and White mushrooms commercially, it requires a lot of space and hygiene protocols in order to do so cost effectively. Typically these are grown commercially in large growing rooms on wooden "beds" where compost is fed into these in bulk, topsoil is placed onto the compost and eventually in a few weeks the mushrooms are manually picked by a team of pickers before the beds are cleaned out for the next crop.
How to setup your mushroom growing kit
We wanted everyone to be able to experience the thrill of growing your own mushrooms so we created our fantastic range of mushroom growing kits. With the use of grow your own kits, this process is very easy and our easy instructions will guide you through the process, any issues and we're always on hand for personalized product support and FAQ's.
Our Chestnut and White Mushroom Growing kits replicate this process but on a much smaller and manageable scale, each kit is 7x7x7" in size containing enough nutrition to allow for for 3/4 Harvests.
Step One - Setup
Firstly open up the box, cutting along the dotted lines and raising the side flaps with the plastic neatly hooked over, this should form a nice square for your topsoil to be placed.
Locate your kit anywhere indoors, out of direct sunlight in an area which is between 14-21'c
Ensure the topsoil bag receives 100mls of water and then evenly distribute the casing soil over the compost, Do not compact this down, it is best to go on loose and fluffy with "cracks / veins" in-between.
Place the lid loosely back on for 8 days to allow the mycelium to colonize the topsoil. Begin spraying your topsoil twice daily to provide ideal fruiting conditions. Your mushrooms will be ready to pick in another 8-16 days.
Your Chestnut / White Mushroom Growing Kits has enough nutrition for 3/4 harvests over 5/7 weeks. Please see article for our grow kit crop rates.
How to Grow your own Chestnut / White Mushrooms
- CheckIdeal Temperature 15-17'c
Step Two - Pinning
Each species of mushroom growing kit we offer will provide different growing experiences, this kit in particular has a bit more to do upon arrival in order to yield its first crop as it is not part of our ready growing range, but do not worry, the entire duration to have your first crop is only 16-24 days.
10-18 days after removing the lid, primodia (pins) will begin to form on the topsoil, these will double in size over night as they grow to maturation.
How to Grow your own Chestnut / White Mushrooms
Handy growing guide
Fruiting your own Chestnut / White Mushrooms
Step Three - Fruiting and Harvesting
16-24 days have passed and your kit will now be in crop.
Please see the picture for reference, this is a typical crop from one of our kits, it is quite normal for some mushrooms to be bigger than the others, it is best to pick the entire crop at the same time by gently twisting and pulling out the entire mushroom, root included. The entire fruit body is edible, aside from the very base, closest to the root. We have a range of recipes on our blog.
Mushrooms are best picked before they drop spores and just before the edges begin to upturn, to leave them on past this will not make the mushrooms grow any larger, but will stop them keeping as well in the fridge and make them softer than they should be.
How to harvest Chestnut/White mushrooms
To harvest your mushrooms it is important you do not leave any rooton the topsoil as this will hinder further crops. To pick your mushrooms correctly and avoid leaving in any root, you should gently twist and pull the entire mushroom out taking the root with you as pictured. Then simply slice and discard the root and enjoy the mushroom you have just grown.
Chestnut / White mushroom benefits
1. Nutritional Value: Both Chestnut and White mushrooms are known for their nutritional benefits, providing a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals with low calories and fat. These amazing mushrooms will actually harness the power of the sun and produce more vitamin D within them if exposed to sunlight.
2. Immune Support: These mushrooms contain antioxidants that can support the immune system.
3. Heart Health: Studies suggest that their fibre and potassium content may help in maintaining heart health.
4. Digestive Health: The fibre in these mushrooms aids digestion and can promote gut health.
Read more about the potential benefits of Chestnut / White mushrooms here
Chestnut / White mushroom culinary uses
Chestnut / white mushrooms are versatile in culinary uses, suitable for dishes like stir-fries, soups, pasta dishes and as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan recipes. Overall, chestnut / white mushrooms are a nutritious and flavorful ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes.
They can be consumed cooked or raw but our favourite way to have them is pan fried with garlic, olive oil and butter. Adding herbs such as thyme also works very well with them.
Check out our recipes for Chestnut mushrooms here.
Chestnut / White MushroomsUseful Links and Articles
Homegrown vs Shop-bought mushrooms
FAQ for Chestnut and White Mushroom Growing Kit
1. How do I set up and maintain my Chestnut and White Mushroom Growing Kit?
After opening your kit, position it in a cool area (14-21°C) away from direct sunlight. Distribute the casing soil loosely over the compost without compacting it. Initially, add 100ml of water, then cover loosely with the lid for 8 days to let the mycelium colonise the topsoil. Begin spraying your topsoil twice daily to provide ideal fruiting conditions.
2. What conditions do Chestnut and White Mushrooms need to grow?
Chestnut and White Mushrooms thrive best at a steady temperature of 15-17°C with high humidity and consistent fresh air exchange. Ensure the kit is not sealed tightly to allow for airflow and prevent suffocation.
3. When and how do I harvest the mushrooms?
Harvest your mushrooms when they are mature but before they begin to drop spores, typically when the mushroom caps are fully opened but the edges have not yet started to curl. Gently twist and pull the entire fruit body from the substrate to avoid leaving any roots behind.
4. How many crops can I harvest, and can I grow them outside?
You can expect 3-4 harvests from your kit over approximately 5-7 weeks. These kits are designed for indoor use to easily control environmental conditions; therefore, growing them outside is not recommended without proper adjustments for outdoor conditions.