1. Choose a Location: Select an area that has the proper humidity, temperature, light levels and air circulation to best suit the type of mushrooms you plan to grow.
2. Purchase Supplies: Get containers for growing, such as trays or bags; contaminant-resistant gloves, aprons and masks; a hygrometer for measuring humidity; a thermometer for temperature control; and an air pump to provide oxygen.
3. Prepare the Growing Area: Designate a clean area of your home or business that is free from pesticides, dust, dirt and other contaminants.
4. Source Spawn: Obtain the starter culture, or spawn, of your chosen variety of mushroom; this can be purchased from a supplier.
5. Mix Spawn and Substrate: Fill bags with a combination of substrate (such as straw, wood chips, compost or other materials) and spawn before sterilizing them to kill off any contaminants that may be present.
6. Incubate: Place the bags in a dark, enclosed space such as a cupboard to allow them to incubate for several weeks or months.
7. Monitor Conditions: Check on the mushrooms periodically and adjust temperature, humidity and airflow levels accordingly.
8. Harvest: Once your mushrooms are ready to harvest, remove them from their growing medium carefully.