Grow Your Own Mushrooms and Harvest this Beneficial Superfood
The weather has been going a little crazy the last few years, and each year it seems that more and more of the country is affected by drought conditions. It’s no surprise, then, that drought landscaping (sometimes called xeriscaping) is becoming a hot topic. There are a lot of easy things you can do in your garden to conserve water. A rain barrel under your house gutters is an obvious solution, and one that’s becoming more and more popular (I’ll be installing a 55-gallon barrel at my parents’ house tomorrow). Putting down a thick layer of mulch can help a lot of plants to retain moisture. Many landscapers are recommending less grass, most types of which require a tremendous amount of water. In the place of grass natural areas and planting beds are taking over.
Why You Should Grow Mushrooms
They Tend Themselves
Mushrooms are quite possibly the easiest thing you will ever grow. How often are you able to drop a seed in the ground and then completely ignore it until you want to harvest it? Chances are not that often because, aside from a few super resilient plants, most of your garden needs at least a little TLC to ensure a healthy crop. Not mushrooms. Growing these darlings takes two things: A growing medium and patience, and as long as you have the first and you won’t need much of the second.
They’re Good for You
Mushrooms are quite possibly the easiest thing you will ever grow. How often are you able to drop a seed in the ground and then completely ignore it until you want to harvest it? Chances are not that often because, aside from a few super resilient plants, most of your garden needs at least a little TLC to ensure a healthy crop. Not mushrooms. Growing these darlings takes two things: A growing medium and patience, and as long as you have the first and you won’t need much of the second.
Mushrooms are a health food in every way but taste. Loaded with nutrients such as riboflavin, potassium, Vitamin D, B vitamins and antioxidants it’s hard to go wrong with a helping of these on your plate. Don’t let their sinfully rich, meaty flavor fool you – these scrumptious morsels are low in calories, sodium, fat and cholesterol so you can pig out without regret!
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They Don’t Need Much Space
Low on space? No worries – mushrooms don’t mind cramped quarters one bit! These humble fungi keeps a low profile and like to grow in places we forget about, like old stumps and inside compost bins.
They’re Versatile
There’s a plethora of ways to enjoy them as they can enhance the flavor in all kinds of dishes. You can grill, broil, sauté, deep fry them, or simply eat them raw. In short, there’s no wrong way to eat a mushroom.
They’re 100% Organic
In this modernized world it’s harder than ever to live organic and avoid chemicals in your food. That’s why it is such a blessing to know that our mushrooms don’t need any manufactured goop to grow big, plentiful and delicious.
They Save You Money
Any time you grow your own food you’re sparing your wallet at the grocery store and since these mushroom regrow themselves you’re saving money hand over fist!
They’re Educational
Ordinarily eating science experiments isn’t wise, but with mushrooms it’s encouraged! Growing mushrooms at home means that family members young and old can witness the miraculous life cycle of the mushroom in real time.
They Produce All Year (Depending on Your Zone)
A rare but valuable talent whose benefits speak for themselves.
They Make Top Soil
Mushrooms such as the Wood Blewit variety do an amazing thing: they naturally turn organic trash into nutrient rich treasure that nourishes and strengthens your garden. Kick start your compost pile while growing a flavorful crop of mushrooms. Now that’s what we call multi-tasking!
They Help Save the Planet
Make meatless Mondays more manageable with mushrooms! That was a mouthful, but it’s very true that mushrooms have the taste and texture of meat which can help your more reluctant honorary vegetarians embrace this weekly mission. Going meatless for even a day helps minimize your carbon footprint thus making the world a cleaner, greener place.