I'm an avid mushroom fan. Even as a kid, I used to enjoy eating mushrooms, while other kids despised them and threw them away. So, once I was older, I got to thinking, could I grow these babies in my garden?
The answer to this question is - yes, and in this article, I'll show you exactly how I did it.
Background Information About Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello Mushrooms are referred to with two names - Portobella and Portobello. Both names are correct and are used commonly and interchangeably.
Portobello Mushrooms are commonly used in lots of dishes. Sometimes they're even used as an alternative to meat due to their intense flavour, low calories and fat, as well as being cholesterol-free. Furthermore, they are very nutritious, containing nutrients such as Minerals, Protein, vitamin B, and Fiber. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin D. Growers can alter the amount of Vitamin D inside a mushroom by balancing its exposure with ultraviolet light.
Growing Portobello Mushrooms
Portabello Mushrooms are considered one of the easiest mushrooms to grow indoors. Anyone can buy a kit and start growing them with ease. The process only takes 3-4 weeks.
To grow Portobello Mushrooms, you should first prepare the materials. First of all, you will need a place to plant the mushrooms. You should have a tray to plant the mushrooms in. The tray should be at least 8 inches deep and 6 inches long, but it's usually better to have a longer tray. If you're looking for an easier alternative, you can always buy a mushroom growing kit that includes everything you'll need to grow your Portobello Mushrooms out-of-the-box.
After setting up your materials, you should fill the tray till about 6 inches with manure compost. After that, you should spread in some spores on the compost before mixing it all together (you can buy spores in a gardening shop or online). Make sure to pat down the compost when you're finished.
Place the trays in a dark and cool area until you notice some white growth. When you do see it, place a smooth layer of peat moss over the compost before placing a layer of newspaper on top. Keep the trays in a controlled temperature between 60◦F and 70◦F. Make sure the temperature doesn't go above 70 or below 60. Try to keep the newspapers moist by spraying them with water at least once a day. This will help the mushrooms grow.
After 12-21 days, if the mushrooms are growing well, make sure to remove the newspapers to allow the mushrooms to grow even more. Make sure you're misting the mushrooms every day. The mushrooms should be ready for harvest immediately after you remove the newspapers, but it's best to wait a week or two for the mushrooms to fully grow before harvesting.
Growing Portobello Mushrooms Outdoors
Portobello Mushrooms can be grown all-year-long if grown indoors since the temperature can be controlled indoors. However, they can also be grown outdoors in the right temperatures. Growing Portobello Mushrooms outdoor uses a similar process as indoors. You just have to make sure the soil used is sterilized for the mushrooms. The overall process might take a bit longer than if done indoors.
Final Words
Overall, the Portabello Mushroom is well-known around the world and is favoured by many. It is used in many dishes and can be an alternative source of protein to replace meat. With so many benefits, nutrients, and protein, it is easy to see why the Portabello Mushroom is in such high demand. The good thing is, it's easy to grow, and after reading this article you should have everything you need to start growing them yourself!