A tray of shiitake mushrooms growing indoors on a kitchen windowsill, surrounded by small potted plants, a spray bottle, and jars of natural ingredients.

Beginner’s Guide to Growing Shiitake Mushrooms at Home

by

Shiitake Mushrooms

If you’ve ever sliced into a plump shiitake and thought, “Man, I wish I could grow these myself” you absolutely can. I used to think mushroom growing was some mystical forest wizard skill, but it’s surprisingly doable at home, even if you don’t have a backyard.

Whether you’re going full homestead or just want a fun kitchen experiment, here’s how to grow shiitake mushrooms from scratch (or at least, from a kit).

The Basics: How Shiitakes Grow

Shiitake mushrooms come from logs or blocks colonized by mycelium basically, the fungus “roots” that grow into mushrooms when the conditions are right.

There are two main ways you can grow them at home:

  1. Using a growing kit (fastest and easiest)
  2. Inoculating your own logs (more involved, but super satisfying)

Let’s break down both.

Option 1: Indoor Grow Kits

If you’re just starting, this is the way to go.

  • Kits usually come with a block already filled with mycelium just add water and keep it humid.
  • Within a week or two, you’ll see little “pins” forming… and then full mushrooms!
  • Place it near a window (indirect sunlight is fine) and mist it twice a day.

I’ve grown mushrooms on my kitchen counter using one of these. It felt like magic.

Best starter kits: North Spore, Back to the Roots, or Etsy vendors with good reviews.

Option 2: Inoculating Hardwood Logs

Ready to get your hands dirty (in the fun way)? This is for you.

Here’s how I did it:

  1. Find a fresh hardwood log oak or maple works great.
  2. Drill holes and fill them with shiitake spawn plugs.
  3. Seal the holes with wax.
  4. Stack the logs in a shaded outdoor area.
  5. Wait 6–12 months for the first flush (yes, patience required).

But when those first mushrooms pop? Pure joy.

Creating the Right Environment

Shiitakes like:

  • Cool temps (50–70°F)
  • High humidity (mist them!)
  • Indirect light
  • Fresh air circulation

Keep the block damp not soaking wet and you’re golden.

Harvesting: The Fun Part

Once the caps start flattening and the edges curl slightly harvest time! Just twist them off gently or use scissors.

Pro tip: Harvest in the morning for the best texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting: Mold, No Growth, Drying Out

  • White fuzz? Normal mycelium.
  • Blue-green mold? Toss it, or cut that part off if minor.
  • No growth after weeks? Too dry. Mist more.
  • Block shriveling? Give it a soak in water for 4–6 hours, then drain.

It’s a bit like plant parenting give it love, light, and a good mist now and then.

FAQ:

Can I Grow Shiitake on Coffee Grounds?

Not really. Shiitakes are picky. Coffee grounds work better for oyster mushrooms. Stick to hardwood or pre-made blocks for these guys.

From Curiosity to Cultivation

There’s something wildly satisfying about growing food from nothing especially mushrooms, which feel like little miracles sprouting out of nowhere.

If you’re into sustainable living, zero-waste cooking, or just want to nerd out with fungi, give it a shot. And when you’re ready to cook your harvest, check out my Ultimate Vegan Shiitake Recipe Guide for delicious ideas.