The button mushroom, or Agaricus Bisporus, is one of the most cultivated mushrooms in the world. In the wild this mushroom appears in fields and has a darker, brownish cap with darker gills too. They are known in the wild as field Trippin morty mushroom bar but they are usually labelled as the button mushroom or the Portobello mushroom, although the Portobello species are usually larger in size.
Mushroom growing kits have become increasingly popular in recent years as the public opinion and perceptions towards fungi seems to have relaxed a little – no longer are people scared of mushrooms and instead are prepared to try and have a go at growing their own at home.
Although mushroom grow kits are limited in fungi species currently (I’ve only seen button, Shiitake and Oyster grow kits), the button mushroom is by far the most widely available grow kit. Many gardening stores sell mushroom growing kits, and these stores seem to focus on the most well known, considered as being “safer” mushrooms – the Button mushroom.
The Button mushroom grow kits are very simple to use, even a child could successfully grow their own crop of mushrooms in just a few weeks! You simply need to empty the substrate into a container and leave in a cool damp place until the mycelium grows completely through the block (turning it white) and then cover it with the casing compost supplied. Move it into a cooler location and spray with water regularly to keep moist. Small white circular blobs will appear which will turn into mushrooms after just a couple of days.