Growing mushrooms in the garden: 3 techniques

When we think of gardening, we rarely imagine mushrooms as allies. Yet, some edible species can harmoniously integrate into our vegetable gardens, lawns, and flower beds, while bringing many benefits to the soil... and to our plate!

In this article, discover three simple, natural, and sustainable methods to grow edible mushrooms in your garden:

• On log

• On mulch in the vegetable garden,

• Directly in the lawn.

These techniques are suitable for amateur gardeners, permaculture enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to locally produce organic mushrooms.

🌳 1. Log cultivation: reconnecting with tradition

Ideal for: small gardens, orchards, shaded spots, fans of rustic techniques.

Wood cultivation is one of the oldest and most resilient techniques. It is inspired by Asian forestry practices, especially Japanese for shiitake. It involves inoculating hardwood logs (oak, beech, maple, hornbeam...) with mycelium.

Oyster mushroom cultivation on logs

Key steps:

1. Select freshly cut logs (less than 6 weeks old) 80 cm to 1 meter long.

2. Drill holes at regular intervals (every 10-15 cm).

3. Insert mycelium in the form of plugs or inoculated grains.

4. Seal the holes with food-grade wax to prevent drying out and contamination.

5. Place the logs in the shade, keep them moist, and be patient: fruiting usually occurs 6 to 12 months later.

Recommended mushrooms: Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).

✅ Advantages:

• Sustainable production for 3 to 5 years,

• Low maintenance,

• Proven and aesthetic technique.

❗ Points of caution:

• Space needed for storage,

• Waiting time before the first harvests.

🥕 2. Mulch cultivation: mushrooms and vegetables hand in hand

Ideal for: permaculture vegetable gardens, growing mounds, organic growing areas.

This method fits perfectly into a living garden where mushrooms play a role as natural decomposers. They transform organic matter into humus, nourishing plants while producing delicious fruiting bodies.

Key steps:

1. Prepare a rich and airy mulch (untreated wood chips, straw, BRF). To increase the chances of success, we recommend pasteurizing the substrates with lime.

2. Water abundantly to ensure good moisture.

3. Spread the mycelium (in the form of grains or colonized substrate) on the surface.

4. Cover with a thin layer of soil and keep moist.

Recommended mushrooms: Wine red Stropharia (Stropharia rugosoannulata), Elm oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius).

✅ Advantages:

• Promotes soil life and vegetable harvests,

• Double production (vegetables + mushrooms),

• Easy and economical technique.

❗ Points of caution:

• Requires a well-carbonized mulch,

• Sensitive to drought: monitor moisture.

Nitrogen hunger:

When a carbon-rich mulch (such as wood chips) is applied to the soil without mushrooms, it is mainly the soil bacteria that decompose it. To do this, they use a large amount of nitrogen, thus creating a nitrogen hunger: a temporary deficiency for surrounding plants.

By cultivating edible mushrooms with mulching, the process changes. Mushrooms, thanks to their enzymes, break down wood without drawing as much from the soil's nitrogen reserves. On the contrary, they can release the nitrogen contained in woody materials, gradually making it accessible to plants. Result: a more fertile soil and balanced growth.

 

🌱 3. Lawn cultivation: discreet and productive

Ideal for: small spaces, shaded areas, families with children.

Growing mushrooms in the lawn is a fun and ecological way to produce your own food. The chosen species can adapt to a lightly mowed lawn free of chemicals.

Key steps:

1. Detach a turf patch (about 30 x 30 cm).

2. Place the mycelium underneath (in the form of substrate or grains).

3. Replace the slab, gently press down.

4. Lightly cover with compost or potting soil to help retain moisture. Keep moist in the following days and weeks, but not waterlogged.

✅ Advantages:

• Invisible integration in the garden,

• Suitable for small spaces,

• Interesting family activity.

❗ Points of caution:

• Soil not chemically treated,

• Lightly mowed lawn to allow mushrooms to develop.

🍄 In summary: comparison table

shaggy ink cap in the garden

✨ Bonus: Why integrate mushrooms into your garden?

• Less fertilizer : mushrooms facilitate nutrient absorption by plants.

• Living soil : the mycelium aerates the soil and stimulates microbial biodiversity.

• Natural protection : some mushrooms slow down fungal diseases in crops.

• Healthy and local harvests : fresh mushrooms at home, without transport or pesticides.