Species Guides

Detailed growing parameters for oyster, lion's mane, shiitake, king oyster, reishi, and more.

184 tips across 13 topics

Oyster Mushrooms

14 tips

  • What are the main oyster mushroom varieties and how do they differ?
  • What are the ideal growing parameters for blue oyster mushrooms?
  • What temperature does pink oyster need and why does it die in the cold?
  • +11 more...

Lion's Mane

12 tips

  • What is lion's mane mushroom and why is it special?
  • Why should you grow lion's mane at home instead of buying it?
  • What are the colonization parameters for lion's mane?
  • +9 more...

Shiitake

12 tips

  • What makes shiitake mushrooms unique among cultivated species?
  • Why does shiitake take so long to colonize and is that normal?
  • What is shiitake browning and why does it matter?
  • +9 more...

King Oyster

12 tips

  • What is king oyster mushroom and why is it prized by chefs?
  • What are the colonization parameters for king oyster mushrooms?
  • Why does king oyster need cold temperatures to fruit properly?
  • +9 more...

Reishi

12 tips

  • What is reishi mushroom and why is it called the mushroom of immortality?
  • What are the colonization parameters for reishi mushrooms?
  • What is the difference between reishi antler form and conk form?
  • +9 more...

Chestnut & Other Gourmet

12 tips

  • What are chestnut mushrooms and why are they gaining popularity?
  • What are the growing parameters for chestnut mushrooms?
  • Why do chestnut mushrooms have strong market appeal for small farms?
  • +9 more...

Mushroom Health & Medicinal Benefits

17 tips

  • What are the health benefits of lion's mane mushroom?
  • What are the benefits of turkey tail mushroom?
  • What are the side effects of lion's mane?
  • +14 more...

Cooking & Preparation

16 tips

  • How do you cook king oyster mushroom?
  • How do you dry mushrooms at home?
  • How do you make mushroom powder?
  • +13 more...

Enoki, Maitake & Cordyceps

12 tips

  • How do you grow enoki mushrooms at home?
  • What temperature does enoki need to fruit?
  • What substrate works best for enoki cultivation?
  • +9 more...

Mushroom Alternate Names & Varieties

17 tips

  • What is a king trumpet mushroom?
  • What is an eringi mushroom?
  • What is a sponge mushroom?
  • +14 more...

Mushroom Supplement Guide

18 tips

  • What are the proven benefits of lion's mane mushroom?
  • What are the side effects of taking lion's mane supplements?
  • How do you choose a quality lion's mane supplement?
  • +15 more...

Common Mushroom Varieties

15 tips

  • What is a chestnut mushroom?
  • What is a trumpet mushroom?
  • What is a pink mushroom that grows in clusters?
  • +12 more...

Rare & Specialty Cultivatable Species

15 tips

  • How do you grow nameko mushrooms?
  • How do you grow pioppino (black poplar) mushrooms?
  • How do you grow bear's head tooth mushroom?
  • +12 more...