Have you ever wanted to learn how mushrooms grow? The task of growing your own mushrooms may seem like a lot of pressure initially, but it is a good experience and is now a lot less harder than ever to start due to the availability of DVD’s and mushroom starter kits.

photo credit: polandeze

In order to grow mushrooms, you will need to know the basic process, conditions for growing, environmental conditions and several other factors. The general process of growing mushrooms is as follows:

The first thing to do is to procure spores or spawns of the mushroom you want to grow. spores or spawns are also known as agar cultures or test tube cultures. You can either make it yourself or purchase it from a supplier.

Step two… Prepare some sawdust or sterilized grain and inject the spores into the sterilized grain so that mushroom spawns can form. Spawns can also be purchased from suppliers.

Step Three… Depending on what type of mushrooms you are wanting to grow will most likely determine what materials you will need. Various strains of mushrooms grow better in soil while others prefer woody materials like straw, wood chips and even tree stumps and logs.

Step Four… use the spawns to activate the growth of mycelium, the fibrous network of mushrooms. For mushrooms that grow in soil, it is best to use compost to feed the mushrooms because they need to gather nutrients from a source because they can’t make their own food since they have no chlorophyll.

Step Five… you will need to layer the compost with material that does not have a lot of nutrients, like peat moss. The purpose of this is to encourage the growth of the mushrooms or fruiting bodies. The top layer will retain moisture while preventing the growth of other bacteria and/or unwanted microorganisms, therefore the reason why you want to use something that has little to no nutrients to avoid the growth of other organisms.
photo credit: chatirygirl

Finally, all you do is wait until the first flush appears then you can harvest and enjoy your edible mushrooms. Usually that happens within a few weeks and every additional flush occurs within 10 or so days. In the meantime you should be aware of keeping the compost bed moist and within the optimal growing temperature. You can get about 3-5 flushes before you will need to buy a new kit. This applies mainly to soil based mushrooms. A mushroom log can last much longer.

The strain of mushrooms you choose to grow will most likely determine which steps you must go through and which you can skip. For beginners and novices it would be best to experiment with a mushroom grow kit to avoid some of the earlier steps which require more work and attention.

You now have a basic knowledge of the process of how to grow mushrooms. It can be a rewarding experience if you take the time to learn how to grow your own mushrooms. Here’s to a successful first harvest!

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It’s rather surprising how the desirability of the blue dendrobium orchid is increasing at such a fast pace. On the other hand, maybe it is not so surprising. It forms attractive and long-lasting blooms in vivid tones of blue and is a stunning addition to any floral display.
photo credit: stevendepolo

It’s also a popular choice of lots of orchid growers, and it is remarkable to note that this lovely blossom is turning into a highly stylish house plant as well.

The blue dendrobium holds a rich history. It is indigenous to the Philippines where it flourishes as a natural species. It is quite comparable in appearance to particular moths that flit all around in the wilderness of that country.

However a transformation has happened in the blue dendrobium that is being sold in recent times in comparison with the typical plants that grow in their natural habitat. The present kind is a cross that’s in fact a good deal more brilliant in color than its long-established ancestor.

The blue dendrobium orchid is in fact somewhat rare and there are a few sorts that are even dying out. This is largely because their indigenous surroundings have been wiped out. But you can cultivate this attractive orchid at home as long as you possess determination, diligence and the correct knowledge concerning how to raise these flowers.

In terms of raising the blue dendrobium orchid, you will need to be sure to follow one simple principle. The hotter it is, the more water you will need to offer it; and the cooler the temperature, the less watering is necessary.

This may seem obvious; however the reality is that you will need to adjust your watering schedule according to the season. Throughout the summer you’ll need to water these flowers approximately every five days, or less, however in wintertime you can wait up to 12 days in between waterings.

Of course, if you don’t possess the time or persistence to tend the blue dendrobium orchid you can always buy them from numerous florists, both on the internet and off. You can obtain just-cut blue dendrobiums in assorted shades. They make a superb addition to a bridal bouquet, and furthermore are a very striking centerpiece for the wedding reception, or even as a gorgeous flower arrangement for your home.

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It is not easy to grow your own herb plants in your home garden because this requires  a lot of effort for the herbs to grow and flourish. But if you really take time to care for the herbs, they will give you a lot of advantages because they have so many uses.
photo credit: dichohecho

If you are planning to use the herbs, you should harvest them first but before doing so, you should consider the time you will harvest a certain herb. The weather at a certain place affects the good harvest of a herb.

Some herbs are affected by the season especially during harvest time. Their essential oils can be dispersed by the wind and the heat. It is already a common practice that herbs are harvested during dry season because herbs have fewer oils during the wet season.

If you harvest a herb, you only get a certain part of it and not the entire plant. Harvesting the herb does not mean you have to use it at once at the time you picked them but you can preserve them by keeping it in the refrigerator. In harvesting, you have to inspect for insects and leaves that are damaged.

Typically the  owner of a home herb garden knows that there are three ways to preserve their herbs for later use; drying, freezing, or preserving them in a medium like salt or vinegar.

In order to dry herbs you need to bundle six to twelve stems together and remove any foliage near the base of the stems. You can secure the bundle with string. The home herb garden enthusiasts protects the bundle in a cool location away from sunlight.

If you are looking to dry individual leaves you can place them on a screen or a rack. Remember to turn them often in order for them to dry properly.

Some people who have a home herb garden have turned to using appliances like dehydrators, ovens or microwaves to dry herbs as well although these are less satisfactory ways.

Freezing herbs is a fairy simple way to preserve herbs. Cut the herbs into inch pieces and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Once the herbs are frozen, you can place them together in a bag and store them in the freezer until use.

The third way to preserve herbs in home herb gardens is through a medium. For instance, you can cover herbs like chopped mint, basil or tarragon with vinegar and it will be preserved for several months. Or you can make a flavored salt to preserve herbs by alternating layers of fresh herbs between salt. When completely dry separate the brown herb from the flavored salt and store it in an airtight container.

Of course, the home herb gardener often use herbs fresh right out of the garden. Take care cleaning the herbs before they are placed fresh in recipes.

In order to clean fresh herbs place them in a bowl filled with cool water. If there is a large quantity of herbs you can use the sink. Place about two tablespoons of salt in the water. The salt in the water will drive away insects without damaging the plant. Remove the herbs from the water and dry them in a salad spinner.
photo credit: themissiah

Herbs have different types. They also have different uses and different ways on how to harvest them. Whatever herb you have in your own garden, you should have the proper knowledge and background for them to be used and cared properly.

Jack Grant is an herb garden lover and improved his skills in Italy. Get the secrets on how to cultivate your own Home Herb Garden and get FREE tips. Click here.

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