Did you know you can actually grow new mushrooms from mushrooms you already have?

When I first learned about this, I was amazed at how simple it is.
It’s an incredibly efficient way to cultivate your own mushrooms at home, especially if you’ve already got a variety you love.

Growing mushrooms from mushrooms not only saves you money but also lets you continuously enjoy fresh harvests.

Let me walk you through how I did it and how you can do it too.

Why Grow Mushrooms from Mushrooms?

One of the biggest reasons I decided to try this method was convenience.

I had a batch of oyster mushrooms I’d bought from the store, and rather than just eat them and be done, I wanted to see if I could get a new harvest from them.

Plus, this method is eco-friendly—it allows you to recycle mushrooms and create a sustainable growing cycle.

Another great reason to grow mushrooms from mushrooms is that it’s much quicker than starting from scratch with spores.

You can skip a lot of the initial setup and head straight into growing mode.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before we dive into the process, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to grow mushrooms from mushrooms:

• Fresh mushrooms (oyster, shiitake, or button mushrooms work well)
• A growing substrate (straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds)
• A sterile container or grow bag (to house the new mycelium)
• A spray bottle (to keep the environment moist)
• A clean knife or scissors (to cut the mushroom pieces)
• Sterile gloves (to avoid contamination)

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Mushrooms from Mushrooms

Step 1: Choosing the Right Mushrooms

First, you’ll need fresh, healthy mushrooms to start with.

When I first tried this method, I used oyster mushrooms because they’re known for being relatively easy to propagate.

Choose mushrooms that are firm and free of mold or any signs of decay.

I found that store-bought mushrooms work fine, but if you can get organic ones or those straight from a farm, even better—they tend to be healthier and more likely to produce good results.

Step 2: Cutting the Mushroom Pieces

The next step is to cut your mushrooms into small pieces.

You’ll want to focus on the stem, as that’s where the most viable mycelium is located. I used a clean, sharp knife to cut the mushroom stems into small sections about 1-2 inches long.

One tip I learned: be sure to handle everything with sterile gloves to avoid contamination.
Mushrooms are quite sensitive, and bacteria can easily hinder the growing process.

Step 3: Preparing the Substrate

Now it’s time to prepare the substrate. Mushrooms need a nutrient-rich base to grow in, and I found that straw or sawdust works really well.

If you want an eco-friendly option, coffee grounds are another excellent choice.

Make sure the substrate is pasteurized—this kills off any unwanted bacteria or mold.
You can do this by heating it to around 160°F (70°C) for an hour.

Once it’s ready, let it cool before adding the mushroom pieces.

Step 4: Placing the Mushroom Pieces in the Substrate

Now that your substrate is ready and your mushroom pieces are cut, it’s time to combine them.

Gently bury the mushroom stems into the substrate, making sure they’re well covered but not packed too tightly.

After that, place the mixture into a sterile grow bag or container. I prefer grow bags because they allow for air exchange while keeping everything clean and contained.

Step 5: Creating the Right Environment

Once your mushroom pieces are in the substrate, you’ll need to create the right environment for them to grow.

Mushrooms love dark, humid places, so I kept my setup in a dark closet. Make sure to mist the substrate daily with water to maintain humidity levels.

You don’t want the substrate to be soaking wet, just damp enough to encourage growth.

I checked mine every day, and within a week or two, I started seeing signs of mycelium growth.

Step 6: Watching for Growth

This is the fun part—waiting for the mushrooms to grow!

After a couple of weeks, you should start to see mycelium spreading through the substrate. It looks like a fine white web growing through the material.

Once the mycelium has colonized the substrate, the mushrooms will begin to fruit.

When I saw those first little mushroom pins popping up, it was exciting. They grow fast, so keep an eye on them!

Step 7: Harvesting Your Mushrooms

When your mushrooms are fully grown, it’s time to harvest them.

Gently twist or cut them at the base to remove them from the substrate.

I found that harvesting them just before the caps fully open gives them the best flavor and texture.

And the best part?

After your first harvest, you can often get multiple flushes (new rounds of mushrooms) from the same setup, so don’t toss the substrate just yet!

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

One of the biggest challenges I faced was contamination.

Since you’re working with fresh mushrooms and not spores, the chances of introducing bacteria are a bit higher.

To combat this, always sterilize your tools, substrate, and hands before handling the mushrooms or substrate.

Another issue can be improper moisture levels.
If the substrate dries out, the mushrooms won’t grow well.

Mist the substrate regularly, but don’t overdo it—too much moisture can lead to mold, which will ruin the process.

My Final Thoughts

Growing mushrooms from mushrooms is not only a fun project but also an incredibly sustainable way to keep fresh mushrooms in your kitchen.

It might take a bit of trial and error, but once you get the process down, it becomes second nature.

If you’re like me and enjoy fresh ingredients that you can grow yourself, this method is a must-try. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can turn one batch of mushrooms into a continuous cycle of fresh harvests.

Have you ever thought about trying it? Give it a shot—you won’t regret it!