Top 5 most common mistakes when growing mushrooms at home and how to avoid them

Growing mushrooms at home is an interesting and profitable activity, but beginners often make mistakes that can affect the size and quality of the harvest. To help you avoid failure, we have compiled five of the most common mistakes and their solutions.

1. Insufficient humidity – mushrooms can dry out!

Humidity is one of the most important factors in mushroom cultivation. If the substrate becomes too dry, the mycelium cannot develop and the yield can be small. How to avoid it?

• Spray the mushroom set with water regularly (2-3 times a day).

• Provide a humidity level of 80–90% in the growing area.

• Avoid direct heat sources, which can dry out the substrate.

2. Wrong temperature – the growth process stops

Most mushroom species grow at temperatures of 18–24°C . If the temperature is too low or high, the mycelium may not develop. How to avoid this?

• Place the mushroom growing kit at room temperature.

• Avoid direct sunlight or cold rooms.

• If necessary, use moisture-retaining coverings or special heat pads.

3. Insufficient ventilation – mushrooms cannot breathe

Mushrooms need fresh air to grow properly. If ventilation is insufficient, too much CO₂ can build up, leading to deformed mushrooms or a low yield. How to avoid this?

• Place the kit in a location with good air circulation.

• Ventilate the room regularly or open the ventilation holes of the grow kit.

• Do not overdo it with humidity, as excessively humid air can promote mold growth.

4. Improper substrate treatment

If the substrate is too compact, the mycelium may not develop evenly. Sometimes growers also remove the block from the package too quickly or make incorrect cuts. How to avoid this?

• Follow the growing instructions included with the kit.

• Open the kit only when the substrate is sufficiently colonized with mycelium.

• Make cuts in the right places to ensure the best crop development.

5. Poor quality or too small growing kit

Smaller substrate blocks (e.g. 1kg) may dry out faster and not provide sufficient yields, especially for beginners. A larger substrate mass provides a more stable environment and a longer growth cycle. How to avoid this?

• Choose quality mushroom growing kits from a reliable supplier.

• Prefer 3kg substrate blocks , which provide higher yields and are easier to maintain.

• Make sure the kit includes fresh mycelium and all necessary instructions.

Conclusion – how to get maximum yield?

To ensure successful mushroom cultivation at home, remember to: ✅ Provide sufficient humidity ; ✅ Maintain the right temperature (18–24°C) ; ✅ Provide good ventilation ; ✅ Monitor the condition of the substrate ; ✅ Choose a larger and higher-quality growing kit .

Svaigassenes.lv offers the highest quality 3kg mushroom growing kits that help you avoid these mistakes and guarantee a great harvest. Get yours today at svaigassenes.lv and enjoy home-grown mushrooms without any worries!