A Journey of Discovery in Small-Scale Mushroom Cultivation at Home

The paper explores the benefits of small-scale mushroom cultivation at home to address food insecurity and environmental sustainability challenges such as industrial agriculture, plastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study employs cultivation-based experimentation using pre-colonized and post-colonized methods to grow lion's mane and oyster mushrooms, which is further supported through the guidance provided by a deep literature review process. The pre-colonized and post-colonized cultivation processes resulted in varying outcomes of mushroom yield and helped conclude that pre-colonized methods are better suited for beginners, while post-inoculated require more intermediate-level skills. The cultivation experiment, along with the literature review research, collectively help recognize that Mushrooms are more than just a source of sustenance but a solution to reclaiming security in modern food systems, conquering mismanaged environmental impacts, and fostering opportunities for personal well-being and financial growth.