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Alex Field

Do you want to grow almost ANY mushroom from bags of ready-cooked rice in under 6 weeks from start to finish? Learn how to make it easy from a bestselling Udemy instructor. In this course you'll learn the simplest way to grow edible and therapeutic mushrooms like Lions mane, Grey Oyster and King Oyster, using shop-bought microwave rice and other basic kit. 

Whether you're a beginner or a pro grower, I'll tell you all you need to know to grow mushrooms at home using the easiest method on the planet.  Many mushrooms are possible - including:- Top-fruiters (like King Oyster and other therapeutic mushrooms)

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Do you want to grow almost ANY mushroom from bags of ready-cooked rice in under 6 weeks from start to finish? Learn how to make it easy from a bestselling Udemy instructor. In this course you'll learn the simplest way to grow edible and therapeutic mushrooms like Lions mane, Grey Oyster and King Oyster, using shop-bought microwave rice and other basic kit. 

Whether you're a beginner or a pro grower, I'll tell you all you need to know to grow mushrooms at home using the easiest method on the planet.  Many mushrooms are possible - including:- Top-fruiters (like King Oyster and other therapeutic mushrooms)

- Side-fruiters (like Grey Oyster, Pink Oyster and Lion's Mane)

In this beginner-friendly course, you'll learn the full mushroom-growing process. You'll discover how mushrooms grow in nature and how to emulate natural conditions using simple equipment at home.  The Ultimate PDF Grow Guide will help you on your journey so you'll know what you're doing every step of the way.  

We'll primarily be growing mushrooms straight from bags of microwave rice.  We'll also look at how to use microwave rice as a mushroom 'seed' for growing in larger bags and tubs. If you would like more information on growing from bigger containers do check out my other course "Growing Mushrooms for Business and Pleasure".

A big shout-out to '90 Second Mycology' who designed this method, originally known as 'Uncle Ben's Tek'.  Thank you for your work to bring mushroom-growing to the world.

* Please check your country's laws before choosing which mushrooms to grow.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The easiest way to grow edible and therapeutic mushrooms at home - from bags of ready-made rice!
  • How to replicate natural growing conditions with basic equipment you can get at the grocery store
  • Methods for growing 'top-fruiting' and 'side-fruiting' mushrooms like oyster, king oyster, lion's mane and other therapeutic varieties
  • Ways to use microwave rice as 'seed' for growing in bigger containers

Syllabus

The Basics
Why Grow on Microwave Rice?
The Life Cycle of Mushrooms
How to Use This Course
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on a simplified method using pre-cooked rice, making mushroom cultivation accessible to beginners with minimal equipment
Covers the full mushroom-growing process, from understanding the life cycle to harvesting and troubleshooting common issues
Explores growing both 'top-fruiting' and 'side-fruiting' mushrooms, expanding the range of cultivatable species for home growers
Discusses using microwave rice as a 'seed' for larger containers, but recommends another course for more information on this topic
Requires learners to check their country's laws before choosing which mushrooms to grow, which may limit options
Credits '90 Second Mycology' for the method, originally known as 'Uncle Ben's Tek', which may be important to some learners

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Reviews summary

Mushroom growing: easy rice method

According to learners, this course offers a highly accessible and easy method for growing mushrooms using basic household supplies and pre-cooked rice, making it ideal for beginners and hobbyists. Students particularly appreciate the clear, step-by-step video instructions and the focus on replicating natural conditions simply. While many find the method successful and rewarding for small-scale grows, some reviews mention the inherent challenge of mushroom cultivation, specifically battling contamination, which can still occur despite following the course's guidance on cleanliness. The course is praised for its comprehensive coverage of the full cycle from inoculation through harvesting and troubleshooting, providing a solid foundation for growing popular varieties like Oysters and Lion's Mane.
Introduces larger container methods.
"It shows how to use the rice in bigger tubs, which is a good intro."
"The course links to another for more detail on bulk grows."
"Gives you a stepping stone to larger scale methods."
Focuses on common edible/therapeutic types.
"It was great learning how to grow Oysters and Lion's Mane specifically."
"I liked that it covered both top and side fruiters."
"Useful for learning the basics for types like King Oyster."
Covers the entire growing process.
"It guided me through every step, from start to harvesting."
"The course didn't leave anything out, including troubleshooting."
"I now understand the full life cycle and how to manage it."
Excellent starting point for novices.
"The simple method makes it very accessible if you're a beginner."
"Perfect for someone just starting out in mushroom cultivation."
"I had zero experience and felt confident after this course."
Method is simple and uses basic supplies.
"This really is the easiest way I've found to get started."
"Using microwave rice made it so simple to begin growing."
"I was surprised how little equipment I actually needed."
Common issue requires strict cleanliness.
"Contamination was still an issue for some of my bags despite being careful."
"Even following instructions, sterile technique is critical and difficult."
"I lost a few bags to mold, which was frustrating."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Growing Mushrooms on Pre-Cooked Rice with these activities:
Review Basic Mycology
Reviewing basic mycology concepts will provide a stronger foundation for understanding the mushroom life cycle and optimal growing conditions.
Browse courses on Fungi
Show steps
  • Read introductory articles on mycology.
  • Watch videos explaining fungal life cycles.
  • Take a quiz on basic fungal terms.
Read 'Radical Mycology'
Reading 'Radical Mycology' will provide a broader understanding of mushroom cultivation and its applications.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Radical Mycology'.
  • Read the sections on mushroom cultivation.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Sterilization Techniques Practice
Practicing sterilization techniques will reduce the risk of contamination and improve mushroom yield.
Show steps
  • Set up a sterile workspace.
  • Practice using a still air box.
  • Sterilize tools and equipment.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Answer Questions in Online Forums
Answering questions in online forums will reinforce your understanding of the material and help others learn.
Show steps
  • Find online forums related to mushroom cultivation.
  • Read questions and provide helpful answers.
  • Share your experiences and insights.
Document Your Grow
Documenting your mushroom growing process will help you identify areas for improvement and share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
  • Take photos of each stage of growth.
  • Record observations about growth conditions.
  • Write a blog post or create a video about your experience.
Read 'The Mushroom Cultivator'
Reading 'The Mushroom Cultivator' will provide a more in-depth understanding of mushroom cultivation techniques.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Mushroom Cultivator'.
  • Read the sections relevant to the course material.
  • Compare and contrast the techniques described in the book with those taught in the course.
Experiment with Different Substrates
Experimenting with different substrates will help you optimize mushroom growth and discover new possibilities.
Show steps
  • Research different substrate options.
  • Prepare several small batches of different substrates.
  • Inoculate each batch with mushroom spores or liquid culture.
  • Monitor growth and compare results.

Career center

Learners who complete Growing Mushrooms on Pre-Cooked Rice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mushroom Cultivator
A Mushroom Cultivator is responsible for the entire process of growing mushrooms, from preparing the substrate to harvesting the final product. This course is directly relevant, as it teaches a simplified method for growing mushrooms using pre-cooked rice, a technique that a mushroom cultivator could adapt or use for small-scale production. The course covers essential aspects of the mushroom life cycle, necessary equipment, and how to recreate ideal growing conditions, which are all essential components of a mushroom cultivator's workflow. Specifically, the course provides methods to grow top-fruiting and side-fruiting mushrooms, important skills for those in this role.
Urban Farmer
An Urban Farmer cultivates food in urban settings. This course is very useful as it teaches a simple method for growing mushrooms using pre-cooked rice, which is perfect for urban environments. An urban farmer needs to know how to manage resources and this course covers how to emulate natural growing conditions with basic equipment. It also discusses growing different types of mushrooms, which can be helpful for an urban farmer looking to diversify the crops they produce.
Agricultural Technician
An agricultural technician assists in agricultural processes, which may include the cultivation of mushrooms. This course will be useful to an agricultural technician seeking to gain know-how in this area because it provides a streamlined approach to mushroom cultivation using pre-cooked rice. An agricultural technician is concerned with optimizing growing conditions, and the course covers the methods for how to recreate natural conditions with basic equipment, how to grow top-fruiting and side-fruiting mushrooms and how to troubleshoot common problems. These are all directly relevant to the work of an agricultural technician.
Horticulturist
A Horticulturist applies scientific principles to the cultivation of plants, including fungi. This course may be useful as it introduces methods for growing edible and therapeutic mushrooms using readily available materials. Horticulturists need to understand the lifecycle of plants and fungi, and this course provides a hands-on approach to mushroom cultivation, covering how to use pre-cooked rice as a substrate and how to control environmental factors for successful yields. The course's focus on recreating natural conditions with basic equipment may also help a horticulturist understand fungal growth patterns.
Mycology Researcher
A Mycology Researcher studies fungi, their properties, and their applications. While this position often requires advanced degrees, this course provides a very useful introduction to the practical aspects of mushroom cultivation. A mycology researcher must understand the full lifecycle of mushrooms, and this course covers this, in addition to ways of emulating natural conditions with simple equipment. The course's discussion of specific mushroom types, including top-fruiting and side-fruiting varieties, might prove beneficial for a mycology researcher to understand.
Mycologist
A Mycologist studies fungi, their genetics, and their ecology. This role often requires advanced degrees, though this course may be helpful as it provides a practical, hands-on introduction to mushroom cultivation. A mycologist can learn more about how to grow mushrooms, including top-fruiting and side-fruiting varieties, using simplified methods detailed in this course. The course's coverage of mushroom growth stages and environmental needs can be a valuable starting point for further studies in mycology.
Food Scientist
A Food Scientist studies the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of food. This role often involves research and development, and this course may be helpful in providing a foundation in the cultivation of edible fungi. The course's detailed look into the life cycle of mushrooms and their cultivation can be useful to a food scientist focusing on novel food sources. Learning about the growth of specific mushroom varieties could also assist a food scientist's work on food safety and quality.
Laboratory Assistant
A Laboratory Assistant supports scientific research, possibly including mycology. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in basic mushroom cultivation techniques. The course covers essential aspects of the mushroom lifecycle, and how to create suitable growing environments, which can inform laboratory procedures. The course also addresses maintaining a clean workspace and troubleshooting common growing issues, all applicable to the work of a laboratory assistant. While not a primary task, understanding mushroom growth may contribute to the assistant's overall competencies.
Sustainability Specialist
A Sustainability Specialist focuses on implementing practices that reduce environmental harm. This course may be useful for a sustainability specialist because it introduces a simplified, low-input method for growing mushrooms. The course's techniques of growing edible and therapeutic mushrooms with minimal equipment may be attractive to those interested in sustainable food production practices. The course also teaches how to emulate natural growing conditions, which may further inform a specialist's understanding of circular economy approaches.
Botanist
A Botanist studies plants, including fungi. While this role typically requires advanced education and focuses more on the scientific and classification side of fungi, this course may be useful as it provides practical knowledge of mushroom cultivation. The course's exploration of mushroom growth patterns and how to replicate natural conditions using readily available equipment can supplement theoretical botanical knowledge. The hands-on approach of the course may help a botanist understand the growing process, especially as it applies to edible and therapeutic mushrooms.
Restaurant Owner
A Restaurant Owner manages and operates a restaurant. This course may be helpful for a restaurant owner wishing to gain a better understanding of the supply chain for certain ingredients. The course teaches a simplified method of growing edible and therapeutic mushrooms using readily available materials, which can be useful for the restaurant owner considering locally-sourced ingredients. The course covers how to emulate natural growing conditions and how to troubleshoot common problems that occur when growing mushrooms, information that may inform a restaurant owner's decisions.
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant assesses environmental impacts and may work with agricultural or natural resources projects. An understanding of the natural growth of mushrooms provides a basis for understanding fungal ecosystems and their role in environmental health. This course may be helpful to an environmental consultant since it reveals how to recreate natural growing conditions with simple equipment, which can provide insights into sustainable cultivation practices. The hands-on approach to mushroom cultivation and the discussion of different types of mushrooms may inform an environmental consultant's broader understanding of environmental systems.
Science Teacher
A Science Teacher educates students in science. This course provides practical techniques for hands-on learning about mushroom cultivation. Science teachers could use the techniques taught in this course in class to help students understand the basics of biology and the life cycle of fungi. The course covers how to grow mushrooms using basic equipment found at the grocery store, making it appropriate for a school laboratory setting.
Chef
A Chef prepares food for others often in a professional setting. A chef may find this course useful in learning more about the growth and harvest of consumable mushrooms. The course provides information on growing specific types of mushrooms and discusses the growing stages and natural environments required for cultivation. A chef benefits from understanding the lifecycle of their ingredients and this course can provide that knowledge for mushroom varieties.
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides health information. This role requires a deep understanding of pharmaceuticals, and while this course does not directly relate to pharmacy, it may be of interest to a pharmacist curious about the growing of therapeutic mushrooms and their use in traditional medicine. The course teaches ways that certain mushrooms grow and the specific environmental conditions necessary for cultivation, which may expand a pharmacist's understanding of natural remedies. This is a departure from typical pharmacy work though it may still be useful.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Growing Mushrooms on Pre-Cooked Rice.
Comprehensive guide to mushroom cultivation, covering a wide range of species and techniques. It provides detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips for growing mushrooms at home. While the course focuses on a specific method, this book offers a broader perspective and can be a valuable resource for expanding your knowledge. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of mycology, including cultivation techniques, ecological roles, and medicinal uses of fungi. It expands on the course material by exploring advanced cultivation methods and the potential of mushrooms beyond basic consumption. While not strictly necessary for the course, it offers valuable insights for those interested in deepening their understanding of mushroom cultivation and applications. It is commonly used by amateur and professional mycologists.

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