Top 3 mushroom growing kits: Bags, logs, and beds explained

Want to grow your own gourmet mushrooms at home? You’re in the right place.

Whether you're a curious beginner or just tired of bad-quality fungus, a mushroom growing kit is the easiest way to get started. These kits are simple, fun, and surprisingly productive – no green thumb required!

In this guide, we’ll show you the top 3 mushroom growing kits you can buy right now, and what makes each of them unique.  

Jump to: 

• What is in a mushroom growing kit?

• What are the different kinds of mushroom grow kits?

• What’s the best mushroom growing kit?

• Best mushroom growing kit for beginners

• Best mushroom growing kit for long-term harvests

• Best mushroom growing kit for large yields

• Are mushroom growing kits worth it?

What is in a mushroom growing kit?

A mushroom growing kit is a beginner-friendly way to start cultivating mushrooms at home, and usually includes: 

• Either a colonised fruiting block (Lion’s Mane kits) or a straw substrate with mushroom spawn (Oyster mushroom kits)

• A humidity tent or a suitable growing environment

• Step-by-step instructions to guide you from setup to harvest

What are the different kinds of mushroom grow kits?

Before we get into the best mushroom growing kits, let’s break down the three most common kinds, so you can pick the best one for your growing needs. 

Bag mushroom grow kits

Bag mushroom grow kits are the easiest way to grow mushrooms at home. Some, like Lion’s Mane, arrive ready-to-fruit – just cut, mist daily, and harvest in under two weeks. Others, like Oyster Mushroom grow kits, come with the spawn and substrate separate, so you’ll mix them yourself when the kit arrives. Perfect for beginners, small spaces, and quick harvests.

Log mushroom grow kits

Log mushroom grow kits use a hardwood log (not included) that’s been inoculated with mushroom plug spawn. Colonisation usually takes a few months, but it usually fruits for years with the proper care. Best for outdoor growing and long-term harvests. 

Mushroom grow beds

Mushroom grow beds are a DIY-friendly option using straw, woodchips, or compost mixed with mushroom spawn. They thrive outdoors and deliver large seasonal yields year over year with the right care. Perfect if you’re a gardener or enjoy growing your own food from scratch. 

What’s the best mushroom growing kit?

The best mushroom grow kit depends on the species you’re growing and the setup you have. We’ve handpicked the top 3 kits based on performance, ease of use, and feedback from real growers. Whether you're a total beginner or ready to grow long-term, there’s something here for you.

Best mushroom growing kit for beginners

Ready-to-Fruit Lion’s Mane Mushroom Growing Kit

• Grow kit type: Bag

• Time to first harvest: 10–15 days

• Harvests: 2–3 flushes

• Price: From £16.99

This kit is all about simplicity. It arrives fully colonised, so all you need to do is cut the bag, mist daily, and watch Lion’s Mane mushrooms bloom. They grow fast, look amazing, and even have some nutritional benefits! Lion’s Mane is especially popular with beginners, as it’s fast-growing and has beautiful white ‘teeth’ that make it one of the most unique mushrooms to grow.

Best mushroom growing kit for long-term harvests

Shiitake Mushroom Log Growing Kit

• Grow kit type: Log

• Time to first harvest: 6–12 months

• Harvests: 3–6 flushes over several years

• Price: £16.99

If you’re in it for the long haul, a mushroom log kit is the way to go. Each kit comes with pre-inoculated plug spawn that you plant into a hardwood log (oak or beech are popular choices). Your mushrooms will take time to establish, but once they do, you’ll have reliable Shiitake mushroom harvests season after season. You need patience, but the long-term rewards make them truly worthwhile. 

Best mushroom grow bed for large yields

Wine Cap Bed Grow Bundle

• Grow kit type: Outdoor bed

• Time to first harvest: A few months (seasonal)

• Harvests: Can return year after year

• Price: From £19.99

The Wine Cap mushroom grow bed is ideal for gardeners looking for big harvests with little effort. Thriving on straw and organic matter, these mushrooms enrich your soil, break down tough material, and even suppress weeds. Once established, they’re low-maintenance and can keep producing season after season. Packed with flavour, Wine Caps are a generous, sustainable addition to both your garden and your kitchen.

Quick mushroom growing kit comparison

Read more: Tips for growing mushrooms at home

Are mushroom growing kits worth it?

From sustainability reasons to gifting, mushroom growing kits are worth it for many reasons, such as: 

• The ability to grow fresh, organic food at home. 

• Cutting down on plastic packaging waste 

• They’re fun and educational for people of all ages!

• They make a great gift or family project

Start your mushroom-growing journey with Urban Farm-It today

Ready to start growing your own mushrooms? We make it easy with beginner-friendly mushroom grow kits, as well as premium supplies for experienced growers. Whether you want to cultivate classics like Shiitake or Oyster, or try something special with our Lion’s Mane grow kits, you’ll find everything you need for a successful harvest. Explore our range today and enjoy growing fresh mushrooms straight from home. 

Mushroom growing kits FAQs

What types of kits can you use to grow mushrooms?

There are three main types of mushroom growing kits: 

• Bag kits: These come sealed in a grow bag and are designed for simplicity. Our Lion’s Mane kit includes a fully colonised fruiting block that’s ready to fruit almost straight away, while our Oyster kits contain straw substrate and mushroom spawn, so you can experience the full growing cycle. Both are beginner-friendly, with clear instructions to guide you from setup to harvest.
  

• Log kits: Hardwood logs inoculated with spawn, designed for outdoor growing and long-term harvests over several years.

• Beds: DIY outdoor beds made with straw, woodchips, or compost for large yields. 

What should I keep in mind when choosing a mushroom growing kit?

The kit for you matches your space and growing goals. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a mushroom growing kit: 

• Ease of use: Do you want something almost maintenance-free, or are you happy to invest a little time in caring for your mushrooms?

• Harvest speed: Are you looking for quick results (Lion’s Mane) or slower, long-term yields (Shiitake)?

• Growing conditions: Make sure your space has the right temperature and humidity. (listed on each product page and instructions guide). Avoid extreme heat or cold. 

Care requirements: Will you be able to mist daily, or would you prefer a lower-maintenance option?