Mushrooms grow from spores or tissue culture rather than seeds like plants. Spores germinate into tiny thread-like structures called hyphae, which branch out to form a network called mycelium. The mycelium grows by absorbing nutrients from a substrate made of organic matter such as compost, straw, or manure. When conditions like temperature, moisture, and nutrients are right, the mycelium forms small pins called primordia that develop into mature mushrooms. Commercial mushroom growing involves these steps: preparing nutrient-rich compost substrate, inoculating it with mushroom spawn (mycelium- treated grain), maintaining optimal temperature and humidity for mycelial growth, covering with a casing layer to retain moisture, and harvesting the mushrooms once they mature. Mushrooms grow best in dark, moist environments and can be cultivated indoors year-round with controlled conditions. In summary:

• Mushrooms start from spores or tissue culture that produce mycelium.
• Mycelium colonizes an organic substrate, feeding on it.
• Environmental conditions trigger the formation of mushroom pins which grow into full mushrooms.
• Commercial growing uses prepared compost, spawn, casing, and controlled environments for efficient production.