Growing Mushrooms In The Garden

[chakka35]

We have a small area in our garden which we have deliberately left gloomy, under a canopy of trees. I have often thought that it might be a good place to grow mushrooms.
Is this possible? Can one just buy mushroom compost and spawn and spread it around, or am I being naive? Does one need rotting logs?

[Buenchico]

This is from a commercial site but it's from an extremely well-respected one (Thompson & Morgan) so it might be of use to you:
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/how-to-grow-mushrooms

[woofgang]

You can. Years ago we put spent mushroom compost on the garden for a mulch and a few years later the mushrooms started to grow. A few "buts" though. If the ground is good for mushrooms, it will also be good for toadstools which also now grow in abundance in my garden. Be sure that you know what you are picking! Secondly insects and animals like mushrooms and even early early in the morning I rarely find one that hasn't been dined on first. Thirdly I was completely put off foraging for mushrooms when I read that the first thing you have to do is put the foraged mushrooms in salt water to get the insects out!!

[Chipchopper]

You can grow Shitake mushrooms on oak logs or stakes, by drilling small holes in the logs and inserting plugs of wood, containing the spores or mycelium.

There are retailers that sell these spores, if you search online.

[chakka35]

Thank you all. Most helpful information.