Has anyone else grown gourmet mushrooms for passive income?

I've been growing gourmet mushrooms for a while now, and what started as an interest in growing them has turned into a pretty decent little stream of extra income. I've had success growing varieties like Lion's Mane, Blue Oysters, and other gourmet mushrooms, selling fresh harvests and offering fruiting blocks for people who want to grow their own. It's definitely not 100% passive income. There's some work involved, but once you get your process down, it's pretty manageable, and I've been pleasantly surprised by the demand. I'm curious if anyone else here has turned mushroom growing into a side hustle or additional income stream. What are you growing? Are you selling fresh mushrooms, grow kits, or fruiting blocks? And have you found it worth the time and investment? I'd love to hear what others are doing and what's been working for them. Always interested in learning from people who are doing something similar!

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u/Aggravating_Band_388 1 17 hours ago

Nice that it grew into something real, but mushrooms are the least passive thing I can think of, they need you there every day. Lion's mane dries out and oysters drop spores everywhere if you're late by a few hours, so if you want a genuinely passive stream, sell the blocks and let other people babysit the fruiting.
u/SnowGrayMan 1 16 hours ago

My magic schrooms don't require my presence every day, more like once a week for 5 minutes.
u/Myceliummicah OP 1 16 hours ago

Thank you, I run my mushrooms on automation and only have to make sure the water tank stays full and the temps stay in range. The good thing is that most of them like the same temps that I do lol. It generally keeps water for 3-4 days before I have to refill. I also sell the blocks. It’s more passive for my customers because all they have to do is cut the block open and depending on their setup all they have to do to cultivate them is keep the tank and temperatures consistent.
u/Ok_Good4751 1 17 hours ago

Is agriculture passive income now? lol
u/------dudpool------ 1 16 hours ago

I respect the side hustle thought though, sounds like something that can make a little money on the side that doubles as a peaceful hobby. Although I know nothing about growing mushrooms so maybe I’m totally off.
u/Myceliummicah OP 1 16 hours ago

I grow them through automation. The setup that I use only requires that the tank is full of water and the temps are consistent. I also sell the blocks which does take some time, but my customers only have to cut the blocks open and keep them moist. It can be done on a counter top with a spray bottle or in a tent like mine. The people that use the tent to grow have the most passive responsibility. It’s plug and play for them :)
u/Myceliummicah OP 1 16 hours ago

https://reddit.com/link/pfbazl5/video/s46… They pretty much just chill in the tent waiting to be picked and sold. $20-$30 per lb and each block generally produces 2-3 lbs. I have preorders on the fresh ones every month. The only thing I have to do is harvest them and have the customers meet me. I sell the blocks nationwide on my website www.shroomtraders.com the initial set up was around $500.00. It’s more than paid for its self. Also it doubles as a way for us to have food security.