Abstract: Composting compositions are provided which avoid conventional composting for production of mushrooms requiring casing. A mixture of steer manure and peat moss in combination with a small amount of an agent for maintaining permeability is mixed with water and sterilized. The resulting product provides excellent composting for mushrooms requiring casing, with rapid production and high yield.

Abstract: Method and kits are provided for the cultivation of Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and similar forest mushrooms. A cultivation medium is introduced into a microorganism impermeable flexible container which is sealed against particulate matter, but allows the flow of air, the medium sterilized and then cooled. The bag is opened and inoculated with spawn, closed, and the spawn incubated at moderately elevated temperatures while being molded into a shaped form, conveniently a log or stump form, the container removed, and, as required, curing at moderate or moderately reduced temperatures carried out. Conditions are then changed to encourage growth of the mushrooms, followed by harvesting. A mushroom crop can be achieved in as few as about 40 days with continuous production for as long as about ten months.