There are several efficient methods to grow mushrooms at home inexpensively.

Here are some methods:

1. Mushroom Grow Kits:
   One of the easiest and most efficient ways to grow mushrooms at home is to purchase a mushroom grow kit. These kits come with all the necessary materials and instructions to grow mushrooms in your home.
2. Straw or Hay Bales:
   Straw or hay bales are cheap and easy to find, and they make an excellent growing medium for mushrooms. All you need to do is wet the bales, add spawn (mushroom spores), and wait for the mushrooms to grow.
3. Coffee Grounds:
   Coffee grounds are another inexpensive growing medium for mushrooms. Simply mix the coffee grounds with mushroom spawn and place them in a container with a lid. Keep the container in a dark, cool place, and the mushrooms will start to grow.
4. Cardboard:
   Cardboard is an excellent growing medium for mushrooms because it is full of nutrients. To use cardboard, soak it in water until it is fully saturated, then add mushroom spawn and place it in a container.
5. Logs:
   If you have access to a wooded area, you can use logs to grow mushrooms. Simply drill holes in the logs and insert mushroom spawn. Keep the logs in a shady, humid location and wait for the mushrooms to grow.
6. Compost:
   Compost is an excellent growing medium for mushrooms, as it is full of nutrients. Simply mix mushroom spawn into your compost and keep it moist and in a dark place.

Remember that growing mushrooms requires some patience and care, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully and monitor the growing process regularly.

Here are some species of mushrooms that are well-suited for growing at home in Arizona, along with their incubation and fruiting times, and level of difficulty for cultivation:

1. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes):
   Incubation time – 14-21 days,
   Fruiting time – 4-6 months,
   Difficulty – moderate.
   Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular varieties for home cultivation, and they do well in warm, humid environments.
2. Oyster (Pleurotus spp.):
   Incubation time – 10-14 days,
   Fruiting time – 1-2 months,
   Difficulty – easy to moderate.
   Oyster mushrooms come in a variety of colors and are a great option for beginners because they are easy to cultivate.
3. Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus):
   Incubation time – 14-21 days,
   Fruiting time – 4-6 months,
   Difficulty – moderate to difficult.
   Lion’s mane mushrooms have a unique, tooth-like appearance and are prized for their flavor and health benefits.
4. Enoki (Flammulina velutipes):
   Incubation time – 14-21 days,
   Fruiting time – 2-3 months,
   Difficulty – easy.
   Enoki mushrooms have a delicate texture and are often used in soups and salads.
5. King oyster (Pleurotus eryngii):
   Incubation time – 14-21 days,
   Fruiting time – 2-3 months,
   Difficulty – moderate.
   King oyster mushrooms are known for their large size and meaty texture, making them a popular ingredient in vegetarian dishes.

It’s worth noting that the incubation and fruiting times can vary depending on the specific strain of mushroom and the growing conditions. Additionally, while some mushrooms are easier to grow than others, all types of mushrooms require some level of care and attention to ensure successful cultivation.

Growing medicinal and nutritional mushrooms at home is a rewarding and enjoyable activity that can provide you with a source of fresh, healthy, and delicious mushrooms.

Here are 12 tips to help you get started:

1. Choose the right mushroom strain:
   Select a strain that is easy to grow at home, and that is known for its medicinal and nutritional properties, such as shiitake, oyster, or reishi mushrooms.
2. Buy high-quality spawn:
   Spawn is the mushroom’s “seed” that you will need to start your mushroom culture. Make sure to buy high-quality spawn from a reputable supplier.
3. Use the right substrate:
   The substrate is the growing medium that the mushrooms will feed on. Some mushrooms grow best on wood chips, while others prefer straw or sawdust.
4. Sterilize the substrate:
   Sterilize your substrate before adding the spawn to prevent contamination from unwanted organisms.
5. Inoculate the substrate:
   Once your substrate is sterilized and cooled, add the spawn and mix well to inoculate the substrate with the mushroom mycelium.
6. Provide the right environment:
   Mushrooms grow best in a cool, dark, and humid environment. Make sure to maintain the right temperature, humidity, and light conditions for your mushroom strain.
7. Ventilate the growing area:
   Mushrooms need fresh air to grow, so make sure to ventilate your growing area to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide.
8. Water regularly:
   Mushrooms need regular watering to thrive. Make sure to keep the substrate moist but not saturated.
9. Harvest at the right time:
   Harvest your mushrooms when they reach maturity, and before the caps open and release their spores.
10. Store properly:
    Store your harvested mushrooms in a cool, dry place to preserve their freshness and flavor.
11. Experiment with different recipes:
    Medicinal and nutritional mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and salads. Experiment with different recipes to discover new and delicious ways to enjoy your mushrooms.
12. Practice good hygiene:
    Maintaining good hygiene is essential when growing mushrooms at home to prevent contamination from unwanted organisms. Make sure to wash your hands and sanitize your equipment regularly.