Best States for Outdoor Mushroom Growing in the U.S.

Outdoor mushroom cultivation is booming in the United States, with small-scale farmers, homesteaders, and hobby growers discovering how profitable and rewarding it can be. But here’s the secret — your location plays a huge role in how successful your mushroom harvest will be. Climate, rainfall, humidity, and seasonal temperatures all affect which species thrive in your area.

If you’re wondering which are the best states for growing mushrooms outdoors, here’s a detailed breakdown so you can match your climate with the right fungi.

Why Location Matters for Outdoor Mushroom Farming

Unlike indoor mushroom growing, where you can control temperature and humidity, outdoor mushroom cultivation relies on natural conditions.
The ideal mushroom-growing climate includes:

Consistent moisture (rain or high humidity)

Moderate temperatures (not extreme heat or cold)

Plenty of shade (to prevent drying out)

Seasonal variation to trigger fruiting

These factors vary widely across the U.S., making some states perfect for certain species — and less ideal for others.

Pacific Northwest – The Mushroom Capital

Best States: Oregon, Washington
Best Species: Shiitake, Oyster, Lion’s Mane, Wine Cap

The Pacific Northwest is a mushroom grower’s dream. With cool temperatures, high rainfall, and lush hardwood forests, these states provide perfect conditions for log-grown shiitake, delicate oysters, and even specialty varieties like lion’s mane. The long, wet seasons mean you can get multiple flushes without heavy irrigation.

Northeast & Upper Midwest – Cool-Weather Champions

Best States: Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan
Best Species: Shiitake, Maitake (Hen of the Woods), Lion’s Mane

Cold winters followed by damp, mild springs and falls make this region ideal for cool-weather mushrooms. The abundant hardwood supply — especially oak, maple, and beech — provides excellent substrate for shiitake and maitake. The cool, wet autumns are particularly good for large flushes of gourmet mushrooms.

Southeast & Appalachian Region – Warm and Humid

Best States: North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia
Best Species: Oyster, Reishi, Warm-Weather Shiitake

In these states, long, humid summers create the perfect environment for warm-weather mushroom species. Growers in the Appalachian region also benefit from varied elevation, which creates microclimates — meaning you can grow both warm- and cool-weather mushrooms at different times of year.

Year-Round Mushroom Growing in the South

Best States: Florida, Louisiana, Texas (humid regions)
Best Species: Pink Oyster, Reishi, Tropical Mushrooms

If you live in the Gulf Coast or Florida, you can grow mushrooms almost year-round. The trade-off? You’ll need to manage pests and protect your logs or beds from intense sun. Warm-tolerant oysters and reishi thrive here, and tropical species can be a profitable niche for local markets.

California – A Tale of Two Climates

Best Regions: Northern California for cool-weather mushrooms, Southern California for warm-tolerant varieties
Best Species: Shiitake, Oyster, Wine Cap (North); Pink Oyster, Reishi (South)

Northern California’s rainy winters mimic Oregon’s conditions, making it great for shiitake and oyster cultivation. Meanwhile, Southern California growers can focus on warm-weather strains with the help of shade structures and irrigation.

States That Require Extra Effort

Dry southwestern states like Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico aren’t naturally suited for outdoor mushroom farming. However, with irrigation systems, shade cloth, and careful planning, it’s still possible to produce small, high-value harvests.

Quick Reference: Best States for Outdoor Mushroom Growing

Final Tips for Outdoor Mushroom Success

No matter where you live, you can improve your outdoor mushroom yields by:

Using fresh, healthy logs or wood chips from non-aromatic hardwoods

Choosing species matched to your seasonal climate

Providing extra shade and watering during dry spells

Timing inoculation for spring or fall when temperatures are mild

Whether you’re a backyard grower or aspiring mushroom farmer, knowing your state’s climate advantages will help you choose the perfect species and boost your harvest.