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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (BLOOM) — Mushrooms might be the secret ingredient missing from your garden, and not just for your dinner plate.
While most home gardeners focus on tomatoes, herbs and leafy greens, Matt McInnis, founder of North Spore, says mushrooms deserve a spot right next to them. Based in Maine, McInnis helps everyday people grow gourmet and medicinal mushrooms both indoors and out.
“They’re an underappreciated crop,” McInnis said in an interview with Bloom. “There are mushroom species that can grow right alongside your vegetables, and they’ll actually help your plants thrive.”
That’s because mushrooms, like humans, release carbon dioxide. Plants take that in and convert it to oxygen, creating a natural loop. McInnis says it’s a symbiotic relationship that can improve indoor grow setups, like the popular hydroponic towers seen on social media.
“There are kits that let you grow mushrooms on your kitchen counter,” he said. “And outdoors, wine cap or pink oyster mushrooms thrive in warm climates like Florida.”
McInnis, who’s been gardening for most of his life, also grew up foraging wild mushrooms. His company, North Spore, makes beginner-friendly growing kits and tent systems like the “Boom Room,” which allow people to harvest fresh mushrooms without much space or sunlight.
“Most people don’t realize mushrooms are actually easier to grow than a lot of vegetables,” he said. “They don’t need light, and they grow quickly in the right conditions.”
In Florida’s heat and humidity, McInnis recommends pairing tomatoes with pink oyster mushrooms, or growing sweet potatoes and okra alongside wine caps. He also encourages composting, which mushrooms can help accelerate by breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil.
“If you’re in an apartment or just don’t have outdoor space, mushrooms are a great entry point,” he said. “They’re low-maintenance, pet-safe, and give you a new connection to your food.”
But mushrooms aren’t just for cooking anymore.
McInnis is one of a growing number of advocates for the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms. He recently attended the Psychedelic Science conference in Colorado, where researchers presented clinical findings on psilocybin’s role in treating PTSD, end-of-life anxiety and depression.
“Studies coming out of Johns Hopkins and other institutions show promising results,” McInnis said. “It’s a tool that allows doctors to access the mind in a way we haven’t been able to before.”
Despite the buzz, McInnis warns against the rise of unregulated mushroom products popping up in vape and herbal shops, which often contain synthetic or mislabeled ingredients.
“There’s a lot of snake oil out there,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to make North Spore a trustworthy brand. If someone’s buying a mushroom product, they should be able to trust what’s inside.”
Whether for food, medicine or sustainability, McInnis believes mushrooms are just getting started.
“They’re powerful, accessible, and totally unique,” he said. “If you’ve never grown your own, you’ll be surprised how easy—and rewarding—it can be.”
Want to learn more?
Visit northspore.com or search for North Spore on social media.
Follow Bloom Tampa Bay for more wellness and lifestyle features at wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay
