The formula for successfully growing most things edible is sun, water and fertile soil but for the magical mycelium, a cool, dark space and spent coffee grounds can do the trick. A pair of urban mushrooms farmers in Oakland launched Back to the Roots to introduce children and adults to the world of homegrown food. The company started with fungi but now offers several grow kits, including sunflowers, tomato plants and lavender, along with oyster and pink oyster mushrooms. Simple step-by-step instructions guide you through using the kit to grow your own plant in just a couple days, which for the mushrooms involves punching out of the soil in a dramatic way. When the growing process is complete, the plant may be harvested and enjoyed at dinner. 

Oyster mushrooms 

• Grows in about 10 days
• Each crop produces three to four servings of pearl oyster mushrooms and each box grows two crops

Sunflowers

• Seedlings pop up in one week 
• Flowers grow year-round 
  

Lavender

• Releases scent at about 2 inches in height 
• Grows year-round