Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Mushroom Growing Kit Successfully
Have you ever wanted to grow your own food but felt intimidated by gardening? A mushroom growing kit might be the perfect place to start. These kits are becoming increasingly popular, with the global mushroom cultivation market expected to grow significantly. They offer a simple, contained way to produce fresh, edible fungi right in your home.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to use your mushroom growing kit successfully, from setup to harvest.
What is in a mushroom growing kit?
Most mushroom kits come with a block of substrate, which is the material the mushrooms will grow from. This is typically a mix of sawdust, grain, and other organic matter that has been sterilized and inoculated with mushroom spawn (the mycelium, or root structure). Some kits also include a small spray bottle for misting and a humidity tent to create the ideal growing environment.
How do you start the kit?
Starting your mushroom kit is usually the easiest part. First, find a good location in your home. It should be out of direct sunlight but in a spot that receives indirect light. An ideal temperature is between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Once you have your spot, open the kit. You may need to cut an ‘X’ into the plastic bag containing the substrate block. This opening tells the mushrooms where to grow. After that, some kits require you to soak the block in water for a few hours before placing it in its growing location. Always follow the specific instructions that come with your kit.
How do you care for the mushrooms?
Proper care is all about maintaining humidity. Mushrooms need a moist environment to “pin,” or form small baby mushrooms. You will need to mist the exposed area of the substrate block with water two to three times a day. If your kit came with a humidity tent, place it over the block to trap moisture. Within a week or two, you should start to see tiny mushroom pins forming. Continue misting daily as they grow.
When should you harvest the mushrooms?
Your mushrooms will grow quickly, often doubling in size each day. The best time to harvest is right before the caps start to flatten out or curl upwards. For oyster mushrooms, for example, this is when the edges of the caps are still slightly curled down. To harvest, gently twist and pull the entire cluster off the block. Don’t worry if you pull off some of the tiny pins with the main cluster.
After your first harvest, you can often get a second or even a third flush of mushrooms. Just continue misting the block, and with a little patience, you’ll see new pins emerge in a couple of weeks.