How To Grow Mushrooms:

A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Unboxing and Inspection

Receive Your Mushroom Bag: Upon receiving the bag, inspect it for any damage. Ensure the bag is intact and shows no signs of contamination.

Check for Colonization: Make sure the substrate is colonized with mycelium (the white, web-like network). The bag should appear mostly white with no unusual colors or smells. If colonization is not complete, store in a cool dark place until the mycelium has some time to finish spreading

Store in the fridge: If you don’t intend to use your fruiting block right away, you can store it in a fridge for 3 to 6 months.

2. Prepare for Fruiting

Find a Suitable Location:

  • Temperature: Aim for a temperature range of 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid extreme temperatures.

  • Humidity: Ideal humidity is 80-90%. Avoid dry or overly wet environments.

  • Lighting: Place the bag in a location with indirect light. Direct sunlight is not necessary, but a natural light cycle (day and night) is beneficial.

Create a Fruiting Environment:

  • Humidity: To maintain high humidity, you can mist the area around the bag lightly. Alternatively, use a humidifier if necessary. NOTE: The easiest way to keep your fruiting environment humid is to cover your Mushroom Fruiting block with an upside down plastic bag!

  • Airflow: Ensure there is some fresh air exchange. If using a fruiting chamber or tent, make sure it has ventilation holes or occasionally open it to allow fresh air in.

  • Counter-Top: Although a fruiting chamber or growing tent is recommended, you can grow your mushrooms on your counter or a shaded window sill. Make sure the spot you pick does not receive direct sunlight and does not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare the Bag:

  • Side Fruiting: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to make a small incision or several slits (about 2-4 inches) on the front face of the bag, against the center of the substrate. This is where side-fruiting mushrooms (Lions Mane and Oysters) will grow.

  • Top Fruiting: You can also top fruit by cutting a horizontally above the substrate to allow air into the bag. Some bags will come with pins already started at the top of the bag - in this case, you can encourage their growth by top fruiting. Keep in mind top fruiting allows more air into the bag which increases the chance of contamination.

3. Growing the Mushrooms

Monitor the Conditions:

  • Temperature: Maintain the temperature within the recommended range.

  • Humidity: Keep an eye on the humidity level. Mist the substrate if it appears dry.

  • Airflow: Ensure there is enough airflow to prevent carbon dioxide buildup, which can cause stunted growth.

Watch for Pins:

  • Pinning: After a few days to a week, you should start to see small mushroom pins forming where you made the cuts. This is the initial stage of mushroom development.

Continue Maintenance:

  • Misting: Lightly mist the substrate and surrounding area to maintain humidity.

  • Airflow: Ensure fresh air is circulating to encourage healthy mushroom growth.

4. Harvesting the Mushrooms

Recognize the Right Time:

  • Mushroom Caps: Harvest when the caps are fully expanded but before they start to release spores. This is usually when the caps are still slightly curled under.

  • Veil: If applicable, the veil (a thin membrane under the cap) should be broken or almost broken.

Harvesting Technique:

  • Twist and Pull: Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate

  • Cutting: Use a clean knife or scissors to cut them at the base. Avoid disturbing the surrounding substrate.

Post-Harvest Care:

  • Inspect: After harvesting, inspect the bag for any remaining mushrooms. New flushes (sets of mushrooms) may develop in the same bag if conditions are maintained.

5. Post-Harvest Management

Continue Growing:

  • Flushes: With proper care, you can get multiple flushes of mushrooms from the same bag. Continue to monitor and maintain the growing conditions as before.

End of Cycle:

  • Discarding: Once the bag stops producing mushrooms or shows signs of contamination, dispose of the spent substrate in an environmentally responsible way. Spent mushroom substrate makes a fantastic addition to compost. Alternatively, crumble it up along garden pathways, in planter pots, or in cool shaded areas outside. Given the right conditions, you could see mushrooms continue popping up in 3-6 months.