3. Make a Cut
Use clean scissors or a knife to make a small "U or X" shaped incision (1-2 inches wide) on the bag, right over the mycelium. This cut will allow the mushrooms to grow through
Look for an area on the mushroom growing bag where the white mycelium (white growth) is visible. You can choose any part of the block. But keep in mind where there is room to accommodate the mushroom.
1. Wash Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly using anti-bacterial soap or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Cleanhands are essential for keeping the mushrooms free from contaminants
4. Spray Water
5. Watch for Tiny Mushrooms
Fill the spray bottle (included in kit) with tap water. Mist the grow block through the incision (3-4 full sprays), then cover the block with the humidity tent (included). This helps create a humid environment for the mushrooms.
Lift the humidity tent once or twice a day to mist the grow block through the incision. Mist inside the humidity tent to keep the air humid.
As soon as tiny mushrooms (called "pins") start to develop, try your best to spray water, AROUND the mushroom.
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Oyster Mushroom
6. Harvest Time!
When the mushrooms reach their full size, it signals that they are ready for harvest, marking an exciting time for growers. This stage is characterized by the mushrooms having ceased their daily growth, indicating that they have developed to their peak potential. At this point, the difference in size can be quite noticeable from one day to the next, sometimes even within a matter of hours. The anticipation builds as the mushrooms mature, and the harvesters prepare to collect the fruits of their labor. This crucial phase not only showcases the incredible growth process of mushrooms but also highlights the reward of patience and care taken throughout their cultivation. The moment of harvest brings a sense of accomplishment and the promise of delicious flavors to come.
Gently peel the cluster of mushrooms away from the grow block in a twisting motion. Be careful not to damage them while picking and damaging the substrate.
2. Area to Cut
Cut away any substrate (the growing material) that has clung to the mushrooms. Store the mushrooms in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat them. Keep in mind that storing mushrooms in a paper bag is recommended.
Pink Oysters typically has a shelf life in the fridge for about 7 days, Lion's Mane 10 Days, all other mushrooms typically 10-14 days.
Now that you have achieved your first set of mushrooms, you have a couple options to restart and get more mushrooms out of your grow block.
Using packing tape, you can tape over the previous area that was grown out of and start at Step 2: Finding an area to cut the block or
Use the same hole you harvested from and begin at Step 4: Spray Water