Growing Information

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Growing Instructions

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Mushroom Growing FAQ

Oyster Mushrooms

Introduction:

Oyster mushrooms are popular for their ease of cultivation and delightful flavour. Our Blue and white oyster mushrooms, in particular, thrive in cool conditions, making them ideal for winter growing. These mushrooms require high humidity and indirect light, providing a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced growers.

Instructions

Materials Needed:

Colonised blue or white oyster mushroom grow kit
Spray bottle filled with clean water
Sharp knife or scissors
Clean hands or gloves
Humidity tub or a clear plastic bag (Not essential, it can help with larger yields though) Check our simple tub instructions on our YouTube channel.

Instructions:

1. Preparation

Clean the Area: Ensure the area where you'll be working is clean. Wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves to avoid contamination.
Inspect the Kit: Examine the colonised oyster mushroom grow kit for any signs of contamination or damage. When the white fluffy mould looking growths have covered the entire bag it's time to get them to fruit. Leave them in a warmer dark area until this happens.

2. Setting Up the Kit

Carefully cut open a small section in the top of the back to allow you to squeeze air out of the top of the grow bag. Fold the top over and tape it. This is to force mushrooms to grow out of the incision you make in the side. If you forget to do this you will see a heap of growth across the top of the block and it's usually a lot harder to harvest and will reduce your total yield.
Incision for Growth: Make a small U-shaped incision 15-20cm or a few small slits on the side of the bag. This is where the mushrooms will begin to fruit.

3. Creating the Right Environment

Humidity: Oyster mushrooms require high humidity to grow. Use a humidity tent if provided, or create one by placing the grow kit inside a clear plastic bag. Ensure the bag is not sealed completely to allow some air exchange.
Misting: Mist the inside of the humidity tent or bag 2-3 times a day using the spray bottle. Make sure not to spray directly on the mushrooms or the substrate.

4. Placing the Kit

Location: Place the kit in a location with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can dry out the kit. A room with temperatures between 10-21° is ideal for winter varieties.

5. Monitoring and Maintenance

Observation: Check the kit daily to monitor the growth of the mushrooms. Continue to mist as needed to maintain high humidity.
Air Exchange: Ensure there is enough fresh air exchange. You can open the humidity tent or bag for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air in.

6. Harvesting

When to Harvest: Oyster mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps start to flatten out and the edges begin to curl up slightly. This usually takes 7-14 days.
How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.

7. Post-Harvest Care

Second Flush: After harvesting, continue to mist the kit and maintain high humidity to encourage a second flush of mushrooms. Repeat the misting and monitoring steps as before.
Final Disposal: Once the kit no longer produces mushrooms, you can dispose of the substrate by composting it or using it as a soil amendment in your garden.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow and harvest blue and white oyster mushrooms from your colonized grow kit. Enjoy the process and the delicious, nutritious mushrooms!

Please send us images of your successes and delicious recipes!

Mushroom Growing FAQ

Lions Mane Mushrooms

Introduction:

Lion's mane mushrooms prefer cool conditions with a temperature between 18-22 degrees. They also require high humidity (85-95%) and indirect light. They don't need sunlight to grow, but they need some light to guide their growth. (check out our low tech humidity tub video on youtube) https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=2zby5peehao

Instructions

Materials Needed:

Colonised Lion's Mane grow kit
Spray bottle filled with clean water
Sharp knife or scissors
Clean hands or gloves
Humidity tub or a clear plastic bag (not essential, it can help in grow areas with drafts or unstable temperatures)

Instructions:

1. Preparation

Clean the Area: Ensure the area where you'll be working is clean. Wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves to avoid contamination.
Inspect the Kit: Examine the colonised Lion's Mane grow kit for any signs of contamination or damage. When the white fluffy mould looking growths have covered the entire bag it's time to get them to fruit. Leave them in a warmer dark area until this happens.

2. Setting Up the Kit

Tape the Kit: Carefully cut open a small section in the top of the back to allow you to squeeze air out of the top of the grow bag. Fold the top over and tape it. This is to force mushrooms to grow out of the incision you make in the side. If you forget to do this you will see a heap of growth across the top of the block and it's usually a lot harder to harvest and will reduce your total yield.
Incision for Growth: Make a small U-shaped incision on the side of the bag. This is where the mushrooms will begin to fruit. Around 15-20cm.

3. Creating the Right Environment

Humidity: Lion’s Mane mushrooms require high humidity to grow. Use a humidity tent or create one by placing the grow kit inside a clear plastic bag. Ensure the bag is not sealed completely to allow some air exchange. We also have our cheap humidity tub idea on our YouTube channel.
Misting: Mist the inside of the humidity tent or bag 2-3 times a day using the spray bottle. Make sure not to spray directly on the mushrooms or the substrate.

4. Placing the Kit

Location: Place the kit in a location with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can dry out the kit. A room with temperatures between 15-24°C is ideal.

5. Monitoring and Maintenance

Observation: Check the kit daily to monitor the growth of the mushrooms. Continue to mist as needed to maintain high humidity.
Air Exchange: Ensure there is enough fresh air exchange. You can open the humidity tent or bag for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air in.

6. Harvesting

When to Harvest: Lion’s Mane mushrooms are ready to harvest when they develop their characteristic spines and the spines start to elongate. This usually takes 7-14 days.
How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.

7. Post-Harvest Care

Second Flush: After harvesting, continue to mist the kit and maintain high humidity to encourage a second flush of mushrooms. Repeat the misting and monitoring steps as before.
Final Disposal: Once the kit no longer produces mushrooms, you can dispose of the substrate by composting it or using it as a soil amendment in your garden.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow and harvest Lion's Mane mushrooms from your colonized grow kit. Enjoy the process and the delicious, nutritious mushrooms! Please send us pictures of your growing success :)

Please send us images of your successes and delicious recipes!

Mushroom Growing FAQ

Swiss Brown & White Button

Swiss Brown & White Button Mushrooms

Introduction:

Swiss brown and white button mushrooms are widely appreciated for their versatility and rich taste. These mushrooms thrive in cooler temperatures, typically between 17-23°C , and require a moderate level of humidity. They grow best in a well-ventilated environment with indirect light. Easy to cultivate, they are a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced mushroom growers.

Instructions

Materials Needed:

Colonised Swiss brown or white button mushroom grow kit
Casing soil (usually provided with the kit or can be purchased separately)
Spray bottle filled with clean water
Sharp knife or scissors
Clean hands or gloves
Thermometer (optional)
Hygrometer (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation

Clean the Area: Ensure the area where you'll be working is clean. Wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves to avoid contamination.
Inspect the Kit: Examine the colonised grow kit for any signs of contamination or damage.

2. Casing

Apply the Casing Layer: Evenly distribute the casing soil over the colonised substrate in the grow kit. The casing layer should be about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) thick. This layer helps maintain moisture and supports mushroom growth.

3. Maintaining the Right Environment

Humidity: Button mushrooms require moderate humidity levels (85-90%). Use a spray bottle to mist the casing soil lightly 2-3 times a day to maintain humidity. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to mould growth.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 16-24°C. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if needed.
Air Exchange: Ensure proper air circulation to prevent CO2 buildup. Open windows or use a fan to provide fresh air exchange, but avoid placing the kit in a drafty area.
Light: Place the grow kit in a location with indirect light. Direct sunlight can dry out the casing soil and harm the mushrooms.

4. Pinning Stage

Observation: After about 1-2 weeks, small pinheads (baby mushrooms) should start to appear on the surface of the casing layer. This is known as the pinning stage.
Misting: Continue to mist the casing soil lightly, ensuring it remains moist but not waterlogged.

5. Growth and Harvesting

Growth: The pinheads will grow and develop into mature mushrooms over the next 7-10 days. During this time, maintain consistent humidity and temperature levels.
When to Harvest: Swiss brown and white button mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully expanded and the edges start to curl under slightly. Harvest before the caps flatten out completely.
How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.

6. Post-Harvest Care

Second Flush: After harvesting the first batch, continue to mist the casing soil and maintain proper environmental conditions. The kit may produce additional flushes of mushrooms over the next few weeks.
Final Disposal: Once the kit no longer produces mushrooms, you can dispose of the substrate by composting it or using it as a soil amendment in your garden.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow and harvest Swiss brown and white button mushrooms from your colonised grow kit. Enjoy the process and the delicious, nutritious mushrooms!