Avoid Mistakes When Growing Mushrooms At Home
Everybody makes mistakes! However, most mushie mistakes can be avoided by keeping a few tips in mind. Here are a few things to remember when growing mushrooms at home:
1. Start Your Grow Block Right Away
Remember that your grow kit is a living organism. Your mushrooms will be eager to grow when they arrive, so treat them like it.
Be sure to start your grow kit within a few days after you receive it. Don't let it sit in the shipping box for long.
If you need to wait a few days before growing your block, remove the block from the cardboard box and store it in the refrigerator.
2. Place Your Block in an Open Area
Your grow kit needs fresh air and gentle air turbulence. If temperatures are above freezing, you can even place your grow block outside for more fresh air.
Do not attempt to grow it in a storage tote, as this does not allow for air flow. Keeping your grow kit on a kitchen counter works very well!
3. Water Your Block Frequently
Mushrooms love moisture- more than you'd think!
It's important to mist your grow block using the free water mister included in your grow kit several times daily, especially during the fall and winter when there is dry heat in your home.
Be sure to mist all over the grow block, ensuring that all areas get some love! Not watering your grow block enough will result in a lower yield and smaller mushrooms- nobody wants that!
4. Handle the Plastic Bag Correctly
When you receive your grow kit, you'll notice that the actual grow block, which is made of grain and sawdust, will be surrounded by a plastic bag.
Depending on the species, you will handle this bag differently. Check our Grow Kit Instructions Page for proper care instructions.
Shiitake mushroom grow kits are the only blocks that should have their plastic bag removed. All other grow kits should keep their plastic bags on for the entire growing process.