How to Start

1. 1 Wash your hands, then open the top of the bag with clean scissors, cutting horizontally.
2. 2 Remove any large masses growing on top of the sawdust. This redirects the mycelium's energy to where you want mushrooms to form. You don't need to strip the block clean — if you pull off extra sawdust by accident, gently press it back into place. The mycelium will grow back together.
3. 3 Close the bag and remove excess air. Fold the bag closed along the gussets and roll it down tightly to the top of the sawdust, taping securely under the seal. Try to eliminate air pockets between the bag and the block.
4. 4 Cut 4–6 one-inch "X"s into the plastic with a sharp knife, positioned where the bag is directly in contact with the mycelium and substrate. Fresh air at these cuts is what tells the mycelium to fruit — mushrooms will eventually grow out of the holes.
5. 5 Place the block on a plate or in a container. If you're using a bag as a cover, tent it over the block so there's space for airflow between the bag and the block.
6. 6 Find the right spot. Indirect light, temperatures between 55–75°F — enough natural or artificial light that you could comfortably read a book nearby. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the block.
7. 7 Mist at least 2–4 times daily. Keep the block moist, though it's okay if it dries slightly between mistings. Pool a little water in the bottom of your container as a humidity reservoir. Avoid chlorinated tap water — rainwater is ideal, or boil and cool tap water if that's your only option.

How to Harvest

Shape, not size, tells you when Lion's Mane is ready. Harvest after the spines have elongated a bit but before the clusters turn yellow — a little yellowing at the very top is normal and fine.

• Gently twist the entire cluster off at the base where it meets the block.
• Don't wait for the whole cluster to yellow — texture gets tougher the longer you wait.
• When in doubt, harvest a little early rather than late.

Extra Flushes

• After harvest, stop watering for two weeks unless you see new growth sooner — this rest period lets the mycelium recover and store up more nutrients.
• To start the next flush, briefly submerge the block in cold water, cut a couple of new "X"s, and resume misting.
• You can repeat this process several times for a total harvest of about 2–3 lbs.

Storage & Preparation

• Store in a paper bag in the fridge so the mushrooms can breathe.
• Never store in plastic, glass, or ceramic — without airflow, mushrooms turn slimy.
• Lion's Mane has a mild, seafood-like flavor and a meaty texture that holds up well to searing.
• Visit our recipe blog for serving ideas.

After You're Done

Worms love a spent block. Toss yours in the compost pile or tuck it under a shaded garden bed — you might coax out a bonus flush after a few days of spring rain.