FAQ

HOW DO I OPEN THE BAG?

Use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut the bag along the dashed 'X'

HOW OFTEN DO I SPRAY THE BLOCK?

At least twice per day. It also depends on the environment your block is in. If your mushrooms start growing and then shrivel and die, then that's a sign they need more moisture.

HOW MUCH WILL MY BLOCK PRODUCE?

These mushrooms grow in clusters all at the same time. Each time a cluster grows and is harvested, it's known as a 'flush'. These kits will produce somewhere between 0.5 and 2 pounds on the first flush. Depending on the species, environment and other factors, blocks can produce multiple flushes.

IS MY BLOCK MOLDY?

If you are just getting your block, then no! All of our blocks are inspected for contamination and health before they leave our facility. The block is filled with mycelium which is the white, fuzzy stuff you see. Mycelium is like the 'body' of the mushroom and it does all the digesting, eating, and building. The mushroom is just the reproductive structure of the mycelium.

If you have been growing your block for a month or more, you might start seeing blue or green spots. That's definitely mold and it's time to retire your block.

WHAT ARE THE WHITE BUMPS INSIDE THE BAG?

Those are known as 'pins' which are baby mushrooms. Your mushrooms will look like that at first when they are young. For the rest of those pin in your bag, don't worry about them. It's not a problem, it just means your block is eager to make mushrooms.

WHAT DO I DO AFTER MY BLOCK IS DONE?

There are a few things you can do. Remove the block from the bag and then you can:

1. Toss it into your compost to make soil
2. Treat one of your garden plants! Crumble it into your garden to mulch one of your veggies
3. Introduce it to new substrate (mushroom food, usually fibrous material) to keep it growing. This path will lead you deeper into the wonderful world of mushrooms. There are plenty of resources online. Try searching "mushroom cardboard spawn" or "grow mushrooms on your jeans".

MY MUSHROOMS STARTED GROWING THEN STOPPED? WHAT'S GOING ON?

The most likely cause is a lack of humidity. That's a very easy fix and you'll still get some nice mushrooms. Pick of the aborted mushrooms and let the block dry out for a week. After that, submerge and soak the entire block (still in the bag) in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain out all the water. Now you're ready to try again, this time mist the slice in the block more frequently. We like to grow our blocks in a main area of our house so we mist it every time we go by.

HOW DO I KNOW THE RIGHT MUSHROOMS ARE GROWING?

Your block was made in a sterile lab with specific mushroom cultures. The odds any other mushroom would grow out of your block are incredibly low. That being said, please reach out if you're unsure! You can take a picture of your mushrooms and block and send it to us via email or tag us in it on facebook or instagram.

DO I NEED TO COOK MY MUSHROOMS?

Yes! Make sure they are cooked thoroughly.

WHEN DO I HARVEST MY MUSHROOMS?

Usually about 4-6 days after your first start seeing growth. These mushrooms grow very quickly so keep an eye on them! It's usually best to harvest mushrooms before their tops, or 'caps', become flat. Their best texture is when their caps still have a downward curve to them.

DO MY MUSHROOMS NEED LIGHT?

Not necessarily, but it can help. Oyster mushrooms will grow where there is oxygen and moisture regardless of light. However, oyster mushrooms tend to develop richer colour in their caps when exposed to light. The brighter the light, the deeper the colour, usually. That being said, if you place the block in direct sunlight, you run the risk of drying out the mushrooms, which need to remain humid while they grow.

WHAT IS THE BEST PLACE FOR THE BLOCK TO GROW?

In short: not in direct sunlight, not near an open window. The best place is a common area of your house, one that you use or pass through several times per day. Direct sunlight and open windows tend to dry the blocks out and prevent mushroom growth.