Emily Johnson
Mushroom kits are a great way to experience the fun of growing your own mushrooms at home. They are easy to use, low-maintenance, and can be a rewarding hobby for those interested in gardening and nature. With a simple process of cutting, soaking, and misting, anyone can grow delicious and healthy mushrooms like oyster, lion's mane, and reishi in their own homes. While some kits are more complex than others, most are designed for beginners and come with straightforward instructions, making them accessible to anyone curious about mushroom cultivation. So, are mushroom kits worth it? For those seeking a unique and satisfying experience, the answer is a resounding yes!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Mushroom kits are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. They are suitable for beginners and experienced growers alike, with simple instructions and low chances of contamination. |
| Time commitment | Mushrooms in kits grow quickly and fruit multiple times, requiring daily misting and attention. |
| Taste | Homegrown mushrooms are said to taste better than store-bought ones. |
| Variety | Kits offer a range of mushroom varieties, including oyster, lion's mane, and reishi. Some kits cater to specific preferences, such as gourmet, medicinal, or wild mushrooms. |
| Success rate | The success rate varies depending on the kit and conditions. Oyster mushrooms are known for their tenacity and ability to fruit even in less-than-ideal conditions. Morel kits, on the other hand, are less reliable and may not guarantee results. |
| Size | Kits vary in size, with some being compact and suitable for countertops, while others may require more space. |
| Maintenance | Proper preparation and ideal conditions increase the chances of success and yield. Maintaining the right temperature and moisture levels is crucial. |
| Cost | The cost of mushroom kits varies, and some companies offer guarantees, promising to replace kits that don't grow as described. |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushroom kits
There are several types of mushroom kits available, catering to different skill levels and growing preferences. Here are some of the most common types:
Oyster Mushroom Kits
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are a common variety found in grow kits. They are resilient, fruit relentlessly, and can grow on various substrates. They are also quite forgiving of less-than-ideal conditions and grow quickly, making them a good choice for beginners. Oyster mushroom kits typically come with a pre-colonized fruiting block or grow bag, requiring minimal maintenance and simple steps to get started.
Morel Mushroom Kits
Morel kits are different from other kits as they don't come with ready-to-fruit blocks. Instead, they provide morel spawn that needs to be introduced to a suitable environment, mimicking how morels propagate in the wild. While results are not guaranteed, successful introductions can lead to a yearly harvest of morel mushrooms.
Spray & Grow Mushroom Kits
These kits are beginner-friendly and often include a spray bottle and straightforward step-by-step instructions. They are designed to make the process of growing mushrooms at home as simple as possible, allowing new growers to experience the joy of cultivating their own mushrooms without diving too deep into the complexities of the hobby.
Fruiting Block Mushroom Kits
Fruiting block kits are ready-to-grow blocks that provide consistent yields of gourmet edible and medicinal mushrooms. These kits cater to those seeking a more predictable and abundant harvest without the need for complex setups.
Monotub Mushroom Kits
Monotub kits offer a complete solution for indoor mushroom cultivation, often with optional upgrades to enhance the growing experience. They are designed to provide a successful indoor grow, catering to those who want a more controlled and customizable setup.
ShroomTek All-in-One Mushroom Grow Bag Kit
This kit simplifies growing dung-loving mushrooms. It is an all-in-one solution that provides the necessary components in a bag, making it convenient and accessible for growers.
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How to use a mushroom kit
Mushroom kits are beginner-friendly and require very little special equipment. The kits are designed to allow new growers to experience what it's like to grow mushrooms at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Kit
When you first receive your mushroom kit, it is important to prepare it for planting. Open the box and take out the grow bag or substrate bag. Cut an "X" on the top surface of the bag. This allows the substrate to absorb water as it soaks.
Step 2: Soak the Kit
Fill a container with water and soak the entire kit in it. This step ensures the kit is thoroughly hydrated before scraping the mycelium.
Step 3: Scrape the Mycelium
After soaking, remove the kit from the water and scrape back some of the mycelium. This step may vary depending on the specific kit, but generally, you will need to scrape or scratch the surface of the substrate to create a rough microclimate that promotes mushroom growth.
Step 4: Water the Kit
Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of water per day on the scraped area. Continue this process until baby mushrooms begin to appear. The key is to maintain a moist environment, so don't be afraid to add more water if needed. You can also use a spray bottle to mist the area twice a day.
Step 5: Provide Optimal Conditions
Mushrooms grow best in a humid environment with indirect light. Place your kit in a room with normal room temperature (65-68 °F or 18-20 °C). If the temperature is slightly cooler or warmer, the mushrooms will still grow but at a slower rate. If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier to maintain the necessary moisture levels.
Step 6: Harvest and Enjoy
With proper care and patience, your mushroom kit will start to produce mushrooms. Refer to the kit's instructions for specific harvesting guidelines. Once harvested, you can cook and enjoy your freshly grown mushrooms in a variety of dishes!
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Pros and cons of mushroom kits
Mushroom kits are a great way to experience growing your own mushrooms at home. They are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for beginners. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a mushroom kit:
Pros:
- Easy to use: Mushroom kits come with simple instructions that are easy to follow, even for those new to mushroom growing.
- Low maintenance: Most mushroom kits only require a few basic steps, such as soaking and scraping, and need little ongoing maintenance.
- Fast results: Oyster mushrooms, a common variety in kits, grow quickly and can fruit even in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Delicious and versatile: Homegrown mushrooms can be more flavoursome and fresher than store-bought ones, and can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Educational: Some kits come with educational resources, making them a fun learning experience for kids and adults alike.
Cons:
- Limited variety: Mushroom kits typically offer a limited range of mushroom species, and some gourmet varieties may not be available in kit form.
- Potential for contamination: While kits reduce the risk of contamination, it is still possible, and some basic sterilisation techniques may be required.
- Size limitations: Most kits are small and designed for indoor use, so they may not produce a large enough harvest for some growers.
- Ongoing care required: While kits are low maintenance, they do require regular care, including daily misting, and maintaining specific growing temperatures.
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Best mushroom kits for beginners
If you're a beginner looking to try your hand at growing mushrooms, there are plenty of kits available that are perfect for you. Mushroom growing kits are beginner-friendly and require almost no special skills, tools, or other equipment. Here are some of the best mushroom kits for beginners:
Back to the Roots Mushroom Mini Farm
This kit is a great option for beginners as it is quite small and easy to use. It produces Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, a tasty and fast-growing species that can withstand some neglect and still produce good results. The kit includes organic plant-based soil infused with mushroom spawn, a spray mister, and a discovery booklet with growing and harvesting instructions, recipes, and activities.
SnoValley's Shiitake Mushroom Growing Kit
This kit offers a commercial-grade mushroom substrate made from Pacific Northwest red alder, organic rye grain, and pure shiitake. According to SnoValley, you will be able to harvest your first batch of shiitake mushrooms after just seven days. This kit has received numerous five-star reviews and is available for less than $20.
Forest Origins
The Forest Origins mushroom kit is perfect for beginners as it offers a low-maintenance setup and no pre-soaking is necessary. Baby mushrooms start growing after just four days of setting up the kit, and the first batch is ready to harvest within 7-10 days.
Hodgins Harvest
If you're looking for volume, the Hodgins Harvest kit is the way to go. It produced the highest yield in a comparison by ConsumerReports, with the first yield coming in at 302 grams on day 12. While this kit requires more work, with spraying needed 2-4 times per day, it delivers seriously large mushrooms and plenty of them.
North Spore Spray & Grow Mushroom Kit
North Spore offers a wide variety of mushroom growing kits, including the Spray & Grow Mushroom Kit, which is beginner-friendly. The kit includes a spray bottle and complete step-by-step instructions for a successful grow.
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How to care for your mushroom kit
Mushroom kits are a great way to experience growing your own mushrooms at home with minimal maintenance. To care for your mushroom kit, follow these steps:
Before You Begin
Before you start growing, it is important to note that mushroom kits are time-sensitive. Most companies stop selling and shipping mushroom kits during the hot summer months to ensure that you do not purchase them when it is too hot to grow them. The ideal temperature for your mushrooms to grow is between 65-68 °F (18-20 °C). They can still grow in slightly warmer spaces, but if the temperature is below 60 °F (15 °C) most of the day, your mushrooms may grow at a slower rate.
Setting Up Your Kit
When you receive your mushroom kit, it should include a bag of organic substrate, an instruction card, and sometimes a spray mister. The box that the kit came in will serve as its home while it grows. The substrate bag should be cut and soaked in water for about 10 hours to kickstart the growth process. It is important to keep the substrate perpetually moist, so misting the scraped area twice a day with a spray bottle is recommended. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can simply sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of water on the scraped area each day.
During Growth
Place your grow kit with the box opening facing up until you begin to see small mushrooms, then place it upright to finish growing. It is normal not to see mushrooms sprouting within the first few days following your initial soaking of the mushroom bag. During this time, the mycelium is rehydrating and taking up as much water as possible to encourage growth.
After Harvesting
Once you have harvested your mushrooms, you can reuse your kit and keep on growing. A simple way to encourage more fruitings is to move your kit outdoors. A change in environment or temperature shift can prompt the fungi to produce more mushrooms. Burying the mushroom block outdoors can also help protect it from the elements, and the fungi can absorb moisture from the nearby soil. With these methods, you should expect mushrooms to fruit in a couple of weeks.
Additional Tips
To prevent spores from discolouring nearby items, place a few sheets of newspaper under the kit and keep it at least two feet away from furniture or walls. Picking your mushrooms before the veil breaks or shortly after will also reduce or eliminate spore release. Additionally, if you are travelling and unable to water your kit daily, simply re-soak your kit overnight when you return.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom kits are a live product that allows you to grow mushrooms at home. They come with a growing medium with mycelium already growing in it, which means you can skip the sterilisation process.
Mushroom kits are designed to be easy to use and require minimal maintenance. However, they do need to be watered and cared for, and growing temperatures are important.
Mushroom kits are a great way to experience growing your own mushrooms at home. They are low-maintenance and can be a fun and rewarding project. Fresh, home-grown mushrooms can be delicious and better than store-bought ones.
There are a variety of mushroom kits available, including Oyster, Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Morel kits. Some kits cater to specific growing preferences, such as growing gourmet, edible, or medicinal mushrooms.
Mushroom kits are available from various companies, including Back to the Roots, North Spore, and Mushroom Adventures. These companies offer kits for different skill levels and provide instructions and support.
