Sarah Brown
Mushroom kits are a popular way to cultivate mushrooms at home. They are easy to use and require little maintenance beyond maintaining a suitable environment. While most kits produce at least two crops of mushrooms, known as fruiting or flushing, the number of harvests can vary depending on the kit and other factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, and contamination. With proper care and techniques, it may be possible to extend the life of the kit and increase mushroom production. However, it's important to note that results may vary, and companies cannot guarantee success due to the many factors that can influence mushroom growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of crops | Most kits produce at least two crops, but some can produce three or more. |
| Extending the life of the kit | Kits can be extended by exposing them to the right combination of light, temperature, and humidity, and by burying them outside. |
| Reusing kits | Kits can be reused by inoculating containers or mulch, or by using the substrate as mulch or in a compost heap. |
| Maintenance | Kits require little maintenance beyond maintaining a suitable environment and misting the mushrooms a few times a day. |
| Contamination | If contamination is widespread in a grow block, it should be removed and the substrate used as mulch or compost. |
| Yield | Yield varies depending on the type of mushroom and the kit, but can range from 500g for NZ Lion's Mane kits to $60 worth of Turkey Tail mushrooms. |
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What You'll Learn
Oyster mushroom kits are best for reusing
There are several ways to reuse an oyster mushroom kit. Firstly, you can cut open another side of the kit to double the output. This method can be used to get a bonus crop from the same kit. However, it is important to note that there is a finite amount of mycelium, and one cannot magically have an infinite amount of mushrooms.
Another way to reuse the kit is to move it outdoors. A change in environment or temperature shift can sometimes be a cue for fungi to produce more mushrooms. You can also bury the kit outside, where it will produce more mushrooms and eventually become soil-enriching compost for the garden.
If you are looking for other ways to reuse your kit, you can try inoculating containers or mulch. This is similar to using grain spawn or sawdust spawn. You can also add the kit to your garden as it makes an excellent soil amendment for your plants.
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How to reuse a mushroom kit
Mushroom kits are designed to be used a few times, with most kits producing at least two crops of fresh mushrooms, also known as "fruiting" or "flushing". After a few harvests, the kit will start to produce smaller flushes, signalling the end of its life. However, there are ways to reuse and revitalise your mushroom kit to keep it going indefinitely.
Revitalising the Kit
Leaving the plastic on your kit helps to retain moisture, preventing the block from drying out. You can also spray the kit periodically to keep it from looking parched. A simple way to encourage more fruitings is to move your kit outdoors. A change in environment or temperature can prompt the fungi to produce more mushrooms. After a couple of weeks, you can expect mushrooms to grow after heavy rainfall or a significant temperature shift.
Offering More Food
The mushroom kit will eventually stop fruiting due to a lack of nutrients. You can offer more food to the fungi by making a gallon of manure and compost tea. Mix about one cup of manure with nine cups of compost. Put one cup of this mixture into one gallon of water and let it sit overnight. The next day, you will have manure and compost tea. After the first fruiting, water the kit with the manure tea. For compost, soak it twice—once after fruiting is done and again three days later. For logs or sawdust, water as much as it can absorb daily for about a week after fruiting is finished.
Using the Kit as Spawn
After your kit has stopped producing mushrooms, you can bury it outdoors. The kit will produce more mushrooms and eventually become soil-enriching compost for your garden. You can also use the old mushroom kit as mushroom spawn.
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The importance of humidity
Humidity plays a crucial role in creating the ideal environment for mushroom growth. Mushrooms are 90% water, and maintaining the right humidity levels ensures they can absorb water through their cell walls. Humidity levels are critical in the development of mushrooms, from the formation of primordia to ensuring they grow to maturity.
The ideal humidity level for mushroom cultivation is between 85% and 95%. However, this varies depending on the species of mushroom. Generally, mushrooms require high humidity levels, and a minimum of 70% relative humidity is recommended.
Low humidity can cause mushrooms to stall, form cracks, and discolour. Mushrooms are highly sensitive to their environment, and consistent humidity is vital for their growth. Too much humidity can also be detrimental, causing bacterial blotch and discolouration.
To maintain the ideal humidity, growers can use misting spray bottles, pond misters, fans, and humidifiers. Misting involves spraying the mushrooms and the surrounding area to increase humidity. Pond misters are often used in commercial mushroom cultivation as they provide consistent humidity levels. Fans help distribute moisture evenly and reduce the risk of mould and condensation. Humidifiers are another option to increase humidity in the growing area.
Overall, humidity is a critical factor in mushroom cultivation, and maintaining the right levels ensures a successful harvest and maximizes yields.
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How to tell when a kit is reaching the end of its life
Mushroom kits are designed to produce at least two crops of fresh mushrooms, a process known as "fruiting" or "flushing." While some kits may produce more flushes than others, there are several signs that indicate when a kit is reaching the end of its life.
Firstly, the frequency and size of flushes will decrease over time. Eventually, the kit will start to produce smaller flushes, despite regular feeding and maintenance. This is a sign that the mycelium is running out of nutrients and is making a last attempt to reproduce before it dies.
Another indication that a kit is reaching the end of its life is the presence of strange colours or foul smells. If the mushroom block develops black, green, or orange patches, it may be contaminated or damaged. At this point, it is important to reach out to the manufacturer for guidance.
Additionally, the life cycle stage of the mushroom kit at the time of purchase can impact its longevity. Kits that are shipped immediately after cultivation tend to have longer lifespans than those that sit on store shelves for extended periods. Understanding the life cycle stage of your kit when you receive it can help you better estimate its remaining lifespan.
To extend the life of your mushroom kit, it is recommended to maintain optimal conditions in terms of light, temperature, and humidity. Storing the kit in a cold place, such as a refrigerator, can also slow down the growth process and prolong its life. However, it is important to ensure that the temperature does not drop below the freezing point, as this can cause permanent damage to the kit.
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The benefits of growing mushrooms at home
Growing mushrooms at home is an easy, cost-effective, and fulfilling way to access a constant supply of fresh, nutritious food. Mushroom growing kits are a great option for beginners, providing all the necessary components and simple instructions, so you don't have to worry about sourcing materials or having extensive knowledge. Here are some detailed benefits of growing mushrooms at home:
Control and Quality:
Growing your own mushrooms gives you control over what goes into your food. You can ensure that your mushrooms are organic, pesticide-free, and free from contaminants. This is especially important as mushrooms can absorb and concentrate compounds from their growing environment.
Health Benefits:
Mushrooms offer a range of health advantages. They contain compounds that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of certain diseases. Growing your own mushrooms ensures a fresh, nutritious supply, maximizing their health benefits. Additionally, you can experiment with exotic or medicinal varieties like lion's mane or pink oyster, which offer unique flavors and nutrients that other vegetables may not provide.
Cost Savings:
Growing mushrooms at home can be more cost-effective than buying them at the store. With a mushroom kit, you can get multiple harvests from a single block, reducing the cost per harvest. Additionally, growing your own food can reduce your grocery expenses, and some kits offer wholesale rates for larger quantities, making it even more affordable.
Educational and Fun:
Mushroom cultivation provides an opportunity to learn about mycology, the study of fungi. It is a fun and rewarding hobby for both beginners and experienced growers. You get to witness the fascinating growth process of mushrooms, which can be extremely satisfying. Some varieties double in size every 12 to 24 hours, providing visible evidence of growth daily.
Convenience and Variety:
Mushroom kits are convenient as they require little maintenance beyond maintaining a suitable environment. They offer a wider variety of species than what you might find in stores, allowing you to experiment with different strains and discover new flavors. With kits, you can also grow mushrooms indoors on your kitchen counter, making it accessible for those without backyard space.
Overall, growing mushrooms at home offers a range of benefits, from cost savings and convenience to improved health and educational insights. It is a fun and rewarding activity that ensures a fresh and nutritious food supply.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom kits usually produce two to three harvests of mushrooms, but this can vary depending on the variety of the kit and other factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, and contamination.
After a mushroom kit is done producing, it can be reused or recycled. Some people bury the kit outside, where it will produce more mushrooms and eventually become soil-enriching compost for the garden. Others use the old kit as mushroom spawn.
To reuse a mushroom kit, you can try moving it outdoors, as a change in environment or temperature can encourage the kit to produce more mushrooms. You can also use the kit to inoculate containers or mulch, or add fresh substrate for the fungi to grow on and eat.
A mushroom kit can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to produce the first harvest, depending on the variety of the kit and the growing conditions.
To get more life out of a mushroom kit, make sure to follow the care instructions provided with the kit. After harvesting the first crop of mushrooms, clear away any remaining stem material to prevent pests or contamination. Then, allow the mycelium to rest for about a week before increasing the humidity to encourage the next generation of mushrooms to form.
