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Product Instructions

  • Bulk Substrate Usage Guidelines

    This substrate should be inoculated with “fully colonized” grain spawn only. Injecting spores or liquid culture directly into this substrate will cause contamination and will not work.

    Do not use it as a casing. This substrate can be used in mono tubs and trays.

    Instructions

  • Grain Bag Storage and Usage Guidelines

    This grain bag can be inoculated with a spore syringe or liquid culture (better).

    This grain bag should not be used to fruit mushrooms. The fully colonized grain bag is intended to be mixed into a bulk substrate.

    Instructions

  • Liquid Culture Guidelines

    This product requires basic knowledge of mushroom cultivation. We strongly recommend using each vial only once, i.e. use the entire vial to fill the syringe.

    If you are a beginner, please do your research first on spore prints, liquid cultures, grain spawn, bulk substrate teks, monotubs, and fruiting chambers.

    Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Growing Medium: Mushrooms require a suitable substrate to grow on. Common substrates include hardwood sawdust, straw, coffee grounds, or a pre-made mushroom kit.

    2. Mushroom Spawn or Spores: You'll need mushroom spawn (mycelium-covered substrate) or spores to inoculate your growing medium. You can purchase these from a reputable supplier or use a spore syringe.

    3. Containers or Growing Beds: You'll need containers or growing beds to hold the substrate. These can be plastic bags, trays, or containers, depending on the type of mushroom you're growing.

    4. Proper Environment: Mushrooms thrive in a cool, dark, and humid environment. Maintain a stable temperature and humidity level specific to the mushroom species you're cultivating.

    5. Sterilization or Pasteurization: Depending on the substrate, you may need to sterilize or pasteurize it to kill off competing microorganisms. This ensures a clean environment for mushroom growth.

    6. Ventilation: Proper airflow is essential to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and maintain the right humidity level. You may need to provide ventilation or holes in your growing containers.

    7. Light: Most mushrooms don't require light for growth, but they do need some indirect light to orient themselves. A small amount of ambient light is usually sufficient.

    8. Hydration: Regularly mist or water your growing medium to maintain the required moisture level. Different mushroom species have different moisture needs.

    9. Patience: Mushroom cultivation can take some time, often several weeks to months, depending on the species. Be patient and monitor the progress.

    10. Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness throughout the process to prevent contamination by unwanted molds or bacteria. Use proper sanitation techniques.

    11. Harvesting Tools: Have tools like a clean knife or scissors for harvesting mushrooms when they're ready.

    12. Knowledge: Educate yourself about the specific requirements of the mushroom species you intend to grow. Different mushrooms have different preferences.

    13. Storage: Be prepared to store and use the harvested mushrooms promptly. Some mushrooms have a short shelf life.

    By meeting these basic requirements and following specific instructions for the mushroom species you want to grow, you can successfully cultivate mushrooms at home.

  • Choosing the right substrate for your mushroom cultivation depends on the type of mushroom you want to grow. Different mushroom species have specific substrate preferences. Here's how you can choose the right substrate:

    1. Research the Mushroom Species: Start by identifying the species of mushroom you want to cultivate. Some common choices for home cultivation include oyster mushrooms, shiitake, button mushrooms, and lion's mane, among others.

    2. Know the Natural Habitat: Research the natural habitat of the mushroom species. Mushrooms often grow on specific types of organic matter in the wild, such as logs, straw, hardwood, or even dung.

    3. Evaluate Nutrient Content: Different substrates provide varying levels of nutrients. Some mushrooms prefer nutrient-rich substrates, while others thrive on less nutritious materials. For example, oyster mushrooms do well on straw or coffee grounds, while shiitake mushrooms prefer hardwood sawdust.

    4. pH Level: Check the pH level of the substrate. Different mushrooms have different pH preferences. Adjust the pH if necessary to create an optimal environment for your chosen species.

    5. Moisture Retention: Evaluate how well the substrate retains moisture. Mushrooms require a certain level of humidity, so a substrate that holds moisture well can be beneficial.

    6. Compatibility with Growing Containers: Ensure that your chosen substrate is compatible with the containers or growing beds you plan to use. Some substrates work better in bags, while others are suited for trays or logs.

    Here are a few substrate options commonly used for different mushroom species:

    • Oyster Mushrooms: Straw, coffee grounds, or a mixture of straw and sawdust.

    • Shiitake Mushrooms: Hardwood sawdust, logs, or a combination of hardwood sawdust and bran.

    • Lion's Mane Mushrooms: Hardwood sawdust, wood chips, or a combination of other materials.

    It's essential to thoroughly research the requirements of the specific mushroom species you intend to grow and choose a substrate that aligns with those requirements. Experimentation and adjustment may be necessary to achieve the best results.

  • The ideal temperature and humidity levels for mushroom growth can vary depending on the mushroom species you're cultivating. Different mushrooms have different preferences, but here are some general guidelines:

    Temperature:

    Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms typically thrive at temperatures between 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C).

    Shiitake Mushrooms: Generally grow best between 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C).

    Reishi Mushrooms: Generally grow best between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).

    Lion's Mane Mushrooms: Generally grow best between 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C).

    Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Generally grow best between 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C).

    High Humidity: Most mushroom species require high humidity levels, typically around 90% relative humidity (RH) during the initial stages of growth, like colonization. You can decrease the humidity slightly to around 85% RH during the fruiting stage.

    Fresh Air Exchange: While maintaining high humidity is important, it's equally crucial to provide fresh air exchange to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide. This promotes healthy mushroom growth.

    Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the specific requirements may vary depending on factors like the substrate used and your local climate. Monitoring and adjusting the temperature and humidity levels based on the specific needs of your chosen mushroom species is essential for successful cultivation. A hygrometer and thermometer can be valuable tools to help you maintain the right conditions.

  • You can absolutely grow mushrooms indoors, and in fact, many mushroom varieties are well-suited for indoor cultivation. Indoor mushroom cultivation offers several advantages, including controlled environmental conditions and year-round growing opportunities. Here's what you need to consider for indoor mushroom cultivation:

    1. Space: You don't need a lot of space to grow mushrooms indoors. A spare room, closet, basement, or even a corner of your kitchen can be used for mushroom cultivation.

    2. Lighting: Most mushroom species do not require direct sunlight. They can grow with minimal ambient light or even in darkness. A small amount of indirect light is usually sufficient for orientation, but it's not for photosynthesis.

    3. Temperature and Humidity: You'll need to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity levels for the specific mushroom species you're growing. Many mushrooms can thrive in indoor conditions with proper temperature and humidity control.

    4. Growing Containers: Depending on the mushroom species, you can use various types of containers like trays, bags, or logs for indoor cultivation.

    5. Sterilization or Pasteurization: Some substrates may require sterilization or pasteurization to eliminate competing microorganisms. You can do this indoors with the right equipment.

    6. Ventilation: Proper airflow is essential to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and maintain the right humidity level. You may need to provide ventilation or create holes in your growing containers.

    7. Cleanliness: Maintain a clean environment to prevent contamination by unwanted molds or bacteria. Use proper sanitation techniques.

    8. Substrate Choice: Choose a substrate suitable for indoor cultivation. Common indoor substrates include straw, coffee grounds, hardwood sawdust, and various mushroom kits.

    9. Monitoring: Regularly monitor the growing environment, substrate moisture levels, and mushroom development to ensure healthy growth.

    Overall, indoor mushroom cultivation can be a rewarding and space-efficient hobby or even a small-scale production venture. Just make sure to research the specific requirements of the mushroom species you want to grow and create a suitable environment to meet those needs.

  • The time it takes for mushrooms to grow from start to harvest can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the mushroom species, growing conditions, and the specific stage of development you're starting with. Here are some general guidelines for a few common mushroom species:

    1. Oyster Mushrooms:
      • Oyster mushrooms are relatively fast growers.
      • They can be ready for harvest in as little as 2 to 3 weeks from inoculation with spawn or spores.

    2. Shiitake Mushrooms:
      • Shiitake mushrooms take a bit longer to grow compared to oyster mushrooms.
      • It typically takes about 2 to 4 months from inoculation to harvest.

    3. Lion's Mane Mushrooms:
      • Lion's mane mushrooms can take 3 to 5 months from inoculation to harvest.
      • The time frame can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and substrate.

    4. Reishi Mushrooms:
      • Reishi mushrooms have a longer growth cycle compared to many other species.
      • It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or more to see mature fruiting bodies.

    5. Turkey Tail Mushrooms:
      • Turkey Tail mushrooms typically have a relatively quick growth cycle compared to some other mushroom species.
      • It can take anywhere from 1 to 2 months or more to see mature fruiting bodies.

    Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and actual growth times can vary based on factors such as temperature, humidity, substrate quality, and the specific strain of mushrooms being cultivated. Additionally, different growth stages, including substrate colonization and fruiting, have their own timeframes. It's important to research and understand the specific requirements of the mushroom species you're growing to manage your expectations and plan accordingly.

  • Most mushrooms do not require light for the process of fruiting or the development of fruiting bodies (the mushrooms themselves). Instead, they rely on other environmental cues such as temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange to trigger fruiting.

    However, while mushrooms don't require light for growth, they do exhibit phototropic behavior, meaning they can respond to light. Some mushrooms may exhibit slight growth towards a light source, but this is usually not a critical factor in their cultivation.

    In general:

    1. Indirect Light: Most mushroom species will do well in indirect natural light or low-level ambient artificial light. This can help the mushrooms orient themselves and grow towards the surface. However, the light levels required are very low compared to what plants need for photosynthesis.

    2. Complete Darkness: Many mushroom species, especially those cultivated for culinary or medicinal purposes like oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and lion's mane, will grow perfectly well in complete darkness. In fact, they often produce better yields in the absence of light.

    3. Light-Blocking: To maintain darkness, it's common practice to use light-blocking materials like black plastic bags, layers of newspaper, or other opaque coverings to shield the growing containers or growing area from any potential light sources.

    In summary, mushrooms generally do not have high lighting requirements, and many can be grown successfully in complete darkness. However, providing minimal ambient light for orientation can be helpful in some cases, but it's not a critical factor for mushroom growth as it is for plants undergoing photosynthesis.

  • Mushrooms can be grown year-round, but the availability of certain mushroom species may vary based on their specific growth requirements and the conditions in your cultivation area. Here's a general overview:

    1. Indoor Cultivation: Many mushroom species, especially those suited for cultivation in controlled indoor environments, can be grown year-round. These species include oyster mushrooms, shiitake, lion's mane, and others. You have the flexibility to create the ideal conditions for them indoors, so they are not restricted by seasonal changes.

    2. Outdoor Cultivation: Some mushroom species, like morel mushrooms, have specific seasonal requirements. Morels, for example, typically appear in the spring. Other species may have preferences for certain weather conditions but can still be cultivated year-round with the right setup.

    3. Climate Considerations: If you are growing mushrooms outdoors, your local climate will influence which species you can cultivate and when. For example, if you live in a region with distinct seasons, certain mushrooms may fruit naturally in the wild during specific times of the year. You can attempt to replicate these conditions for outdoor cultivation.

    4. Cultivation Methods: With advanced cultivation methods and technology, it's possible to extend the growing season for some outdoor species or simulate seasonal conditions indoors. However, this may require additional equipment and expertise.

    In summary, while the availability of different mushroom species can be influenced by the seasons and local climate, you can cultivate a variety of mushrooms year-round through indoor cultivation methods. It's essential to research the specific requirements of the mushroom species you want to grow and adapt your cultivation methods accordingly to achieve consistent results.

Usage Guidelines for Your Substrate

This product requires basic knowledge of mushroom cultivation. If you are a beginner, please do your research first on spore prints, grain spawn, bulk substrate teks, monotubs, mushroom trays, and fruiting chambers. This product and instructions are intended for the cultivation of legal edible mushrooms.

  1. Contamination Check: First, carefully inspect your soil bag for any signs of contamination or mold. Should you observe any contamination, refrain from using the soil, and kindly contact us before proceeding further.

  2. Sterile Preparations: Ensure a sterile environment by diligently wiping down all surfaces, including your hands, tools, and containers, using rubbing alcohol. Maintain this practice as needed throughout the process.

  3. Soil Bag Opening: Cut the top of the soil bag open. To facilitate further steps, gently squeeze the filter bag with your hands to loosen the soil within.

  4. Two Options Ahead: You now have two choices to consider:
    a) Employ the filter bag provided with the substrate, mix the grain spawn into the bag, shake it, and seal the filter bag. Proceed to Step 10.
    b) Opt for your own tub or tray. We recommend this option as it generally yields better results.

  5. Readiness Is Key: It is highly advisable to have your grain spawn, tub or trays, and workspace prepared at this point. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of environmental contamination.

  6. Tub Preparation: Thoroughly wipe your chosen tub with alcohol. Line the container with a clean plastic sheet. Transfer the soil into the tub, ensuring that the final substrate depth is approximately 2 inches. For a 5lb substrate, this quantity should suffice to fill four shoe-box-sized containers.

  7. Substrate Homogenization: Carefully break up any remaining clumps within the substrate, ensuring it is evenly mixed, presenting a uniform appearance without any dry patches. The substrate should maintain a fluffy texture and should not be compacted.

  8. Grain Spawn Integration: Break down your grain spawn into individual grains, then evenly blend the grain spawn into the substrate, using a tool or spoon that has been sanitized with alcohol. We recommend using a ratio of 30%-50% grain spawn relative to the substrate's weight. For a 5lb substrate, approximately 1.5lb of grain spawn should suffice.

  9. Even Distribution: Confirm that the substrate is uniformly spread within your tub, achieving a flat surface.

  10. Incubation Commencement: Your substrate is now primed for incubation. Place your container or grow bag within a dark room or closet where the temperature falls between 70-75°F.

  11. Colonization Progress: As incubation begins, anticipate a timeline of approximately 10-14 days for the mycelium to fully colonize the substrate. Once the entire substrate appears uniformly white, including the top layer, you are poised to transition to the fruiting stage. Set up a fruiting chamber with high humidity and engage in regular air exchange to facilitate mushroom growth.
     

Storage and Usage Guidelines for Your Grain Bag

  • Keep your grain bag sealed in its vacuum-sealed packaging, and stored in a cool, dark location.

  • It's advisable to use your grain bag as soon as possible.

  • This grain bag can be effectively inoculated with either a spore syringe or, preferably, a liquid culture.

  • Before proceeding, carefully inspect your vacuum-sealed bag for any signs of contamination or mold. If you detect any, do not use the grain bag, and kindly reach out to us for further guidance.

  • Maintain a sterile environment by wiping all surfaces, your hands, tools, and containers with rubbing alcohol before and during the process.

  • This product and instructions are intended for the cultivation of legal edible mushrooms.

Preparing Your Grain Bag for Inoculation:

  1. Cut the top of the vacuum-sealed bag and remove the grain bag.

  2. To introduce air into the bag through the filter, hold the grain bag with both hands, pinching the front and back sections just above the filter using your thumb and index fingers, while elevating the bag. This allows air to gradually enter through the filter while preserving sterility. This step usually takes about 10 seconds. Ensure the filter is not in contact with the bag's backside once enough air is inside.

  3. Once sufficient air is in the bag, gently shake it vertically and horizontally to loosen the grains. Carefully break apart any grain clumps, if present, and ensure even moisture distribution.

  4. Inject your chosen spores, preferably in liquid culture form, into the bag through the injection port, using a new and sterile needle. Typically, 2-5ml of solution should suffice, assuming an adequate spore/mycelium concentration. A denser spores/liquid culture is more effective. Cover the needle hole with tape while holding the port with your finger as you withdraw the needle.

  5. Gently shake the bag again to distribute the injected spores/liquid cultures evenly.

Incubation and Colonization:

  • Your grain bag is now ready for incubation. Place it in a dark environment with a temperature range of 70-75°F, and allow the grains to begin colonizing.

  • When approximately 25% colonization is observed, break up the grains and shake the bag to expedite the colonization process. Depending on the vitality of your spores/culture, this should take between 14-30 days.

Inoculating Your Bulk Substrate:

  • Once the grains are fully colonized and appear entirely white, you are prepared to use your grain spawn for inoculating your bulk substrate.

  • Each grain spawn bag is sufficient to inoculate 5lb of bulk substrate, with a recommended 30%-50% grain-to-substrate ratio.

Usage Guidelines for Your Culture

Prepare by having isopropyl rubbing alcohol, nitrile/latex gloves, and paper towels within easy reach.

  1. Vial Inspection: Begin by examining your vials meticulously for any signs of damage or leaks. If you identify any concerns, refrain from using the vials and promptly contact us for guidance.

  2. Hygiene and Protection: Prior to handling, wash your hands thoroughly and don the protective nitrile or latex gloves. It's essential to maintain a sterile environment. Regularly wipe down all surfaces, tools, and containers with rubbing alcohol before you commence and as necessary throughout the process.

  3. Cap Removal: Carefully remove the plastic cap by gently pushing it upward using your thumb, exposing the rubber injection port.

  4. Syringe Preparation: Unwrap the syringe, remove the tip cover, and withdraw the plunger from the syringe.

  5. Spore Print Transfer: Scrape approximately one-third to half of the spore print and deposit it into the syringe. The quantity of spores required in your liquid culture may vary, depending on the spore print's density.

  6. Syringe Assembly: Reinsert the plunger and attach the needle securely. Gradually push the plunger until it reaches the 10ml mark.

  7. Air Injection: Insert the needle through the rubber port on the vial. With careful control, slowly push the plunger to the 7ml mark, injecting air into the vial. This step is essential to facilitate the aspiration of liquid from the vial.

  8. Liquid Aspiration: Holding the vial above the syringe and with the needle tip submerged beneath the liquid's surface in the vial, initiate the aspiration of the liquid into the syringe. Repeat the process of injecting air and aspirating liquid until all the liquid is transferred into the syringe.

  9. Syringe Finalization: Once all the solution is successfully transferred to the syringe, detach the needle from the vial. Add an additional 1ml of air into the syringe to allow for efficient shaking of the spore solution. Reattach the syringe tip cover.

  10. Solution Agitation: Vigorously shake the syringe to encourage proper mixing of the solution. Store the syringe in a dark environment at room temperature (ideally between 75-80°F). Continue shaking the syringe once daily until sufficient mycelium growth is achieved.

  11. Monitoring Mycelium Growth: You should start noticing the development of white mycelium in approximately 5-14 days. When a substantial amount of cloud-like mycelium is present in the liquid (typically after an additional 10-14 days), your liquid culture is considered ready for use. Shake the syringe thoroughly to disperse the mycelium as evenly as possible, making it ready for injection into your chosen grain substrate, such as rye berries.

  12. Inoculation Ratio: A 10ml culture should be adequate to inoculate a 3lb grain spawn.

  13. Lack of Growth: If you do not observe any growth after 14 days, it's possible that your spores may not be viable.