Growing your own Shiitake mushrooms with this kit is straightforward and rewarding, offering months of harvests with minimal effort:
Step 1: Upon receiving your kit, check the bag for white mycelium growth. Allow the kit to acclimate to your environment for 24 hours before beginning the fruiting process.
Step 2: Make a 4-6 inch cut in the spawn bag where you see white mycelium forming. This opening allows for oxygen exchange and creates a space for mushrooms to emerge.
Step 3: Place your kit in a location with indirect light for 10-12 hours daily and maintain temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out and damage the developing mushrooms.
Step 4: Mist inside the bag opening 1-2 times daily using the included ultra-fine pump mister. Unlike other mushroom varieties, Shiitake prefer a moderate humidity level of around 50%, making them more forgiving in typical indoor environments.
Step 5: Harvest your Shiitake mushrooms when the caps are fully opened but before the edges flatten completely. Simply cut the mushrooms at the base with a sharp knife.
After harvesting your first flush, allow the kit to rest for 2-3 weeks while continuing to mist occasionally. The kit will produce 3-4 separate crops over a 4-5 month period.