Step 1

Before proceeding, inspect your growing bags

• Has the mycelium started to grow primordia (tiny mushrooms) inside the bag?  If yes, proceed immediately to step 2 (regardless of whether or not the sawdust is fully colonized).
• Has the mycelium fully colonized all of the sawdust?  If not, put the bag in a dark place and check every couple of days until it’s fully colonized.

Step 2

Expose the block to fresh air (oxygen) by carefully cutting several slits in the plastic bag(s) on 1 to 2 sides to stimulate growth

Step 3

Place the bag in a location with indirect sunlight and at room temperature

Step 4

Depending on the humidity in the room, spritz the bag with water 2 to 5 times a day to prevent drying out. This can be more of an art than a science, thus will take some practice to get the hang of it. If you are struggling with the substrate (and later with the mushrooms) drying out, you can create a ‘tent’ to increase the humidity by placing a clear plastic bag over the kit.  Please remember the mushrooms need sufficient air flow so either cut some holes in the bag or ensure the bag is left open someplace

Step 5

Mushrooms will begin to form in approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

Step 6

Begin harvesting approximately 5 days after fruiting begins by twisting the clusters off at the stem. If the caps begin to get wavy on the edges and curl up, the mushrooms are beginning to pass their prime but are still good to eat. Although the stems are edible, they are tough compared to the caps. (We still eat them!)

Note

Ensure you cook the mushrooms before eating them

Step 7

After harvesting, the mycelium will become dormant for a week or so. Let the mushroom kit rest in a dark place. Cover with plastic to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

To encourage subsequent fruitings, wait one to two weeks, then submerge the entire bag in water for 2 to 3 hours.  You will need to place a weight on it to completely submerge.

Repeat the steps above. You should get 2 or 3 crops before the kit is exhausted. If you see mushrooms forming in areas not previously cut, make more slits in the bag.