South Africa's best mushroom kit

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Full Cycle Mushroom Grow Guide:

Step 1: Finding a place for your box

Think about where these mushrooms grow naturally-in the cool, shady, and cozy corners of a forest.

Here’s what to look for:

  • A place that mimics the forest environment: cool, humid, and shaded.
  • Avoid direct sunlight-it can dry out your mushrooms and stop them from growing.
  • Stay away from air conditioning vents or heaters, as they can create dry or drafty conditions that mushrooms don’t like.
  • A spot with good air circulation but not too windy.

Your kitchen counter, a shaded windowsill, or a cozy corner in your home can be perfect!

Remember, mushrooms love a calm, stable environment just like their natural forest homes. Find that spot, and you’re already on your way to starting your very own mushroom farm. Ready to grow? Let’s do this! 🍄

Step 2: Letting the mushrooms grow

Now that you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to invite your mushrooms to start growing!

Just like mushrooms in the wild burst through cracks in tree bark, you’ll help yours get started by making a small opening in the front of your box. This opening tells your mushroom kit, “It’s time to grow!”

Here’s how to do it:

  • Take a clean, sharp blade.
  • Carefully cut a 3-5cm slit on the front of your box as shown in the product pictures.
  • Bonus: Grow 2 clusters at once: Take the grow stick out of your box, fold the lid inwards, and then place the stick back into the box. Now you can cut an opening on the top as well as the front for 2 growths!

That’s it! You’ve just created the perfect doorway for your mushrooms to start their journey. Soon, you’ll see tiny pins (baby mushrooms) peeking out within 1-14 days!

You’re one step closer to your own homegrown harvest. Exciting, isn’t it? Let’s keep going! 🍄

Step 3: Caring for your mushrooms

Great job-your mushroom journey is underway! Now, let’s make sure your mushrooms thrive, so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest and even regrow more batches.

1. Keep It Moist (But Not Soaked!)

  • Mushrooms love humidity. Mist the cut opening and the surface inside your box with clean water 1–2 times a day to keep it moist, but not soggy.
  • Never let the surface dry out-mushrooms won’t grow if it’s too dry, and it’s hard to rehydrate once dried out.

2. Perfect Temperatures for Each Variety

  • Pink Oyster & Gold Oyster: These summer varieties thrive in warmer spots, ideally between 20–28°C (68–82°F). They’ll grow fastest and biggest when it’s warm.
  • Winter Varieties (like Lion’s Mane): Prefer cooler conditions, around 17–22°C (62–72°F).
  • Avoid direct sunlight, heaters, or A/C vents-these can dry out your kit or make temperatures unstable.

3. Watch, Wait, and Harvest

  • Tiny “pins” (baby mushrooms) will appear in about 7–14 days, depending on the variety and conditions.
  • When your mushrooms look full-sized (like in the product pictures) and the caps start to flatten out, gently twist and pull to harvest, or cut at the base with a clean knife.
  • Always harvest before the edges curl up for the best taste and texture. Otherwise spores will drop which will likey reduce the chances of future regrowths from your box.

4. Regrow for More Harvests!

  • After your first harvest, maintain the right temperature and humidity.
  • To encourage a second (or even third) flush, let the box rest for a few days, then soak the block in cool water for 10–15 minutes, drain well (Let water drip out for 30 mins), and place it back in its spot.
  • Most kits will produce 2–3 flushes of mushrooms, with each new crop appearing every 10–20 days after the previous harvest, depending on temperature and care.

5. Tips for Success

  • If your home is dry, consider using a small humidifier nearby for the best results.
  • Open a window or gently fan the area once a day for fresh air, but avoid strong drafts.
  • Share your progress! Snap a photo and tag us-we love to see your mushroom farm in action. (You may even win a free box or two)

With the right care, you’ll enjoy fresh mushrooms in as little as 10 days-and with a little patience, you can harvest 2–3 times from a single box! Happy growing! 🍄

Step 4: Give Your Mushroom Box a Second Life in Nature!

When your box has given you its last harvest (after 2–3 flushes), it’s time to let nature take over. Here’s how to turn your spent mushroom block into a powerful addition to your garden:

1. Break It Up

Gently crumble the remaining mycelium (the white “roots” of your mushrooms) into small pieces.

2. Mix It Into Soil

  • For Veggie Patches: Bury the crumbled mycelium 5–10cm deep near your tomatoes, herbs, or leafy greens.
  • For Pot Plants: Mix a handful into the soil of your indoor or outdoor plants.

Why This Works

🍄 Symbiotic Magic: Mycelium forms a natural partnership with plant roots, helping them absorb nutrients and water more efficiently.
🌿 Healthier Plants: Your veggies or houseplants will grow stronger, thanks to the mycelium’s underground network.
🍂 Bonus Surprise: In cool, shaded, and moist areas, you might even see wild mushrooms sprouting from the soil!

Pro Tips

  • Keep It Damp: Water the soil regularly to keep the mycelium active.
  • Shade Is Key: Mushrooms love dark, cool spots under plants or mulch.
  • Patience Pays: It can take weeks or even months for mushrooms to appear, but the wait is worth it!

Ready for More Mushrooms?

Why stop at one box? Grow different varieties all year round:

  • Summer Kits (Pink/Gold Oysters) for warm kitchens
  • Winter Kits (Lion’s Mane, Shiitake) for cooler spaces

👉 Shop New Mushroom Boxes

Share Your Harvest, Share Your Story.

Our content creators will be rewarded with free mushroom boxes & more! So be sure to tag us @TheMushroomBox.Shop to claim yours!

Discover Mouthwatering Mushroom Recipes!

Each mushroom has a unique flavor for you to enjoy!

Ready To Help - Customer Support:

Whatsapp: +27 72 220 3626

Email: Info@themushroomboxshop.com

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FAQ's

How long does shipping take?

Within South Africa, only 2-3 business days!

Do mushrooms need to be grown in the dark?

No, our mushrooms don’t need to be grown entirely in the dark. They thrive with a balance of light and darkness, much like they would under the shade of trees in nature.

We recommend placing your Mushroom Box in a spot where it receives indirect light for part of the day and is shaded for the rest.

Just be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, and your mushrooms will do well!

How long can I store my Box?

Our Mushroom boxes are designed to grow soon after arrival.

However some can withstand storage for up to 3 months in a cool, dark environment (fridge/cupboard).

Store them at your own risk as may start growing on their own.

How can I get the most out of my mushroom box?

  • Maintain the right environment

Keep the kit in a warm, humid place with good air circulation and indirect light. Direct sunlight can dry out the mushrooms and turn them yellow. 

  • Mist the mushrooms

Use a spray bottle to mist the mushrooms and the inside of the humidity tent 3–5 times a day to keep them moist. 

  • Harvest at the right time

For best flavor, harvest the mushrooms while they're still young. For example, oyster mushrooms are ready to harvest when the edge of the cap starts to turn in. 

  • Encourage more fruitings

Move the kit outdoors or change the temperature to encourage more mushrooms to grow. 

  • Protect the substrate

after your box has finished growing, bury the substrate block in soil to protect it from sunlight and provide water. You can also add mulch on top. With a bit of luck mushrooms will emerge in the following months.

  • Harvest the whole cluster

When the mushrooms are fully grown, harvest the entire cluster or side at once. 

  • Preserve the mushrooms

Keep harvested mushrooms in the coldest part of the fridge for 3–5 days. You can also cook them briefly to extend their shelf life. 

  • Consider the mushroom variety

Some varieties, like lion's mane, prefer cooler conditions, while others prefer warmer conditions. 

How long will it take till mushrooms start to grow?

Once You get Your Box

Within the next month, you should observe the starting signs of mushroom growth (tiny pins or primordia).

From this point you can spray water directly onto the mushroom throughout the day (try not to wet the box).

In just 1-2 weeks your mushrooms will mature into their full size and flavor, ready for you to harvest and enjoy!

What are the health benefits of mushrooms?

  • Immune System Boost: Many mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and other immune-supporting compounds. Think of them as tiny warriors fighting for your health!
  • Heart Health : Some studies suggest mushrooms may help lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure, keeping your heart happy.
  • Digestive Support: Certain mushrooms are rich in prebiotics, which nourish the good bacteria in your gut, promoting healthy digestion.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Mushrooms are a great source of essential vitamins like B vitamins and vitamin D, as well as minerals like potassium and selenium.

Spotlight:

Now, let's delve into three specific mushrooms with some particularly intriguing potential benefits:

  • Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): This fascinating mushroom, nicknamed for its shaggy mane, has been linked to supporting cognitive function, memory, and focus. Some studies suggest it may even promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which is important for brain health.
  • Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is known for its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens can help the body adapt to stress and support overall well-being.
  • Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor): This brightly colored mushroom has been studied for its potential role in supporting the immune system, particularly regarding gut health.

Remember: The specific benefits can vary depending on the type of mushroom. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new foods or supplements into your routine.