Grow Your Own Lion's Mane Mushrooms: A Simple Guide

Welcome to The Mushroom Box! We’re excited to help you embark on your journey of growing lion's mane mushrooms at home. Our mushroom boxes come ready to grow upon arrival, making it easy for you to enjoy the delightful experience of cultivating your own fungi. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started.

Getting Started with Your Lion's Mane Mushroom Box

1. Prepare Your Box
   Upon receiving your mushroom box, simply cut an "X" on the front of the grow box. This will allow the mushrooms to emerge from the opening. Avoid unwrapping the bag entirely, as this can dry out the substrate and reduce your yield.
2. Placement
   Position your grow kit in a humid environment. A kitchen counter or bathroom works well, as these areas typically provide the right amount of light without direct sunlight. Keep in mind that Lions Mane mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures below 22C. So make sure you have a cool environment in your home before buying the Lions Mane Box. (Beware of AC units as they usually dehumidify the air which may dry our the mushroom box.)
3. Watering Routine
   Lion's mane mushrooms thrive in high humidity. Keep a humidifier nearby for best results. Alternatively, lightly Mist the block with water 3-7 times a day to maintain high humidity levels. This is crucial for healthy growth. Too much spraying can cause bacteria growth.

This is a customers photograph of what a very healthy Lionsmane mushroom looks like in the right conditions. (in a small humidity tent with a humidifier inside) 

Watching Your Mushrooms Grow

• Emergence Timeline
  After about 1-21 days, you should start to see your mushrooms emerging from the cut area. They will continue to develop over the next couple of weeks.

• Harvesting Time
  Your lion's mane mushrooms will be ready for harvest in approximately 7-14 days after emerging. Look for spines or hairs on the mushrooms; they are best harvested when these are about 0.5cm long. Gently pull the entire clump off the grow block when ready.

Maximizing Your Yield

After harvesting, you can encourage additional growth:

1. Rest Period
   Allow your grow block to rest for 1-3 weeks in a dark cool cupboard after harvest. 
2. Harvesting before spores dropletting your mushrooms drop spores will discourage them from growing again.

Composting Your Grow Block

After you've finished harvesting, consider composting your spent grow block. Earthworms love it! You might even be surprised with a bonus flush after some rain in spring. At The Mushroom Box, we are here to support you every step of the way as you grow your own lion's mane mushrooms. Enjoy this rewarding experience and visit our recipe blog for delicious ways to prepare your harvest! Happy growing!