How To Grow Mushrooms
WITH THE MUSHROOM BOX
Understanding Mushroom Growth Before You Start
Before you begin growing mushrooms at home, it’s helpful to know how they grow in nature.
Mushrooms typically thrive in forests, especially after rainy or cloudy weather. During these conditions, mycelium—the underground, root-like structure of the mushroom—absorbs as much moisture as possible. Once the rain stops and the sun comes out, the oxygen levels increase, prompting the mycelium to start producing mushrooms! With The Mushroom Box, we’ve already added the perfect amount of water to the mycelium to kickstart your first crop. All you need to do is cut an X on the front of the box to let your mushrooms begin growing!
But before that.. you'll want to choose the best Mushroom Box for you!
Heres some of our favorites to point you in the right direction.
1. Oyster Mushrooms:
Perfect for the cooks out there! These mushrooms are the easiest to grow (especially for beginners). They're known for their health benefits and delicious flavor.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms: Renowned for cognitive benefits, these mushrooms have a unique texture and flavor. Often used in capsules, tinctures and powders. Great for those searching for natural remedies.
Chestnut Mushrooms: Renowned for their astonishing appearance and phenomenal flavor.. Perfect for those looking to decorate their kitchen with a masterpiece from nature!
Find the Perfect Spot For Your Mushroom Box!
Optimal Conditions:
Indirect light during the day (not direct sunlight)
Access to fresh air (avoid wind or air conditioning)
Sanitary (to avoid contamination/mould growth)
Consider your kitchen counter, a shelf, or a windowsill.
Remember! Mushrooms are mostly moisture so we'll want to protect them from drying up.
Once all thats done, you're ready to proceed with the steps on the back of your mushroom box!
1. Cut the X: Carefully cut an "X" on the front of your grow box. A little larger than a R5 coin.
(This will increase oxygen, which will encourage mushrooms to start growing)
2. Wait: Mushrooms can take anywhere from 1-21 days to begin forming. ( there’s enough moisture in the box to get the first set of mushrooms growing, but you can lightly pray moisture over the X to stimulate the mycelium.
Bonus:
We'll be sending these plastic bags with every box as we've learnt they can encourage the mushroom to start growing by retaining relative humidity.
- The Steps are easy:
- Fill the bag with air
- Lightly spray moisture inside & onto the opening of your mushroom box and inside the bag.
- Fit the bag over your mushroom box to trap the humidity inside, creating the perfect mushroom growing environment.
3. Spray Water -> Monitor your mushrooms
Once your mini mushrooms emerge from the box and reach 2-3cm in size, you can remove the plastic bag or open your mushroom chamber.
Allowing them to breathe oxygen just like the mushrooms in the forest
If they look dry/cracked, they need you to spray water directly onto the caps.
(Wait until dry before spraying again to avoid overwatering).
Mushrooms are also very temperature dependent. Generally speaking, they'll grow faster in warmer temperatures and slower in the cold.
Its recommended to use a Humidifier nearby your mushrooms:
your mushrooms will breathe in the moisture from the air and flourish!
4. Harvesting Perfection:
Harvest mushrooms when they reach full size and have fanned-out caps.
Harvest mushrooms when they reach full size and have fanned-out caps.
Harvesting before spore release ensures future flushes! So don't leave em
too long.
5. Encouraging a Second Flush:
Place the box in a dark, cool location (such as a cupboard or a fridge) for 5-10 days, allowing the mycelium to rest up.
When ready, take the box out of its dark cool environment.
The increase in oxygen will encourage the second flush of mushrooms to begin growing within the next 1-21 days.
Should you need any support, feel free to email robyn.mushroombox@gmail.com
and she'll be delighted to help.
