Shiitake Mushroom Growing Instructions

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Growing Instructions

Before you start!

Analyse your block to ensure it is 50% white and 50% brown. If it appears to be too white, allow the block to sit in the original box it came in for a few days. Doing this ensures the mycelium is colonized well on the block. Do this before beginning step 1.

Step 1

Cold Shock

Open the box and remove the humidity bag, spray bottle & mushroom block from the box. Put the new mushroom block in the fridge for at least 24-hours before setting it up.

Step 2

Drop Shock & Open

Remove the block from the fridge and drop it from a height of 12” onto a hard surface, to send a shock through the block. Cut open the bag and leave about 2” of the bag at the bottom of the block, similar to a bowl holding the block. Remove any mushroom pins that might have grown prematurely.

Step 3

Setup

Place a damp paper towel on a plate, then set the mushroom block on top of the paper towel. Using the provided humidity tent, roll the opening of the tent up and stand it loosely over your block. Mist the block and the inside of the humidity tent 1-3 times per day.

Find a good spot for your block to live. An ideal spot would be on a countertop, out of direct sunlight and away from drafts or heaters. We recommend placing it on your kitchen counter!

Step 4

Harvest

In 1-2 weeks, you should see mushroom pins starting to grow all over the block. Harvest when the caps start to open up and the gills on the underside of the cap are visible, before the caps fully flatten out.

Step 5

Rest

Remove the humidity tent and stop misting the block. Let the block rest & dry out for 2 weeks before attempting the next flush.

Step 6

Soak and Repeat

Soak the block in a pot of cold water overnight. Set something heavy on top of the block to ensure it is fully submerged in water. Follow Steps 3-6 to begin the next flush. This block should give 2-4 harvests of mushrooms. Throw the block in the compost when it starts to fall apart or if it develops green mold.

Added Shiitake Growing Tips!

Check your humidity levels.

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*Shiitake requires high humidity at first (over 90%!). Once the mushroom pins form, reduce the humidity to 70%. Make sure that it is very humid inside the humidity tent for the first few days. Remove the humidity tent once the mushrooms are almost full grown (or if the tent no longer fits over the block)

What are the brown spots?

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*The brown spots on the block are normal. The block will turn almost totally brown before it is ready to produce

Make sure it's getting these 3 things.

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* Shiitake can be temperamental. Be patient with your block and ensure it’s getting light, moisture & fresh air. Use clean utensils for harvesting, to prevent contamination.