Get A Mushroom Easy Grow Kit Here
Your Easy Mushroom Grow Kit from Liquid Fungi will arrive ready for fruiting. Follow these simple steps will ensure optimal growth and maximum harvest.
Storing Mushroom Blocks for Later Use
If you cannot fruit your mushroom block right away, it is best stored in the fridge. It will remain good in the fridge for at least 90 days.
Cut A Hole For Mushrooms To Grow From
When you receive your Easy Grow Kit, it will be fully inoculated and sealed. In order for mushrooms to grow, the first step is to expose a small piece of the block to air. To create an opening for the mushrooms to grow out of, use a clean box cutter or scissors to cut a 2-inch by 2-inch hole in the plastic. The species you are growing and your grow chamber may determine where you cut the hole on your block. Some growers prefer to cut the hole on the side, and others prefer to cut the hole in the top. Either can be equally effective.
Some individuals opt for cutting an X with 2-inch lines, while others prefer creating a U-shaped flap. Observing a larger mycelial mass in a specific area can serve as a guide for expediting the process. This approach is demonstrated to effectively accelerate the growth cycle by exposing the already extending and developing masses to the air, positioning them closest.
After creating the hole, use a clean fork or agitator to gently scrape the surface of the grow kit, revealing fresh mycelium below the opening and disturbing the fungus. This process helps guide the fungus to fruit from the specific area, promoting mushroom growth.
Creating Ideal Fruiting Conditions
To ensure successful mushroom body growth, it is crucial to maintain the correct environmental conditions.
Temperature
In the opening of the Easy Grow Kit directions, emphasis is placed on maintaining a cool environment. Mushrooms induce pinning and fruiting as a response to a temperature drop of 10 degrees or more, with some species showing a preference for changes exceeding 20 degrees.
Keep in mind that many mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). When ordering, review the mushroom page for basic needs to avoid incompatibility. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent overheating and hindered growth. Locate a shaded spot indoors or outdoors, based on the season and your location, for maintaining the ideal temperature range.
Humidity
Mushrooms thrive in high humidity environments, ideally between 80% and 95% relative humidity (RH). To maintain the necessary moisture levels, consider using a humidifier or misting the surrounding area regularly. This will help ensure optimal fruiting conditions for your mushrooms.
For novice mushroom cultivators, consider placing the plant in a humid bathroom or kitchen for minimal maintenance. Use distilled water for occasional spritzing to keep the Easy Grow Mushroom Kit healthy and moist. Avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Fresh Air Exchange
Mushrooms produce or release carbon dioxide (CO2) and require fresh air for respiration. Throughout its incubation period, mycelium can withstand elevated CO2 levels but still need respiration (a filter wether it be Hydrophobic PTFE or Cotton) to prevent the growth of oxygen-intolerant bacteria. Absence of air exchange during fruiting leads to elevated carbon dioxide levels, resulting in stunted, spindly mushrooms with predominantly stalks and minimal caps. Adequate air exchange is crucial for mushroom fruiting.
Outdoor Fruiting
During certain times of the year, the conditions may be suitable for fruiting your mushrooms outdoors. If you decide to do so, choose a shaded spot that is elevated off the ground. This will help protect the mushrooms from direct sunlight and excessive moisture, ensuring their well-being and productivity. Remember, fungi are delicate beings that need precise conditions to flourish. By carefully cutting the bag and providing the right fruiting environment, you can maximize your chances of a successful harvest.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Liquid Fungi at info@liquidfungi.com or call 727-619-6789.