Grow Kit In-A-Bag™ Wood-Loving Guide - Side Growing - Maitake
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Supplies You'll Need
We specifically designed this bag to make it as easy as possible to grow mushrooms with the least number of supplies.
Materials Needed:
- Fully Colonized Grow Kit In-A-Bag™ Wood-Loving Mix
- Alcohol Wipe and/or Spray Bottle Filled with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Clean, sharp scissors or sharp knife
- Mist bottle
- Latex Gloves and Face Mask
- Light source (indirect light or a LED light)
- Temperature and humidity control (if possible)
Step 1: Prepare Workspace
Ensure a clean workspace. Wash hands and sterilize tools.
Step 2: Flip, Cut, and Open the Bag
Rotate the bag so that the weight of the substrate sits on top of the top flap and filter.
Using clean scissors or a knife, carefully cut a large 4” slit horizontally across the front of the grow bag. This will serve as the "fruiting window" for your mushrooms.
Step 3: Choose the Right Environment
Place the grow bag in a location with indirect light and low-to-no foot traffic. Mushrooms benefit from low to moderate light conditions.
Step 4: Provide Humidity
Optimal fruiting requires high humidity. Mist lightly with clean water once every one or two days. Optional: Use a tent with a humidifier.
Step 5: Maintain Temperature
Keep the temperature within the optimal range for mushrooms, which is around 75-80°F (24-27°C). This may involve placing the bag in a warm room or using a space heater.
Step 6: Monitor and Adjust
Monitor the humidity and temperature regularly. Adjust as needed to maintain optimal conditions for lion's mane mushroom fruiting. Ensure that the surface of the mushroom block stays moist but not overly wet.
Step 7: Watch for Primordia Formation
After a few days to a week, small pin-like structures called primordia should start forming on the surface of the mushroom block. These are the early stages of mushroom development.
Step 8: Increase Light Exposure
Once primordia form, increase the exposure to indirect light. Mushrooms benefit from a gradual increase in light, which signals the mushrooms to grow.
Step 9: Harvesting
Harvest the mushrooms when they reach the desired size. Cut them at the base using clean scissors or a knife. Harvesting at this stage ensures the best texture and flavor.
Remember, mushroom cultivation can be a bit of an art, and adjustments may be needed based on your specific environment. Be patient and observe the growth patterns of your mushrooms to make any necessary adjustments.