Growing your own grey oyster mushrooms at home is a rewarding and sustainable way to enjoy fresh mushrooms. Follow these specific instructions to ensure optimal growth and fruiting conditions.
Optimum Fruiting Conditions #
Grey oyster mushrooms thrive in a temperature range that usually aligns with room temperature, as long as it is above 18°C. Ensure the growing box is placed in a clean location with some fresh air exchange, away from direct sunlight. Patience is key as mushrooms may grow slowly but steadily.
Fruiting Instructions #
- Prepare the Fruiting Bag:
- Remove the fruiting bag from the box (keep the box for later use).
- Carefully cut or slice holes along the marked lines on the bags using a sharp knife or scissors. Avoid cutting into the fruiting substrate itself.
- Set Up the Box:
- Place the fruiting bag back into the box. You can either fold in or remove the box’s folding flaps.
- Cover the box with the provided bag (optional, see below).
- Misting and Air Exchange:
- Grey oyster mushrooms usually do not require covering with the bag. They thrive well when left uncovered in a shaded, humid corner of the house, making their care simpler. However, if you notice that the humidity is low, using the bag can help maintain the necessary moisture levels.
- Mist inside the box 2-4 times a day using the provided misting spray bottle. For best results, boil and cool the water first to eliminate any bacteria. Avoid spraying the mushrooms directly to prevent contamination; instead, mist the air around the box.
- Mushrooms need oxygen to grow. Remove the bag a few times a day to allow fresh air to circulate within the box.
- Patience and Harvesting:
- Within 2-3 weeks, you should see mushrooms starting to appear. Strains like turkey tail may take several months to fully grow, so be patient.
- Harvest the mushrooms as soon as you notice them beginning to shrivel or curl.
- Second Flush:
- For a second flush, soak the fruiting bag in water overnight, then drain it. Cut new holes in the fruiting substrate bag and repeat the process from the start. Note that second flushes generally yield less than the first, and third flushes are rare and often not worth the effort.
We strive to make our mushroom growing kits as environmentally friendly as possible. The plastic bag used is compostable, and the misting bottle is made from PET plastic, which can be reused multiple times.
FAQ on Contamination and Common Issues #
Q: What should I do if I see mold or other contaminants on the substrate?
A: If you notice mold or any other contaminants, such as trichoderma (the dreaded green mold), it’s crucial to act quickly. Trichoderma can spread rapidly and ruin your mushroom crop. Carefully remove the affected area with a clean knife or spoon, making sure to remove a bit of the healthy substrate around it to ensure complete removal. Maintain cleanliness and use sterilized water for misting to prevent further contamination.
Q: How can I deal with fungus gnats?
A: Fungus gnats can be a common issue in mushroom cultivation. To manage them:
- Prevention: Keep the growing area clean and free of decaying organic matter.
- Traps: Use sticky traps to catch adult gnats.
- Air Flow: Increase air circulation to make the environment less favorable for gnats.
Q: Why are my mushrooms not growing?
A: There are several reasons your mushrooms might not be growing:
- Temperature: Ensure the temperature is consistently above 18°C.
- Humidity: Maintain high humidity by misting regularly.
- Air Exchange: Ensure adequate fresh air exchange by removing the bag a few times a day.
- Light: Keep the box out of direct sunlight but in a well-lit area.
Q: My mushrooms are growing slowly. Is this normal?
A: Yes, mushroom growing takes patience. While grey oyster mushrooms typically appear within 2-3 weeks, some strains can take longer. Ensure optimal growing conditions and be patient.
Q: The mushrooms are shrivelling before they mature. What should I do?
A: This could be due to low humidity or insufficient misting. Increase the frequency of misting and ensure the growing area maintains high humidity.
Q: How can I prevent bacterial contamination?
A: Boil and cool the water used for misting to kill bacteria. Avoid spraying mushrooms directly and ensure the growing area is clean and free from contaminants.
By following these instructions and tips, you can successfully grow your own grey oyster mushrooms at home and enjoy a fresh, sustainable food source.
