Turkey Tail Grow Kit

Growing turkey tail mushrooms at home offers a rewarding experience, though it can be challenging due to their slow growth and specific needs. These mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties and striking appearance, making them a fascinating project for mushroom cultivation enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get the best results.

Optimum Fruiting Conditions #

Turkey tail mushrooms thrive in temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. They prefer high humidity to develop properly. This mushroom species grows very slowly and can be tricky to yield successfully, making it an exciting and engaging kit for hobbyists who enjoy experimenting with mushroom cultivation. Due to their slow growth, patience and careful monitoring are crucial.

Fruiting Instructions #

1. 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 bag using a sharp knife or scissors. Avoid cutting into the fruiting substrate itself.
2. 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 to maintain high humidity levels, which is essential for the successful growth of turkey tail mushrooms.
3. Using a Monotub:
   • For an alternative growing setup, consider using a monotub. To create a basic monotub:
     • Obtain a plastic box with a lid.
     • Drill a few holes in the sides of the box, spaced evenly. These holes will provide the necessary air exchange while maintaining high CO2 levels.
     • Place the fruiting bag inside the monotub.
     • Cover the monotub with its lid, ensuring that humidity inside remains high.
4. Misting and Air Exchange:
   • Mist inside the box or monotub 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; mist the air around the box instead.
   • Turkey tail mushrooms do well in high CO2 environments with low air exchange. While they need some fresh air, keep air circulation minimal to maintain optimal growing conditions.
5. Growth Patterns and Harvesting:
   • Turkey tail mushrooms grow very slowly and can take several months to reach a harvestable size. They develop in distinctive fan shapes with colorful bands, and the growth process can be complex. The patience required for growing this mushroom can be part of the enjoyment of the hobby.
   • Harvest the mushrooms when they have developed their layered, fan-like appearance and have firm, mature structures.
6. 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 beginning. Note that second flushes generally produce less yield than the first, and additional flushes are rare and often not worth the effort.

We are committed to making our mushroom growing kits as environmentally friendly as possible. The plastic bag provided 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 contaminants such as trichoderma (the dreaded green mold), act quickly. Trichoderma can spread rapidly and damage your crop. Carefully remove the affected area with a clean knife or spoon, ensuring you also remove some of the surrounding healthy substrate. 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. 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: Several factors could affect growth:

• Temperature: Ensure the temperature is consistently between 18°C and 24°C.
• Humidity: Maintain high humidity by misting regularly and keeping the bag over the box or inside the monotub.
• Air Exchange: Turkey tail mushrooms require high CO2 environments with low air exchange. Ensure minimal fresh air exchange by removing the bag a few times a day, or use the monotub method to control this.
• 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, turkey tail mushrooms are known for their slow growth. They can take several months to mature fully. Ensure you are providing the optimal growing conditions and be patient.

Q: How can I prevent bacterial contamination?
A: Boil and cool the water used for misting to kill bacteria. Avoid spraying the mushrooms directly and keep the growing area clean and free from contaminants.

By following these instructions and tips, you can successfully grow your own turkey tail mushrooms at home and enjoy a unique and sustainable hobby.