Caring for Your Mushroom Growing Kit at Home
Updated: Jun 20
Growing mushrooms at home is a rewarding hobby that brings fresh, delicious fungi right to your kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, caring for your mushroom growing kit properly is key to enjoying a bountiful harvest. This guide covers essential tips on maintaining the right environment, troubleshooting common problems, and harvesting and storing your mushrooms.
*Our blocks are meant to be opened immediately for best results. If you need to delay your mushroom grow, you can refrigerate the mushroom block for up to 4 weeks before fruiting (all varieties EXCEPT PINK OYSTER, pink oyster mushroom blocks cannot be refrigerated).
Step 1: Selecting and creating the ideal growing environment
Mushrooms need specific conditions to thrive. To get the best results, focus on three main factors: temperature, humidity, and light. Key factors to include:
1) Indirect sunlight or additional lighting for at least 8-12 hours per day
2) Temperature maintained ideally between 55-70°F
3) Humidity levels above 70%
4) Consistent fresh air exchange.
Shelving or similar surfaces are useful for organizing blocks, and the area should remain clean. Managing all these elements will enhance the success of mushroom cultivation.
Step 2: Setting up your mushroom block from your growing kit
Open the box of your mushroom growing kit and set standing up on the short end of the block. Using clean scissors or a knife, cut a long diagonal slit in the exposed side of the plastic bag. Alternately, you can cut and 'x' in the bag, but the surface of the block may require more humidity to prevent the substrate from drying out. We recommend wiping your scissors or knife blade with 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) before cutting open your mushrooms block to minimize the risk of contamination.
Step 3: Maintaining proper growing conditions
Mushrooms require light and fresh air to grow successfully. If the humidity is lower than recommended, mist the blocks daily with fresh water to keep the mycillium and mushrooms from drying out. Young mushroom fruiting bodies will begin developing from the cuts 10-18 days after opening. Lion's Mane mushrooms will begin as dense white clusters that resemble cauliflower, and oyster mushroom will form small pin heads pushing out of the surface of the block. If conditions are too dry (the young mushrooms will appear dry and begin to yellow), increase the humidity or misting frequency otherwise, they may stop growing and abort. Clear plastic can be used to form tents over the blocks to create a humidity chamber, but be sure add a few holes for air exchange and lift the plastic daily to spray with water underneath the tent. Without sufficient fresh air exchange, mushrooms can appear malformed from excessive CO2.
Temperature
Our Lion's mane and oyster mushroom growing kits grow best indoors between 60°F and 70°F. Keep your kit away from direct heat sources and moving air like radiators, air conditioners, or fans which can cause temperature swings and cause the mushroom block to dry out. A stable temperature helps the mycelium colonize the substrate and encourages mushroom fruiting.
Humidity
Mushrooms need high humidity to develop properly. Aim for above 75% to 90% humidity during the fruiting stage. Dry air can cause mushrooms to dry out or stop growing. Ways in increase the humidity:
Mist the kit lightly with water 1-4 times a day using a spray bottle.
Place the kit inside a plastic bag or cover it with a humidity tent (a clear plastic cover with holes for air exchange). If you use a plastic cover, in addition to adding holes for air exchange, be sure to remove the cover daily for misting and to get full air exchange. Mushrooms require oxygen to thrive, and if they do not receive enough oxygen, the mushrooms will not grow properly and often will become small and leggy with long stems and small caps.
Use a humidifier in the room if the air is very dry.
Avoid soaking the substrate, as too much water can cause mold or rot.
Light
Mushrooms do not need direct sunlight but do require some indirect light to trigger fruiting. A bright room with natural light or a low-wattage LED light on for 12 hours a day works well.
Avoid placing the kit in total darkness or under strong artificial lights. The goal is to mimic the natural environment where mushrooms grow under tree canopies with filtered light.
Step 4: Harvesting and Storing Mushrooms
Harvesting mushrooms at the right time ensures the best flavor and texture.
When to Harvest
Oyster Mushrooms: Pick mushrooms when the caps have fully opened but before they start to curl up or release spores. Use a sharp knife or twist gently at the base to avoid damaging the substrate. Trim any substrate the has stuck to the mushroom base with scissors before storing.
Lions Mane Mushrooms: As the mushrooms grow, downward-pointing spines will begin to form. Lion's Mane are fully developed and ready for harvest when the spines are about 1/4" in length and the mushroom becomes spongy when squeezed gently. To harvest, simply grab the mushroom, twist, and pull it off the block. Trim any substrate the has stuck to the mushroom base with scissors before storing.
Overly mature mushrooms will quickly release spores which show as white powdery dust or flakes. Mushroom quality, shelf life, and flavor is better if they are picked before this happens.
How to Store
Fresh mushrooms last about a week in the refrigerator. Store them in a paper bag or a container with ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and sliminess.
For longer storage:
Dry mushrooms by slicing and air-drying or using a dehydrator.
Freeze mushrooms after lightly cooking them.
Proper storage preserves flavor and texture for future use.
What to do with your mushroom block after harvesting:
It is possible to get a second harvest and sometimes even a 3rd or 4th harvest from your mushroom blocks if the proper conditions are maintained. After harvesting the mushrooms, keep the block in the grow space and continue maintaining conditions. Most mushrooms will spontaneously fruit again after approximately 2-3 weeks of rest time, increasing slightly with each subsequent fruiting. Mushroom yield per fruiting will decline over time. The number of fruitings (typically 2-3) is dependent on many variables. Eventually the block will become exhausted and may succumb to green mold or other contamination and cease to fruit. Finished blocks can be tossed onto the compost pile outside or burriedin your garden . They may continue to produce mushrooms, and will turn into rich compost over time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best care, problems can arise. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Slow or No Growth
If your mushrooms are not growing or the mycelium looks stalled, check these factors:
Temperature may be too low or too high.
Humidity might be too low.
The kit may need more fresh air exchange.
The substrate could be contaminated or exhausted.
Try adjusting temperature and humidity first. If no improvement occurs after a week, consider starting a new kit.
Mushrooms Turning Yellow or Brown
Discoloration can indicate stress, overwatering, or contamination.
What to do:
Reduce misting frequency.
Improve air circulation.
Harvest any mushrooms that look unhealthy.
Keep the kit clean and avoid touching mushrooms with dirty hands.
Mold Growth
Mold often appears as green, black, or blue fuzzy patches on the substrate. It competes with the mushroom mycelium and can ruin your kit.
How to fix:
Remove any visible mold carefully with a clean spoon or knife.
Increase fresh air circulation by opening the kit or tent more often.
Reduce misting if the substrate feels soggy.
If mold spreads extensively, it may be best to discard the kit and start fresh.
We hope you enjoy growing mushrooms at home!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions about your mushroom growing kit! Also, we love seeing photos of the mushrooms that our customers grow. You can tag us on instagram @half_moon_trading_co or email us to share your pics!
