Oyster mushroom starter kit

How to Use Our Mushroom Hut Starter Kit

Step 1: Prepare Your Kit
Wash your hands thoroughly. Use the gloves and disinfectant wipes provided to prevent contamination.

Wipe down your work surface, tools, and mixing container with the disinfectant wipes.

Use the disinfectant wipes to clean your gloves before handling any materials, especially during mixing.

Place the 700g of dry substrate into a clean container. Pour approximately 1300ml of hot water (around 60°C) evenly over it. Mix thoroughly to ensure all of the substrate is moistened. It should be damp but not soggy. If necessary, leave it to sit so the substrate can fully absorb the moisture before use.

We recommend using a clean container with a capacity of at least 10 litres to allow room for even mixing.

Important Safety Notice:
Please handle hot water with care to avoid burns or injury. Use heat-resistant gloves or a towel when handling hot containers. Always manage hot water safely, especially when mixing with the substrate.

Step 2: Allow the Substrate to Cool
Let the soaked substrate cool to room temperature before continuing. This prevents damage to the mushroom spawn.

Step 3: Add the Mushroom Spawn
Ensure your gloves are clean – wipe them again if needed before mixing.

Break up the mushroom spawn.

Sprinkle it evenly over the cooled, damp substrate.

Mix the spawn gently into the substrate, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This begins the mushroom growth process.

Step 4: Fill the Grow Bag
Transfer the substrate and spawn mixture into the grow bag provided. Use a clean spoon, scoop, or your gloved hands to help with the transfer. Spread it evenly and press it down gently.

Press the Bag:
Remove air pockets by pressing the mixture down. This makes room for the full amount of substrate and encourages even colonisation.

Seal the Bag:
Close the top of the grow bag and secure it with the rubber band provided. The finished bag should weigh approximately 2kg.

Step 5: Store in a Warm Place
Place your kit in a warm, sheltered area (ideally 18°C–24°C). Avoid direct sunlight or placing it near heat sources.

Step 6: Watch for Mycelium Growth
After 7–10 days, white mycelium will begin to spread through the substrate. This is the first sign of successful colonisation.

Approximate time: 10–14 days for full colonisation.

Step 7: Cut the Bag for Fruiting
Once the substrate has been fully colonised by the mycelium (after 10–14 days), you can prepare the bag for fruiting using one of the following methods:

Option 1 – Side Fruiting (Recommended):
Using a clean knife or pair of scissors, make a small X-shaped cut (approximately 5cm) on the side of the grow bag. This will allow the mushrooms to grow through the opening.

Option 2 – Top Fruiting (Alternative Method):
Alternatively, you may cut the top off the grow bag completely, exposing the surface of the substrate. This will allow the mushrooms to fruit from the top.

Choose the method that best suits your growing conditions. Side fruiting helps retain humidity in drier environments, while top fruiting can be suitable in more humid or enclosed setups.

Step 8: Maintain Humidity
Use your own spray bottle or the one added to your order. Mist inside the cut area once or twice daily to keep it humid for fruiting.

Keep the substrate damp but not soggy. If it begins to dry out, mist more often—but don’t over-saturate.

Approximate time: Ongoing – mist daily until harvest.

Step 9: Harvest Your Mushrooms
Your mushrooms are ready to harvest once their caps have opened but are still firm, usually 10–14 days after fruiting begins.

Twist them gently from the base or cut with a clean knife.

Step 10: Reuse Your Kit (Optional)
After harvesting, continue misting to encourage a second flush of mushrooms.

Approximate time: 7–14 days for each additional flush, depending on conditions.