Fungrow Related FAQs & Info

What is this there Fungrow all about then eah ???

Well we were the WINNER...of the Luxlife magazine perfect gift awards 2022!

Best 'Grow your own mushroom kit'

Which was nice...

Our Fun To Grow Mushroom Kits

These kits have been designed to give a taste of growing mushrooms in the easiest and cheapest way. They contain everything you need to grow your own oyster mushrooms from scratch.

They are slightly more challenging than the ready to fruit kits you can buy, but the advantage is that you can follow the mushroom growing process from start to finish.

All kits are provided with an expiry date (3 months from when the spawn was produced) and any kit sent out will have at least 2 months on it.

The method itself is very straightforward (essentially just mix the ingredients and add water) so it's suitable for children and adults.

Easy to follow instructions included as well as a spray bottle, grow bag, high quality mushroom spawn and a carefully developed substrate which provides maximum yields of mushrooms per kg.

The Blue Oyster is a high yielding strain specifically selected for colour, flavour and productivity that should ensure the maximum amount of mushrooms per kg of substrate. Note: The picture on the box doesn't reflect the actual colour of the mushroom - they will start out a deep blue eventually turning a grey or chocolate colour...

Must be kept refrigerated until used.

The Yellow Oyster is a beautiful mushroom that grows in golden flower-like bunches - Spectacular!

Must be kept refrigerated until used.

The Pink Oyster is a sub-tropical mushroom that loves high temperatures. Very fast growing and visually appealing and can only be grown in the summer months.

Grab one while it's hot!

Dispatched with Royal mail 1st class the next working day.

Any questions just ask...

If you fancy a bit more of a challenge we sell mushroom spawn on it's own. See our other listings...!

Thanks...

Fungrow Oyster Mushroom Kit Growing Instructions

1. Break up the spawn and add it to the bag then shake to mix.

2. Add 600ml of water.

3. Fold over the top of the bag and fasten with pegs.

You can also use paper clips or staples …

4. Leave at room temperature for about 10-14 days until the bag looks white.

At this point you can fold the bag over to prevent the mushrooms fruiting into the air at the top.

5. Cut an ‘X’ in the side of the bag – 2 inch by 2 inch or 5 cm x 5 cm

Use a sharp knife or scissors and don’t worry about disturbing the substrate.

6. Place somewhere away from direct sunlight, your kitchen shelf usually works well.

7. Spray with water twice a day.

8. After a few days (5-10) you will notice baby mushrooms, ‘Primordia’, starting to appear, they will double in size every 24 hours.

Continue to spray…

9. Harvest just before the caps completely flatten by grabbing the base of the bunch and twisting.

Don’t worry if some of the substrate comes with it…

10. Enjoy your first harvest of Mushrooms !!!

11. Try for a second flush…

12. Rest the bag for 3 to 4 days then start spraying again, then start spraying again.

You should see more mushrooms start to grow after a short while.

You could get up to 4 more flushes but each flush will be about half the size of the previous one so most people only bother with the first 2…

Try Soaking the bag in water overnight – This will rehydrate the substrate and let it know its time to produce more mushrooms

Fungrow Instructions 1. Break up the spawn and add it to the bag then shake to mix. 2. Add 600ml of water. 3. Fold over the top of the bag and fasten with pegs. You can also use paper clips or staples … 4. Leave at room temperature for about 10-14 days until the bag looks white. At this point you can fold the bag over to prevent the mushrooms fruiting into the air at the top. 5. Cut an ‘X’ in the side of the bag – 2 inch by 2 inch or 5 cm x 5 cm Use a sharp knife or scissors and don’t worry about disturbing the substrate. 6. Place somewhere away from direct sunlight, your kitchen shelf usually works well. 7. Spray with water twice a day. 8. After a few days (5-10) you will notice baby mushrooms, ‘Primordia’, starting to appear, they will double in size every 24 hours. Continue to spray… 9. Harvest just before the caps completely flatten by grabbing the base of the bunch and twisting. Don’t worry if some of the substrate comes with it… 10. Enjoy your first harvest of Mushrooms !!! 11. Try for a second flush… 12. Rest the bag for 3 to 4 days then start spraying again, then start spraying again. You should see more mushrooms start to grow after a short while. You could get up to 4 more flushes but each flush will be about half the size of the previous one so most people only bother with the first 2… Try Soaking the bag in water overnight – This will rehydrate the substrate and let it know its time to produce more mushrooms

Growing Your Own Mushrooms

Growing oyster mushrooms can be a rewarding and relatively simple process.

Here is an outline of the whole process for growing oyster mushrooms:

1. What materials do I need to grow oyster mushrooms?

Spawn: Oyster mushroom spawn is the fungal material used to inoculate your substrate.
Substrate: Common substrates include straw, sawdust, cardboard, coffee grounds, or a mix of these.
Containers: Plastic bags, buckets, or trays work well for holding the substrate.
Environment: A humid and warm environment is ideal, often a humidity tent or a dedicated growing space.

2. How do I prepare the substrate?

Pasteurization: Substrate needs to be pasteurized to kill off any competing organisms. This can be done by soaking in hot water (around 160-180°F or 71-82°C) for an hour.
Draining and Cooling: After pasteurizing, drain the substrate well and let it cool to room temperature.

3. How do I inoculate the substrate with spawn?

Mixing: Mix the cooled substrate thoroughly with the mushroom spawn. Aim for a ratio of about 1 part spawn to 10 parts substrate.
Packing: Pack the mixture into your chosen container, ensuring there are some air holes for ventilation.

4. What are the ideal growing conditions for oyster mushrooms?

Temperature: Oyster mushrooms prefer temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C).
Humidity: Maintain high humidity (around 85-95%) to keep the substrate moist.
Light: Indirect light is sufficient. Direct sunlight can be too harsh, but complete darkness is not necessary.

5. How long does it take for oyster mushrooms to grow?

Colonization: It takes about 2-3 weeks for the mycelium to fully colonize the substrate.
Fruiting: Once colonized, mushrooms can start to fruit within 5-10 days under ideal conditions.

6. How do I know when my oyster mushrooms are ready to harvest?

Appearance: Harvest when the caps are still slightly curled under. If the edges start to flatten or flip up, they are slightly overripe.
Size: Typically, oyster mushrooms are harvested when they are about 3-5 inches in diameter, but this can vary depending on the strain.

7. How do I harvest oyster mushrooms?

Twist and Pull: Gently twist and pull the mushrooms off at the base.
Cutting: Alternatively, use a knife to cut them off at the base to avoid damaging the substrate.

8. Can I reuse the substrate for another crop?

Second Flush: Most substrates can produce multiple flushes of mushrooms. After the first harvest, maintain the same growing conditions to encourage a second (or third) flush.
Depletion: Once the substrate is depleted, it can be composted or used in the garden as mulch.

9. What are some common problems and how do I prevent them?

Contamination: Use sterile techniques and pasteurize the substrate to prevent contamination by mold or bacteria.
Drying Out: Keep humidity high to prevent the substrate from drying out. Mist regularly if necessary.
Pests: Watch for pests like flies and keep the growing area clean.

10. What varieties of oyster mushrooms can I grow?

Common Varieties: Some popular varieties include the Blue Oyster, Pink Oyster, Golden Oyster, and Pearl Oyster mushrooms.
Seasonal Variants: Different varieties may have specific seasonal preferences, so choose accordingly based on your local climate.
Growing oyster mushrooms can be a fun and educational experience, providing fresh and delicious mushrooms right at home.

Everything You Need Is Supplied In Your Fungrow Kit And Ready To Be Used Including Your Pasteurized Substrate

Here are 10 fun facts about oyster mushrooms:

1. Natural Decomposers:

Oyster mushrooms are fantastic decomposers. They can break down lignin and cellulose in wood, making them important in the natural recycling of forest materials.

2. Bioremediation Potential:

Oyster mushrooms can help clean up environmental pollutants through a process called mycoremediation. They have been used to break down toxic substances like oil spills and pesticides.

3. Rich in Nutrients:

Oyster mushrooms are highly nutritious. They are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin D), and minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium.

4. Antioxidant Properties:

These mushrooms contain antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

5. Medicinal Benefits:

Oyster mushrooms are believed to have medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-boosting effects.

6. Fast Growers:

Oyster mushrooms are among the fastest-growing mushrooms. Under optimal conditions, they can grow from spores to mature mushrooms ready for harvest in as little as four weeks.

7. Versatile Substrate:

Oyster mushrooms can grow on a wide variety of substrates, including straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, paper, and even used clothing made of natural fibers.

8. Global Presence:

They are one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms in the world, with large-scale production in countries like China, the United States, and Japan.

9. Edible and Delicious:

Oyster mushrooms are prized for their mild flavor and tender texture. They are commonly used in various cuisines around the world, including Asian, European, and American dishes.

10. Unique Varieties:

There are several varieties of oyster mushrooms, each with unique colors and flavors. Some popular varieties include the Blue Oyster, Pink Oyster, Golden Oyster, and King Oyster mushrooms, each offering a different visual and culinary experience.

These fascinating fungi not only play a crucial role in ecosystems but also offer numerous benefits and uses for humans.